CANAL GRANDE

the canal grande connects between the north-western city area and the waterway bacino di san marco south of the marcus square. this illustrious canal was always the cultural 'highway' of venice, full of architectural showpieces, stunning buildings from a time span of almost thousand years. the people of venice try seriously to maintain them all, yet rising water levels and plain lack of money makes this a hard task. the ca' d'oro (golden house), built around 1420, is the true highlight of venetian gothic architecture - and for many visitors the most beautiful building at the canal grande. there is only one bridge, the splendid rialto bridge, which is covered with shops, mainly for luxury goods.
altogether, going by boat along the canal grande provides overwhelming views!