The Castello district is located in the eastern part of Venice and is unique, in fact it represents one of the most authentic and least frequented areas by the mass tourism that is rampant in the lagoon city. The name of the district comes from a castle that once stood here and has now disappeared and its geographical connotation extends from the San Marco area to the Giardini della Biennale and the Arsenale .
Castello stands out for its discreet charm, characterized by narrow streets, quiet canals and fields overlooked by churches and historical monuments. The visitor who ventures into this neighborhood will discover an atmosphere suspended in time, where authentic and everyday Venice is intertwined with the cultural heritage of the city. This district is also the largest in Venice, and getting lost in its streets is an invitation to discover a different face of the city, far from the chaos of the centre.
The Arsenale or the historic center of the Castello district
One of the main points of interest in the Castello district is undoubtedly the Arsenal of Venice which was founded in the 12th century and represents one of the most important industrial and naval complexes in history. During the period of the Serenissima, the ships that guaranteed Venice its dominion over the seas were built and repaired here and this is clearly visible in the imposing walls and monumental entrance doors.
Today the Arsenale is a cultural hub, home to exhibitions and events linked to the Venice Biennale , particularly in the section dedicated to architecture and contemporary art, especially thanks to the immensity of the spaces; here warehouses and ancient workshops make the visit fascinating, offering a unique look at an aspect of maritime and military Venice.
The church of San Pietro di Castello
Continuing towards the eastern part of the sestiere, there is the Church of San Pietro di Castello , once the cathedral of Venice before the Basilica of San Marco took on this role. The church in question has notable historical and architectural importance and this makes its view truly memorable: founded in the 7th century, the building has undergone several changes over the centuries, assuming its current appearance between the 16th and 17th centuries thanks to the work of the architect Andrea Palladio.
Inside, the church houses works of art of great value, including a white marble episcopal chair and a crucifix attributed to Paolo Veneziano. The charm of this church lies in its tranquility and the feeling of being in a corner of Venice far from mass tourism.
An itinerary towards the Biennale Gardens
One of the most interesting itineraries in this district leads through the Biennale Gardens . This vast green space, which hosts the famous Venice International Art Exhibition, represents an oasis of peace and tranquility. The Gardens were created at the beginning of the 19th century on the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte and today offer a rare opportunity to stroll surrounded by greenery in the heart of the city.
During the Biennale period, the national pavilions housed within the Gardens become exhibition centers for contemporary art from all over the world. Even out of season, the park is a perfect place to relax, reflect and enjoy the view of the lagoon.
An itinerary among the charm of the Calli and Campi
One of the peculiarities of the Castello district is its urban configuration which invites visitors to get lost among narrow streets and large, silent fields. Among these, Campo San Giovanni in Bragora is particularly evocative, with its church of the same name and the picturesque view of the canals. The Church of San Giovanni in Bragora is another stop not to be missed for art and history enthusiasts as it is the place where Antonio Vivaldi was baptized and inside you can admire works by:
- Alvise Vivarini;
- Cima da Conegliano.
Walking along the surrounding streets, you can see how Castello has remained one of the few districts of Venice where local life takes place without interruptions. Here you can still find the artisan workshops, the small taverns frequented by residents and the fish markets that liven up the morning.
The Riva degli Schiavoni: another itinerary to take in Venice
A classic itinerary that crosses the Castello district is the walk along the Riva degli Schiavoni. This wide promenade offers one of the most spectacular views of the lagoon and leads directly towards Piazza San Marco. Along the Riva, there are numerous historic buildings such as: the Church of the Pietà , famous for being the place where Antonio Vivaldi worked as a music teacher for the orchestra of the orphanage attached to the church. From here, the walk continues to the famous Church of San Zaccaria , one of the most fascinating religious buildings in Venice. The interior of the church houses some works of considerable value attributed to Giovanni Bellini and other works by Venetian Renaissance painters.
Visiting Venice starting from the Castello district: let's take stock
The Castello district offers a unique experience, far from the most popular tourist routes in Venice. Its history, its monuments and the authentic atmosphere make it an ideal destination for those who want to discover a lesser-known but equally fascinating face of the city. Discovering Venice in one day is not possible, nor is it possible to experience its atmosphere and this is why those who visit Castello and want to wander around the other districts to experience the city to the full can think of saving and extending their stay by using specific cards for visits to museums and to book an apartment online , so as to have freedom of movement without stress.
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