Grand Canal
Ideal: Ideal for Venice atmosphere, canal views, photography, and slow city exploration.
It splits the city in a reverse S over 3.8 kilometres; width ranges from 30 to 90 metres and average depth is only 5 metres. Most of roughly 170 buildings along its banks date from the 13th to 18th centuries and their façades were designed to be seen from the canal. Only four bridges cross it: the stone Rialto from 1591, Accademia, Scalzi, and Calatrava's Costituzione added in 2008. Where there is no bridge, standing gondolas called traghetto still ferry people across.
Quick facts
- Length
- 3.8 km
- Elevation
- 0 m
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
What are Venice's buildings standing on?
On millions of wooden piles driven into the marshy bed. Sealed in oxygen-free mud the timber does not rot but petrifies with minerals, which is why it has held for centuries.
How many bridges cross the Grand Canal?
Only four: Rialto, Accademia, Scalzi and the Costituzione added in 2008. That is why locals still cross using the traghetto, a gondola ferry you ride standing up.
Why are gondolas always black?
A 16th-century sumptuary law required all gondolas to be painted black, to end the competition in display among noble families. The rule lapsed, but the colour stayed as tradition.
Why go?
- To see Venice's canal life and palace façades
- For an affordable and beautiful canal tour by vaporetto
- To connect easily to the Rialto Bridge and St Mark's area
Travel tip
Using the vaporetto line near sunset gives beautiful views; it's more affordable than a gondola.
