Venice/Castello

Castello is one of six sestieri (districts) that make up Venice. == Get in == === By public transport === There are 7 vaporetto stops providing connections with all other parts of Venice, including a direct connection to the airport. === By foot === You can enter Castello by 5 bridges from Cannaregio and by 11 bridges from San Marco (not counting the famous Ponte dei Sospiri, the Bridge of Sighs). == See == 1 Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri). Connecting the Doge's Palace with the prison. Persons convicted in the palace were passing to prison here, seeing the last of Venice before going into the dark prison area with no daylight. You can pass the bridge yourself during a visit to the Doge's Palace or view it from outside from the Ponte della Paglia. (updated Apr 2022) 2 Napoleonic Gardens (Biennale Gardens, Giardini della Biennale). They are the largest green area in the historic center and are home to the Venice International Art Exhibition. The gardens contain lush vegetation, among which the various twentieth-century architectures of the pavilions are organised, mostly around a central avenue from which smaller paths branch off, characteristic for their shape and each one bearing the name of the nation hosted. (updated Jun 2025) === Churches === 3 San Giovanni e Paolo (San Zanipolo), Castello, info@santigiovanniepaolo.it. A fine, huge Dominican church with the tombs of many Doges. It shares its piazza with the fine Renaissance façade of the Scuola San Marco and an equestrian statue of the mercenary captain Bartolomeo Colleoni (see below). 4 Santa Maria della Pietà, Castello. A church that used to house an orphanage and hospital in the 18th century, it is known among classical music enthusiasts as the church where the Catholic priest and composer Antonio Vivaldi worked for most of his career. 5 S. Francesco della Vigna, Campo San Francesco della Vigna, Castello, ☏ +39 041 5206102. 08:00-12:00, 16:30-18:00. 6 S. Giovanni in Bragora, Campo Bandiera e Moro, Castello, ☏ +39 041 5205906. 06:00-11:00, 17:00-19:00. 7 S. Maria Formosa, Campo Santa Maria Formosa, ☏ +39 041 5234645. 08:30-12:30, 17:00-19:00. The first church dedicated to "Mary of the Forms" was built on this spot in the VII century, when the Virgin ordered bishop Magnus to erect one, appearing to him as an exceedingly shapely woman. The current building, planned by Codussi, dates from the early XV century. 8 Basilica di San Pietro di Castello, Campo di San Pietro, Castello. Venice cathedral up to 1807, when the see was transferred to San Marco. 9 S. Zaccaria, Campo San Zaccaria, ☏ +39 041 5221257. Daily 10:00-12:00, 16:00-18:00. === Museums === 10 Museo Diocesano, P.te della Canonica, Castello 4312 (vaporetto line 1-5 or 1-5-2 to San Zaccaria), ☏ +39 041 5229166. Th-Tu 10:00-17:00. Religious furniture and objects from now demolished churches and convents, one of the most appealing Romanesque cloisters of Venice. €4.00, reduced €2.50. 11 Museo Storico Navale (Naval History Museum), Riva S. Biasio, Castello 2148 (vaporetto line 1 to Castello), ☏ +39 041 2441399. M-F 08:45-13:30, Sa 08:45-13:00, Su closed. Collection of relics from the Serenissima Republic of Venice, the Italian navy, and the ancient Arsenale shipyards, miniature models, uniforms and stadarts, collection of sea shells. The main building of the Naval Historical Museum (Riva S. Biasio) is closed for renovation works. It's possible to visit the Ships Pavilion in rio della Tana, Castello 2162 (close to the Naval Museum). Adults €5, reduced €3.50. 12 Fondazione Querini Stampalia, Castello 5252 (near Camp S.Maria Formosa, vaporetto line 1-5, 1-5-2 to San Zaccaria), ☏ +39 0412711411. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00; closed M, Dec 25 and 26, Jan 1. Residence-museum of the Querini-Stampa family, library, picture gallery, furniture and household objects from the 16th cent onwards, important paintings by Bellini, Palma, Ricci, Tiepolo and Longhi. Adults €10, reduced €8. 13 Byzantine Pictures Museum (Greek Institute) (Museo Dipinti Sacri Bizantini (Istituto Ellenico)), Ponte dei Greci, Castello 3412 (vaporetto line 1-5 or 1-5-2 to San Zaccaria), ☏ +39 041 5226581. 09:00-16:30. Collection of Greek, Cretan and Venetian icons of the 14th to 18th century. Adults €4, reduced €3.50. 14 Palazzo Grimani, Ramo Grimani, Castello 4858 (near Campo Sta. Maria Formosa; vaporetto line 1 or 2 Rialto or Zaccaria), ☏ +39 041 5200345 (call centre). 