San Marco Basilica
The San Marco Basilica (right photo) houses the remains of St. Mark and Byzantine mosaics, as well as restored frescoes painted by Renaissance masters such as Tintoretto, Veronese and Titan.
Doge's Palace
Doge's Palace (left photo) is a sixteenth century building that was once the residence of the Doges, the ruling magistrates of the republic. Inside, are several famous paintings, sculptures and historical relics.
The Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs (right photo) arches over the narrow canal between the Doge's Palace and the prison. It is told that it's name was inspired by the sighs of condemned prisoners as they were led over the bridge to the executioner; however, the bridge was built after the period of inquisitions and summary executions, and the cells under the palace roof were occupied primarily by small-time criminals.
Clock Tower
The Clock Tower (left photo) is a reconstructed bell tower that was built to replace the original tower which collapsed in 1902. The quadrant of the clock show the hours, as well as the lunar phases and the motion of the sun in the Zodiac. This was the site of the executions of political and criminal prisoners. This is also the site where Galileo demonstrated his new invention, the telescope, to the Doge of Venice in 1609. This imposing structure offers some of the most fantastic views of Venice.
Museo Correr
Museo Correr holds Abbot Teodore Correr's extensive collection of Venetian art.
Museo Archeologico
Housed in the rooms of the Sansoviniana Library and the New Procuraties, this museum contains important examples of paleochristian art and hold an important collection of Greek and Roman sculptures, precious statues of the fifth and fourth century B.C., architectural artefacts, busts, epigraphs and a numismatics collection.
Museo Fortuny
The Museo Fortuny exhibits the work and creations of Mariano Fortuny, an artist, inventor and visionary who invented a unique process for printing textiles which enabled him to create his world renowned fabrics. Mariano Fortuny converted this Gothic palace belonging to the Pesaro family into a comprehensive studio for painting, photography, set design and the fabric design.
Palazzo Grassi
Palazzo Grassi is an exhibition hall for the visual arts, designed by Giorgio Massari. It sits within an imposing white marble palace on the Grand Canale. Built between 1748-1772 for the wealthy Bolognese Grassi family and sold by the Grassi family in 1840, this building has changed owners numerous times and is currently owned by FIAT. The grounds include a 600 seat outdoor theatre.
