For those who would like to learn more about the Venetian history and to admire the real jewels hidden in the less touristic areas of Venice, a walk through Cannaregio is definitely tempting. Starting from Piazzale Roma or from the Railway Station, you can visit the most ancient Jewish Ghetto in Europe, quite peculiar in its urban structure and full of memories. Then walking along the narrow alleys and the long fondamente (the banks of the canals) you can reach two precious, unknown churches: Sant’Alvise and Madonna dell’Orto.
Then, almost getting lost in the Venetian maze, you can discover Campo dei Mori with the houses that belonged to the Mastelli family, a little boat yard (squero in the Venetian language) where the real owners appear to be the cats, and also exquisite gardens and courtyards that lead to Scuola Grande della Misericordia. Eventually you reach Strada Nova, where you can stop to visit the unique Ca’ d’Oro, a wonderful palazzo of the 15th century with a delicate but impressive façade on the Grand Canal, full of rich collections of excellent masterpieces.
Time: 3-4 hours
Notes: The fare does not include entrance fees. When visiting religious buildings, an appropriate dress code has to be observed (no bare shoulders, no miniskirts, no shorts). The fare for groups has to be agreed with the guide.
