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Canali, Campi, and Calli

(Canals, Squares, and Streets)

From: Venice's Top 11 Free Sights

Sant'Elena - Calle Seco Marina

ABOVE: The Calle Seco Marina in Sant'Elena.

gondolas in side canalTo experience the "real Venice" (and yes, it's very much alive), head into the side streets away from the major thoroughfares like the Strada Nova and the big squares such as the Piazza San Marco.

SqueroYou'll find an endless succession of pedestrian streets, canals, bridges, campi, and surprises--such as the squero, or gondola workshop, near the San Trovaso Church and the Moorish sculptures on the Campo dei Mori in Cannaregio, which are just a few doors away from an apartment building that once housed Tintoretto's workshop.

cat on MuranoJust as important, you'll see how Venice's citizens live. Today, only about 60,000 people reside in the historic center (compared to an estimated 170,000 in the heyday of the Venetian Republic), but they still hang out in neighborhood bars, buy produce from local vendors, and hang their laundry from clotheslines above the street. If you're lucky, you'll encounter a friendly dog or cat, as Cheryl did in the inset photo above.

Tip: Take a good Venice street map with you when you go exploring. It's easy to get lost and wander around in circles (though you can't go too far afield, since you'll hit water eventually).

Related article and page:

Maintaining Venice's Canals

Fisheye Venice: Campi and Canals

Next page: Churches


Top 11 Free Tourist Sights in Venice, Italy



Also see:
All Venice Sightseeing Articles - Index



Hotel tip: Location can be important when choosing a hotel in Venice or on the mainland. Before booking, read our No. 1 Warning and Venice Hotel Recommendations by Area.


Venice canal reflections

A water taxi ride to Venice Airport
A warning about water taxis

Venice Railroad Station: a vaporetto view
Long lines at Venice Airport
Free boat trips to Murano

Need to pee? Prepare to pay
The perils of overpacking
Flood warning: the sound of sirens

Stupid tourist tricks
Johnny Depp's palazzo
Venetian daily life


Maggie in Venice

From Maggie in Venice:

A dog's life in Venice
A Beagle boards a water bus
Venice Carnival for dogs


Venice cruise review:


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