This tour is a walk through the heart of Venice: from the Rialto market, the economic center and first core of the city to St. Mark’s Square, the political and religious hub.
Tradition has it that Venice was founded on March 25, 421, with the consecration of the first church dedicated to St. James at Rivo Alto. In the 9th century it was decided to move the seat of political power to the very safe banks called Rivus Altus, which would later become Rialto; it may seem incredible, but today it is one of the lowest parts of the city, among the first to be submerged by high water.
Itinerary
So our walk starts from the oldest heart of Venice and its market, which knows how to bewitch with its colors and scents, but also with the testimonies of the ancient Republic. In fact, we will see the famous “gobbo” and find out what it was used for, but we will also visit the places that held insurance, banking and finance. Everything here is about dangerous journeys to distant destinations, business, management of public affairs, and justice.
We then cross the Rialto Bridge, the first of the four bridges over the Grand Canal made of white Istrian stone, to continue towards the Mercerie, for centuries the arteries of a vital, varied and valuable trade, and then arrive in St. Mark’s Square. This has always been the center of the city, “The Square” par excellence, home to the state church, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the main government building of the Serenissima Republic: the Doge’s Palace.
Here every single stone speaks, nothing is left to chance, and everything carries with it symbologies related to power, justice and the independence of Venice. We will observe the mechanical marvel of the Clock Tower, the colorful mosaic and marble-encrusted decorations of the Basilica, the bell tower and the unique exterior of the Doge’s Palace, all unique buildings for countless reasons.
A walk to discover Venice from its origins to the present day, carefully observing universally known and UNESCO-protected places that are not simply beautiful, but dense with a 1,200-year history that still speaks to us today.
Customizable
Contact us to customize your tour. Are you curious and passionate about history? Ask us for a more in-depth tour.
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