St. Mark's at Night and other Venice, Italy Things to Do Tips

As busy as the plaza is during the day, you'd never know it by this night-time shot (it was about 9:00 pm at the end of March)

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Address: (except St Marks)

This tip could easily be placed in the "off the beaten path" category as well, since it's not on the must-see lists of many guide books. This church, completed in 1729, is outstanding for two reasons:

1: A large Titian painting, "Il Martirio di San Lorenzo".

1: The baroque decor highlighted by white with inlaid green marble. The spiraling pillars of the high altar appear to be liquid. In some areas the marble is sculpted to imitate flowing brocade drapes.

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Address: Salizada dei Specchieri, Cannaregio
Directions: 3 streets (and one bridge) West of the Fondamente Nuove vaporetto stop.

An interesting experience, especially early in the morning. All kinds of seafood are offered here, including some you may never have seen before. In the area there vegetable stands and meat and cheese stores as well.

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Address: Northern End of Calle Beccarie
Directions: San Polo, on the W. Side of the Rialto Bridge.

Opened in late 2008. the newest bridge in Venice in a long time is super sleek and modern. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, it basically connects Santa Lucia Train Station to Piazzale Roma Bus Terminal. Unfortunately, even though they are not so steep, crossing this bridge still involves steps.

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Tucked away in a narrow passageway, a courtyard opens up to reveal this five story exterior spiral staircase from 1499. It' snot too easy to find but once you're in Campo Manin, look for the arrow along with the word "BOVOLO" and you'll find it.

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Address: Corte Contarini del Bovolo, San Marco
Directions: From Campo Manin one block South to Calle della Mandola

San Giacomo di Rialto is considered to be one of if not The oldest church on the island. The present building dates from the 11th and 12th centuries and is probably connected with the origins of the Rialto Market (1097), built as it is in the heart of the market for the use of the merchants. An inscription on a 12th –century cross on the outside apse is still visible which in the name of the Lord invokes honesty in merchants, the accuracy of weights, etc.
The clock tower is from 1410 and has never kept good time.

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Palazzo Labia is considered to be the last grand palace built in Venice built just at the turn of the 18th century by the Labia family, Spaniards who bought their way into nobility in 1646.

It was common practice in Venice for only the waterfront facade to have a richness of detail but the architects who designed Palazzo Labia made 3 faces of the building ornate, not only its principal water front facade, providing further evidence of the Labia's vast wealth.

Today the palazzo is no longer a private residence, but regional headquarters of RAI, Italian State television. Occasionally the ballroom is used for high ranking international conferences and summits; this room and some of the state rooms are open to public viewing by appointment.

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Address: Canale di Cannaregio
Directions: At the intersection of Canale de Cannaregio with the Grand Canal.