Venetian Ships Pavilion and the Castello District
Venice, Italy
Trip Type: Walking Tours
Duration: 2 hours
Discover this unique area of Venice and escape the crowds on this small group walking tour visiting the area of Castello and the inside of the historical Venetian Ships Pavilion part of the Arsenale. The Pavilion was built in the mid 16th century as an oars workshop and storage facility supported by a blacksmith workshop and houses vessels of great historical importance. Experience the magic of the real Venice as you wander through its back streets (Calle) and through hidden squares (Campi). On this essential off the beaten track walking tour discover the fascinating history of the Serenissima and what its like living in this unique city.
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Discover this unique area of Venice and escape the crowds on this small group walking tour visiting the area of Castello and the inside of the historical Venetian Ships Pavilion part of the Arsenale. The Pavilion was built in the mid 16th century as an oars workshop and storage facility supported by a blacksmith workshop and houses vessels of great historical importance. Experience the magic of the real Venice as you wander through its back streets (Calle) and through hidden squares (Campi). On this essential off the beaten track walking tour discover the fascinating history of the Serenissima and what its like living in this unique city.
Meet your local guide in front of the equestrian monument of Vittorio Emanuele II, which is just a short walk along the water front not too far from Saint Mark's Square. You make your way through the labyrinth of alleyways into the heart of Castello, the largest residential area of Venice. Passing through Campo Della Bragora, now Bandiera e Moro and then through Calle Della Morte (Street of Death), your guide will tell you about the people sentenced to death here, by the Venetian Council of 10. You continue the tour and arrive at the School of San Giorgio Degli Schiavoni, which holds a painting by the famous artist “Carpaccio”. You then continue the walking tour to San Francesco Della Vigna, the church is dedicated to San Francesco Di Assisi. Crossing the Ponte Del Cristo you arrive at the Celestia, which is on the eastern side of the city overlooking Saint Michele's cemetery and the Island of Murano where they make the glass. Following that there will be a special constructed walkway which goes around the outer wall of the Arsenale (the house of industry). Today this is a military area and not open to the public, and once known as the most important ship building yard in Europe. Then you continue the walking tour making your way towards the magnificent entrance of the Arsenale passing traditional maritime houses of famous captains and merchants from the Venetian Navy.
Arriving at the Ships Pavilion you skip the line with your guide; here you will see many historical Venetian boats, including the Bucintoro, the Disdotto, and the funeral Gondola of Venetian Doges and also several war ships, giving you a real feel of the maritime history of the city.
Meet your local guide in front of the equestrian monument of Vittorio Emanuele II, which is just a short walk along the water front not too far from Saint Mark's Square. You make your way through the labyrinth of alleyways into the heart of Castello, the largest residential area of Venice. Passing through Campo Della Bragora, now Bandiera e Moro and then through Calle Della Morte (Street of Death), your guide will tell you about the people sentenced to death here, by the Venetian Council of 10. You continue the tour and arrive at the School of San Giorgio Degli Schiavoni, which holds a painting by the famous artist “Carpaccio”. You then continue the walking tour to San Francesco Della Vigna, the church is dedicated to San Francesco Di Assisi. Crossing the Ponte Del Cristo you arrive at the Celestia, which is on the eastern side of the city overlooking Saint Michele's cemetery and the Island of Murano where they make the glass. Following that there will be a special constructed walkway which goes around the outer wall of the Arsenale (the house of industry). Today this is a military area and not open to the public, and once known as the most important ship building yard in Europe. Then you continue the walking tour making your way towards the magnificent entrance of the Arsenale passing traditional maritime houses of famous captains and merchants from the Venetian Navy.
Arriving at the Ships Pavilion you skip the line with your guide; here you will see many historical Venetian boats, including the Bucintoro, the Disdotto, and the funeral Gondola of Venetian Doges and also several war ships, giving you a real feel of the maritime history of the city.
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