The sestiere of Cannaregio is the largest sestiere in Venice and also the most populated. It is traversed by the Cannaregio Canal, the only one in the historic center that, along with the Grand Canal, is traveled by vaporettos.

The name of the sestiere is presumed to derive either from the presence in times past of vast reed beds (land cultivated with common reeds) before the area was reclaimed and then inhabited, or from the name that the canal that crossed it had, namely Canal Regio, which joins the lagoon to the Grand Canal.

WHERE IS THE SESTIERE CANNAREGIO LOCATED?

The Cannaregio sestiere can be reached by vaporetto lines 4.1 and 5.1 or line 1, all of which cross the Grand Canal and Cannaregio Canal.

It is probably easiest to get there on foot from Venice Santa Lucia Station as it takes about ten minutes or so. You need to leave the station behind you and head left taking fondamenta degli Scalzi and then walk along Rio Terà Lista di Spagna. You will then find yourself in the middle of the Cannaregio sestiere.

WHAT DO WE FIND IN THE SESTIERE CANNAREGIO?

In Cannaregio we find the Venice Santa Lucia Station and the main street, called Strada Nova, which connects the station to the Rialto area. There is also the Jewish Ghetto, an area where the Jewish community had to compulsorily live during the Napoleonic era.

The main shopping streets are Strada Nova and Lista di Spagna, also frequented, however, by young people for the bars or as meeting places.

Not to be missed is the area of clubs and restaurants in Cannaregio, which is located in the northern part of the sestiere, more precisely between the Jewish Ghetto and the Fondamenta Nuove. To date, the sestiere fully represents one of Venice's entertainment venues.

Curiosities About Cannaregio Sestiere

In the Cannaregio sestiere is the narrowest calle in all of Venice, Calletta Varisco, whose width is only 53 centimeters. Try to walk down it, it is very suggestive, of course if you do not suffer from claustrophobia!

In front of the Church of Madonna dell'Orto stands Palazzo Mastelli. Legend has it that three brothers, known as textile and spice merchants, lived there. One day the three brothers swindled a lady who in revenge cast a curse on them. So it was that the three brothers were turned into stone statues, visible today on the facade of the palace and in the nearby Campo dei Mori.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN CANNAREGIO

One of the main streets of Venice, as well as one of the most touristy, is Strada Nova, one of the most important (and widest) pedestrian thoroughfares in Venice. By Strada Nova is most often meant the entire stretch, although in reality the calle is composed of three different pieces such as: Lista di Spagna, Strada Nova and Mercerie.

Unmissable Attractions In Cannaregio

If you are strolling through the calle of the Cannaregio sestiere, you cannot miss a visit to the Jewish Ghetto, where in 1516 a law established the forced residence of Jews in this area, totally surrounded by water and with only two entrances. A characteristic feature of this area is the height of the houses, built in such a way to accommodate all the inhabitants of the Jewish community.

Also not to be missed is the Ca' D'Oro Palace, the highest expression along with the Doge's Palace of floral Gothic in Venice, known to favor luxury and decorative refinement.

Also within the sestiere are two bridges that are very characteristic of Venice, Ponte delle Guglie, whose name derives from the presence of four pinnacles placed at the base of the handrails, and Ponte dei Tre Archi, known for its structure with three arches, two smaller lateral ones and a larger one in the center.

Finally, if you are interested in visiting Churches, you will find in this sestiere the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli, an example of Venetian Renaissance architecture, characterized by almost total decoration, both inside and out, and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, in Campo dei Gesuiti not far from the Fondamenta Nuove, from where you can admire the Lagoon and the Islands of Murano and San Michele.

Near the station, on the other hand, stands the Chiesa degli Scalzi, or Church of Santa Maria di Nazareth, built at the initiative of the Carmelitani Scalzi and an example of Baroque art, overlooking the Grand Canal.

Another church of importance is the Church of the Madonna dell'Orto, an example of Venetian Gothic architecture that contains paintings by Tintoretto inside.

HOW TO VISIT CANNAREGIO

The Cannaregio sestiere offers several tourist attractions, symbolic places of Venice that are part of different itineraries .

Discovering the sestiere on your own could be a valid alternative if you have a thorough knowledge of it, but especially if you decide to visit it for the first good time it is good to prefer guided tours.

Given the area of the district, the possibilities are many, the most interesting of which include:

Private Walking Tour Of Sestiere Di Cannaregio.

A chance to visit the Cannaregio area, located within walking distance of Castello and San Marco.

From the Rialto Bridge, the undisputed symbolic place of Venice, you will head to the Fondamenta della Misericordia, which is teeming with bacari and typical restaurants.

You will then continue to Campiello dei Mori, near Tintoretto's house and the Gothic church of Madonna dell'Orto.

Finally you will conclude your journey in the world's oldest Jewish ghetto, among tales, anecdotes, and the tranquility of the area you will discover an alternative face of the Serenissima.

Tour Among the Legends And Ghosts Of Cannaregio

A singular experience to live in Venice, by booking this tour you will have the opportunity to learn about legends and stories hidden among the calli of Cannaregio.

An evening tour of the most populated district of Venice, accompanied by the stories of your expert guide you will discover a little known side of this neighborhood.

To Learn More

If your vacation in Venice allows and you have time on your hands, you can drop by Campo Geremia where you can observe an imposing palace, Palazzo Labia, whose ballroom interior was frescoed by Tiepolo.

Also in Cannaregio you can visit the Church of Sant'Alvise, built on the campo of the same name around 1300 and the custodian of paintings by Tiepolo. Nearby is the Villa Groggia Park where you can spend a moment of relaxation and rest.

WHERE TO EAT.

The Cannaregio district offers a wide choice for eating, ranging from typical Venetian taverns to more refined restaurants, as well as places to have a snack.

We recommend Ristorante la Colombina, where you can enjoy excellent fish or opt for the tasting menu, which offers various combinations of traditional Venetian dishes and wines.

An alternative could be Osteria Al Cicheto where you can opt for excellent cicheti, or some typical Venetian dishes, few but well prepared.

For a snack, or a quick meal, you can drop by the Cocaeta creperia that prepares sweet and savory take-out crepes, to be stuffed to your liking with vegetables, cold cuts, cheese and fruit.

Jewish Ghetto And Cannaregio Food and Wine Tour

An alternative way to explore the culinary face of Cannaregio is a food and wine tour. From the Jewish Ghetto to the lesser-known alleys, in the company of a local guide you will not only delve into the history of this Venetian neighborhood, but you will also have the chance to sample dishes from six of the most restaurants, coffee from one of the oldest Venetian establishments, and the area's famous ice cream.

This is an experience that will satisfy all your senses and give you a 360-degree experience of the Cannaregio district.

WHERE TO SLEEP IN CANNAREGIO

Cannaregio is a great starting point for visiting Venice being a very characteristic and central area with the possibility of getting around and visiting the main attractions of the city.

The proposed hotels boast excellent reviews from tourists who have stayed in Venice, offering a great location and being surrounded by a characteristic atmosphere.