0, Tu-Su 10:00-19:00, closed Dec 25, Jan 1, May 1. A jewel of Renaissance architecture that was opened as a Venetia civic museum in 2008, collections of paintings, archaeological collection of Greek and Roman artefacts, temporary exhibitions. €14.50, EU residents age 18-25 €7.50. (updated Mar 2020) 15 Scuola Dalmatina di San Giorgio e Trifone, Calle dei Furlani, Castello 3259/A (vaporetto line 1-5 or 1-5-2 to S.Zaccaria), ☏ +39 041 5228828. Tu-Sa 10:00-12:30 and 15:00-18:00, Su 10:00-12:30, closed M. Famous painting cycle by Vittore Carpaccio depicting the lives of St.George, Tryphon and Jerome. Adults €4, reduced €2. (updated Aug 2016) 16 ASAC Library (Biblioteca ASAC - Archivo Storico Arti Contemporanee della Biennale di Venezia), Padiglione centrale, Castello ((side entrance near Sant'Antonio) vaporetto line 1 or 2 to Castello), ☏ +39 041 5218790. Tu-F 10:00-17:00. An annex at the Biennale gardens where the Biennale keeps records related to the Biennale exhibitions and to 20th century art, from 1895 onwards. === Monuments === 17 Equestrian statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni (Monumento equestre a Bartolomeo Colleoni), Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo. The famous condottiere (1395–1475) had a long and remunerative career as captain of a mercenary army fighting for (or against, depending on the pay) the Republic, but died without an heir (8 daughters did not count) and bequeathed most of his significant wealth to Venice - on the condition that the grateful populace erect a monument to him in front of San Marco. The crafty council fulfilled the condition, with one detail - the statue stands in front of Scuola San Marco, the religious confraternity (now city hospital), not the Basilica. They didn't skimp on the sculptor, though, hiring Andrea del Verrocchio, teacher of Leonardo da Vinci. Look for the visual pun on the side of the postament - three inverted-comma-like shapes on the shield, the Colleoni coat of arms, are in fact three pairs of human testicles, or coglioni in Italian. (updated Apr 2024) Monuement for Gentile Bellini, San Giovanni e Paolo Church. Venetian painter and official portraitist of the Doges (1439-1507), tomb. 18 Monument for Giovanni Caboto (John Cabot), Via Garibaldi 1581. Venetian explorer of North America who worked for the British (c. 1450-c. 1500). Giuseppe Verdi, Napoleonic Gardens. Composer of operas; Italian nationalist and national hero (1813-1901). Richard Wagner, Napoleonic Gardens. German opera composer (1813-1883). == Do == La Biennale di Venezia is one of the most well-known culture institutions. Two events organised by Biennale are the Art and Architecture International Exhibitions happening alternately (Architecture Biennale in even years, Art Biennale in odd) but other fields are also covered - contemporary theatre, dance, music, cinema (Venice International Film Festival). Exhibitions take place mostly in two locations: 1 Arsenale and 2 Giardini. They are both worth visiting even when no event is scheduled. Arsenale is the largest pre-industrial production centre in the world, dating back to 13th century, and Giardini is architectural gem filled with national pavilions from different parts of the world, often designed by famous architects, it was a venue for the International Art Exhibition since the 19th century. Art Biennale (Esposizione internazionale d’arte): May – November 2026, ☏ +39 041 5218711, aav@labiennale.org. It is held at Arsenale (vaporetto line 4.1 and 4.2 to Arsenale) and Giardini (vaporetto line 4.1 and 4.2 to Giardini). The Central Pavillion and the pavilions of many countries and the pavilion of Venice are located in the Giardini. The Biennale is open Tu-Su 10:00-18:00. There are many other exhibitions (collateral events) all over the city, often permitting to visit buildings which normally are not open to the public. Online guides to the exhibits are not substantive. The British Council provides a comprehensive guide to all exhibits available at the British pavilion at the Giardini. 3 Chiesa della Pietà, Riva degli Schiavoni (vaporetto lines 1, 5.1, 5.2, 4.1, 4,.2 to San Zaccaria). M-Sa 19:00. Between 1703 and 1740, Antonio Vivaldi taught the orchestra of the girls in the orphanage here, writing unparalleled music for them. Frequent concerts of his Four Seasons by a Baroque ensemble. €32, reduced €26. (updated Jun 2025) == Buy == 1 I Tre Mercanti, Ponte della Guerra, Castello 5364 (Between Rialto and S.Marco square, near Campo della Guerra), ☏ +39 041 522 2901, info@itremercanti.it. 11:00-19:00. Here you can find a special selection of the best Italian food and drinks products. Well known for their amazing single portion Tiramisù. If you don't feel like shopping you can always browse the shop and ask cooking tips and the history of products. They can supply yachts, make exclusive gift packages or hampers for companies, and ship worldwide. 