Grand Canal
The city's streets are served by its canals, which are Venice’s main feature.
The Grand Canal is the main canal in Venice. Stretching for 4 kilometers in a distinctive inverted "S" shape, the Grand Canal divides the city into two parts.
It varies in width from 30 to 70 meters and has a maximum depth of around 5 meters.
Explore the Grand Canal!
There are several ways to explore the Grand Canal: by vaporetto (water bus), gondola, or on foot.
The vaporetto travels along the canal, stopping on both sides, and offers splendid views of the buildings and palaces that line its shores. Vaporetto Line 1 is the best line to take as it allows for a more leisurely experience, and the journey takes about 40 minutes.
Alternatively, you can walk along the Grand Canal by crossing four bridges:
- Rialto Bridge: it is the oldest and most charming bridge in Venice;
- Accademia Bridge: it was originally made of iron, then replaced with wood in 1854;
- Scalzi Bridge: it is located near Santa Lucia Railway Station, also known as the "Bridge of the Station" or "Bridge of the Railway";
- Constitution Bridge: it is the most modern bridge, and connects Piazzale Roma with Santa Lucia Station.
Approximately 45 canals branch out from the Grand Canal within the city, allowing for the continuous natural circulation of water. The Grand Canal is traversed daily by numerous boats. Consequently, erosion of the canal banks is a problem caused by the waves generated by motorized boat traffic.
To address this issue, speed cameras have been installed along the canal to prevent drivers from exceeding the speed limit. Only emergency vehicles are permitted to travel at high speeds along the Grand Canal.The
Historical Regatta of Venice
The Historical Regatta takes place on the Grand Canal every first Sunday in September. This significant sporting event features a magnificent historical procession before the races. Dozens of 16th-century-style boats carrying gondoliers in costume and the Doge, the Dogaressa and all the highest officials of the Venetian Magistracy, represent the glorious past of one of the most powerful and influential Maritime Republics of the Mediterranean Sea.
