This is the most atmospheric of the islands in the Lagoon, and well worth a special mention. It is the largest island, and the one closest to Venice, from which it is separated by the deep, wide Canale della Giudecca. It used to be called spina longa due to its long fishbone shape. Because of its position away from the city centre, for a long time it was home to botanical gardens created by aristocrats using the exotic plants brought back by Venice’s navigators. Subsequently, it became home to the city’s working class, leaving it with a distinctive atmosphere still felt today. It is home to the Chiesa del Redentore, built in honour of Christ the Redeemer by Palladio in the late 16th century.

Venice's nobility constructed their residences on its banks. The façades of over 200 mansions, predominantly Gothic and Renaissance style, are reflected on the water onto which their doors open up.

Venice is the city of bridges. This characteristic architectural element is also a fundamental part of this lagoon city's urban life. Over 450 of them can be found here, some of the most famous of which are: the Rialto, Accademia and Sospiri bridges.

This is one of Venice's most renowned symbols and is a popular tourist attraction in addition to a way to visit this truly enchanting city. While at one time they were used for transporting goods, today they are considered to be a luxury due to their rather prohibitive prices.

The Venice Film Festival
A city whose name is synonymous with film, in the month of September the best films and international stars flock to Lido for this world-renowned festival.

La Biennale
Every two years this International Exhibition of Contemporary Art is held in the Giardini di Castello, Venice’s public gardens in the Castello area.

Il Redentore
This religious celebration takes place on the 3rd Sunday in July. It dates back to 1500 when the Venetians, afflicted by the plague, built the Church of the Redeemer and promised to pay homage at the Basilica each year if the city was freed from the disease. At sunset, boats of all kinds gather together in the basin of St. Mark and in the Giudecca Canal to witness the incredible show of fireworks that begins at 11:30 pm.

Carnival
In February, up until the day before Ash Wednesday, the city is invaded by masks that take part in an evasive, ambiguous and short-lived game of roles and masquerades, in keeping with the traditional spirit of the Serenissima, as the city was once called, which has always been known to be a free-spirited and wanton. Each year's celebration has a unique theme.

Festa della Sensa, or Feast of the Ascension
This celebration takes place on the 3rd Sunday of May and celebrates the relationship between Venice and the Sea in which the Doge (historic mayor) throws a ring into the waters of the Lagoon.

Historical Regatta
This is one of the many regatta races organised during the year. For this event, all types of colourful boats race along the Grand Canal.