St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the prime attractions on your Venice Gondola ride which has served as the city's spiritual and political hub for centuries. The stunning cathedrals is a fascinating mashup of several artistic eras and styles. It is the product of a number of various styles, but despite its age and extensive renovation, it has retained some oriental features that are sure to impress any onlooker with their unique beauty. The basilica of St. Mark is a fascinating mashup of several artistic eras and styles. As a record of the Serene Republic of Venice's mercantile and conquest exploits in the Mediterranean, it attests to the city's wealth and power.
Stunning in its Gothic architecture, this palace is one of the major attractions on your Gondola ride, and formerly was the home and political center of Venice's Doge (government head). The palace, which today houses works of art, sculptures, and Italian culture, is enchanting in the purest sense. Since the mid-16th century, the Doge's Palace has also operated as the municipal prison. This massive palace, located on Piazza San Marco 1 (overlooking the St. Mark's Basin) in Venice's waterfront, once served as the major house of the Doge of Venice, and as the city's prison. This massive palace was constructed over the remnants of an earlier fortress palace that had been partially destroyed by fire in the 10th century. As the city grew, the Gothic and Baroque Doge's Palace was constructed to house the expanding municipal government and Great Council.
The Bridge of Sighs, which links the palace to the jail it once housed, is another famous structure in the city. According to urban legend, condemned captives might look out over Venice one last time from the top of the bridge leading to the execution site and sigh in appreciation of the city's beauty before meeting their end. Between the years 1600 and 1603, Antonio Contino oversaw the design and construction of the Bridge of Sighs, which was commissioned by Doge's Palace and designed to complement the architecture of New Prison (Prigioni Nuove). According to an urban legend, a gondolier pair that kisses as they go beneath the bridge will be together forever.
The Grand Canal in Venice, Italy, is the epitome of beauty and romance in its combination of boat trips and historic buildings. Those seeking a genuine Venetian experience flock here because of the stunning sculpture, which captivates viewers from all over the world. This magnificent S-shaped canal is the main waterway of the city, and it runs right down the middle of it, dividing it in half. This is the perfect destination for you if you want the healing balm of a storied and turbulent past.
There are four bridges that span the Grand Canal in Venice, but the Rialto Bridge is one of the oldest attractions on your Gondola ride. For its unique history and architecture, it has also become the most well-known landmark in all of Venice. The bridge's economic importance to the city of Venice cannot be overstated; it served as the city's financial epicenter for decades. The stone bridge follows a tried and true layout, with two slanted walkways joined by an arch. The Rialto Bridge is beautiful to see at any time of day. If you want to see the Grand Canal at its most beautiful, cross the bridge at sunrise or sunset and try to capture a photo of the amazing Venice below.
Stroll around Saint Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco) and take in the Venetian atmosphere, architecture, and design. The rest of Venice's public spaces are known as "campi," but Napoleon referred to this one as the "drawing room of Europe." St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Correr Museum, the Campanile (Basilica Bell Tower), and the Torre dell'Orologio (St. Mark's Clock Tower) are all located here, making it one of Venice's most visited areas. In the summer, stroll the streets and stop in at one of the many popular cafés to listen to the skilled musicians who frequent these establishments after dark.
Timings: Gondola rides run daily, from around 11:00 AM until 7:30 PM.
How to Reach: The Grand Canal is conveniently located on all of Venice's local, regional, and high-speed train lines, making train travel the most convenient option. As you depart the Venezia-Santa Lucia train station, the breathtaking Grand Canal will be directly in front of you.
Taking pictures on a gondola trip is allowed. However, bringing a tripod along is not advised because it can likely disturb your gondolier.
Children of age 2 and younger do not require a ticket.
You will be sharing your gondola with up to five other passengers on this excursion.
To enjoy live music on your gondola ride, you'll need to reserve one in advance.
In Venice, only a small fraction of gondolas have ramps or other accommodations for wheelchair passengers. Before scheduling a gondola trip, make sure to conduct some research.
Is a gondola ride in Venice worth it?
Yes, a gondola ride in Venice is totally worth it as it is an iconic experience that truly captures the essence of the city. The gondola is a symbol of Venice's rich history, culture, and romance, and a ride in one is one of the city's most coveted tourist attractions. On a gondola ride over the canals of Venice, you can take in sights like the Grand Canal and historic buildings dating back centuries while listening to a local singer perform classical Venetian music.
What time do gondolas start in Venice?
The gondola rides start at 11 AM every day of the week in Venice.
Where do you get a gondola in Venice?
The best place to get a gondola in Venice is at the gondola dock in St. Mark's Square, the city's central plaza.
What time do gondola rides stop in Venice?
As the last gondola day leaves the dock at 7 PM, you can enjoy Gondola ride sightseeing from dawn until night.
Are guided tours available for gondola rides in Venice?
Yes, when you purchase your Gondola ride sightseeing tour with us, you also avail yourself of a guide. You may take a relaxing gondola ride through Venice while listening to a knowledgeable guide's live commentary in English and Italian about the city's most famous landmarks.