Venice – Cannaregio

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Cannaregio is the northernmost sestriere of Venice, and it is connected to the mainland via the railway station of Venezia Santa Lucia. This part of the city is quieter and less oriented toward tourism, but still hosts churches, museums, and various other attractions worth a visit.

✪ Ghetto

The Jewish Ghetto of Venice is a large area of Cannaregio in which Jews were segregated for centuries starting in 1516. Today it is still the center of the Jewish community in the city and it hosts various attractions. The history of the Ghetto and Jews in Venice is showcased in the Jewish Museum of Venice (Museo Ebraico di Venezia), which features a rich collection of books and objects. The five historic synagogues of the city built during the 16th century are all located nearby. The Great German Synagogue (Scola Grande Tedesca), the Canton Synagogue (Scola Canton), and the Italian Synagogue (Scola Italiana) are in the Ghetto Nuovo, facing the same square as the museum, while the Levantine Synagogue (Scola Levantina), and the Spanish Synagogue (Scola Spagnola) are situated in the older area of the Ghetto Vecchio. Also close the museum is the Banco Rosso, the oldest pawn shop in Venice.

Ca’ d’Oro

Ca’ d’Oro is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture from the 15th century and one of the most elaborate and iconic palaces facing the Grand Canal of Venice. Its richly adorned halls host the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca’ d’Oro, a museum hosting a collection of bronzes, statues, medals, paintings, and other artworks spanning several centuries.

Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli

The Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli was built between 1481 and 1489 and it is one of the earliest examples of Renaissance art in Venice. The facade of this church is very peculiar, but the true masterpiece here is the beautiful vaulted, dominated by the polychrome marble decorations that adorn all the walls.

Church of the Scalzi

Also known as: Church of Santa Maria di Nazareth

The Church of the Scalzi is located next to the Venezia Santa Lucia railway station and it was erected between 1672 and 1680 with a really elaborate Baroque facade designed by Baldassarre Longhena. The interior is even more splendid, filled with magnificent decorations, paintings, and sculptures. The church was badly damaged during World War, and some of the original frescoes by Tiepolo were destroyed and repaired after the end of the war. Behind the church there is a nice garden known as Giardino Mistico.

Church of San Geremia

Also known as: Sanctuary of Santa Lucia

The Church of San Geremia is a medieval church that was rebuilt several times over the centuries. Among various artworks, it hosts the relics of Saint Lucy, one of the most venerated saints in Christianity. These relics were originally in Syracuse, birthplace of the saint, before being stolen and brought to Costantinople by the Byzantines. When the Venetians sacked the city in 1204, they took the relics and placed them in the Church of Santa Lucia. This church was later demolished and the body was moved to its current place in the Church of San Geremia, now known also as Sanctuary of Santa Lucia.

Church of Sant’Alvise

The Church of Sant’Alvise is a 14th-century Gothic church with a very simple brick facade that contrasts with the extremely elaborate interiors. Inside, the church features rich 17th-century decorations, the most notable of which is the intricate ceiling fresco.

Church of Madonna dell’Orto

The Church of Madonna dell’Orto is a Gothic church built during the 14th century. It is mostly notable for hosting the tomb of Tintoretto, among various paintings by the artist and numerous other interesting artworks and elaborate monuments.

Church of the Gesuiti

Also known as: Church of Santa Maria Assunta

The Church of the Gesuiti was built between 1715 and 1729 and it is one of the most remarkable examples of Rococo art in Venice. It features a Baroque facade adorned with statues, but the true breathtaking artworks are inside the church. The interiors are all lavishly decorated top to bottom with elaborate sculptures, monuments, frescoes, and various other decorations that culminate in the extremely intricate altar.

Ca’ Vendramin Calergi

Ca’ Vendramin Calergi is an elaborate Renaissance palace facing the Grand Canal of Venice and built between 1481 and 1509. This was the place where Richard Wagner died in 1883 and now it hosts the Wagner Museum, an exhibition dedicated to the composer. Meanwhile, the upper floor houses the Venice Casino.