In this article, I talk about Venice Riverits canals and nearby bodies of water.
Here you'll find
- A presentation of the river of Venice
- Information on the city's rivers and canals
- The easy way to enjoy the Venice river
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Venice's river, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Venice River: article summary
Venice River: a river or a canal?
According to linguists, the name Venice comes from the Etruscan language and means City of canals. Not surprising, given the topography of the Serenissima!
But we sometimes talk about Venice Riverwhen, in fact, there's no river running through the city! I'll explain why this is a common mistake, and the reasons for mixing up the two. river and canal in Venice!
What's the name of Venice's river?
Generally speaking, what people refer to as the Venice River is the Grand Canal which crosses the city from one end to the other!
This vast expanse of water winds its way through 3.8 kilometers from east to west, with a width of between 50 and 70 meters. It divides the city into two banks - the right bank and the left bank - which you're sure to discover during your visit to the city. stay in Venice.
It's one of the city's must-sees, its central element and the fact that it's so vast explains why it's often associated with a river. In reality, it's a canal, within which more than 45 small canals come and throw themselves in!
However, Venice's Grand Canal does have its source in a river, and not just any river. Italy's longest river!
From the Po to the Venetian lagoon
This river is the Po652 km along what is known as the Po Plain. This plain includes the regions of Piedmont, Lombardy, Emilia Romagna and Veneto, and is often referred to as the "Po Valley". Padana Plain to designate it.
It passes through the following cities in particular: Turin, Asti, Milan, Como, Bergamo, Mantua, PaduaVenice, Chioggia, Bologna, Modena, Ferrara and Rimini.
The Po flows from the western Alps and ends in the the Adriatic Sea forming a 380 km delta2. It was here that Venice was founded, when merchants decided to establish their quarters in the 5th century.
The Po becomes a strategic commercial crossroads and the element that will enable Venice to become one of the most influential players in the boot. When the Po River ends, we enter the Venice Lagoonwith its many small islands, its Lido and the small channels that form.
Venice's rivers and canals: how to enjoy them?
It's almost unthinkable to come to Venice without enjoying its waters. To navigate Venice's river - or rather its Grand Canal - I suggest you opt for the following means of transport:
- Visit gondolas in Venicewho remain the way the most romantic and most peaceful way to discover this emblematic feature of the city
- Visit vaporettothe essential boat-bus for getting around Venice, which will take you to every places of interest of the city!
And if you decide to explore the Venice lagoonyou can :
- Use the Vaporetto Pass to travel between Venice's historic center and the neighboring islands. Take advantage of the opportunity to discover San Giorgio Maggiore with its superb basilica!
- Take part in an excursion to Venice's most famous islands, which are Burano, Murano and Torcello.
What are the rivers around Venice?
Over time, Venice has been shaped by water. The Po is the river the most important of the area. But it's far from the only one to have played a part in the formation of the Veneto region.
Among the major rivers still flowing in the region are :
- The Adigethe 2nde Italy's longest river, 410 km long. It passes through beautiful Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet!
- Visit Piavewhich opens out to the north-east of Venice, which is the 5e Italy's largest river
- Visit Brentawhich crosses the province of Vicenza and ends its course close to Chioggia
- Visit Bacchiglionewhich also contributes to the formation of the Venetian lagoon.
What to see and do around Venice's river?
The Grand Canal, or Venice River, is a central feature of the Serenissima, surrounded by the the city's most beautiful monuments. There are over 170 palaces, churches and other wonders along its shores!
While you'll see plenty of them along its shores just by opening your eyes wide, there are a few things to focus on. Here are my suggestions!
- Visit Rialto Bridgeone of the world's most famous bridges, which you can cross on foot or by sailing underneath. Don't miss its marketsevery morning, right next to the bridge
- Visit San Marco basin to admire the Doge's Palacethe San Marco Basilica and all the wonders of Place St Marc
- Stunning neighbourhoods and a Venice Unusualif you sail to Venice Arsenal or take the river to the lagoon's most secret islands!
What to do in Venice in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Venice guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special Venice guide!
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