2 Libreria Acqua Alta, Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa 5176b, ☏ +39 041 296 0841. Cozy antiquarian bookshop with many odd and specialized books. The owner is fond of cats, so expect to make new feral friends while you browse the shelves and stacks (or the gondola in the middle of the back room). (updated Aug 2022) == Eat == === Budget === 1 Cip ciap, Calle del Mondo Novo (by Campo Santa Maria Formosa). Also sells delicious takeaway pizza by the slice (or slab) at similar prices. They also serve very tasty mini pizzas per kilogram. (updated Jul 2022) 2 Dal Moro's, Calle de la Casseleria, 5324. (updated Jul 2022) 3 C'è Pizza E Pizza, Salizada S. Antonin, 3538. (updated Jul 2022) 4 Osteria Alla Rampa, Sant'Antonin, Salizada S. Antonin, 3607. A bistro (updated Jul 2022) 5 Salvmeria, Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 1769. (updated Jul 2022) 6 Basegó, Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 1762. (updated Jul 2022) === Mid-range === 7 Al Vecio Canton, Castello 4738 (just 8 minutes from Piazza San Marco (200 m NE)), ☏ +39 041 5287143, info@veciocanton.it. M W-Su 12:00-15:00, 18:30-22:30. This small and atmospheric restaurant/pizzeria will absolutely enchant you. Famous for its traditional style pizza and seafood pasta, you will not only get it all at affordable prices (pizza from €7.50, pasta from €10, wine from €5/half litre), but you're also served by a most friendly and hearty staff. They top it off with a free home made digestivo (mostly vodka and lemon) at the end of your meal, just to make 100% sure you'll be coming back for more. Pizza from €7.50; pasta from €10. 8 Al Giardinetto, Castello 4928. Just behind the Piazza San Marco, this restaurant has a large private courtyard welcoming guests during good season. Seafood courses and Venetian specialities are served by Severino family. === Splurge === == Drink == 1 Pub Taverna L'Olandese Volante, Campo San Lio, 5658, ☏ +39 041 099 5481. Located between the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco. During the summertime there are tables outside when you can easily sit and rest after a day of wandering around this marvelous city. What is more, during the day pasta and other typical dishes are served at a budget price. (updated Aug 2022) 2 Inishark Irish Pub, Calle del Mondo Novo, 5787, ☏ +39 041 523 5300. (updated Aug 2022) == Sleep == === Budget === 1 Locanda Sant'Anna, C.te del Bianco, Castello 269. One star. Provides a family atmosphere with modern comforts. Quiet hotel with secure courtyard and some rooms with a canal view (for a higher price) overlooking the Isola di San Pietro. Common balcony over the canal. Includes typical Italian breakfast from 08:00-09:30 with coffee or hot chocolate and rolls, croissants, and toast. Easily accessible from the main bus/train station by vaporetto to stop 'S. Pietro' or 'Giardini'. Doors close at 01:00. Pay in cash for a discount. Single from €35, double from €45. 2 Ca' Bauta, Castello 6457, ☏ +39 041 2413787, fax: +39 0415212313, info@cabauta.com. Housed in a 15th-century building, this quaint hotel has very spacious rooms with high ceilings and is adorned with stylish furniture and fittings. Has a friendly, multilingual staff who are always eager to assist you in planning tours, booking concert tickets, and making restaurant reservations. Rates from €70 per night. === Mid range === 3 Ca' Valeri, Ramo dei Corazzieri, Castello 3845, ☏ +39 041 2411530, fax: +39 041 2415392. Residence where an atmosphere of charm and comfort defines an ambience of class. Double from €100. 4 Hotel Ai Due Principi, Loc. Castello 4971/4972, 30122 Venezia (Castello), ☏ +39 041 2413979, fax: +39 041 5225239, info@hotelaidueprincipi.com. Boutique hotel. 5 Hotel Canaletto Venice, Castello 5487, ☏ +39 041 52 20 518, fax: +39 041 52 29 023. Along a scenic canal close to St. Mark’s Basilica. Decorated and furnished in the traditional Venetian manner, this hotel offers excellent service and rooms for two that start at around €110. 6 Hotel Commercio e Pellegrino, Calle delle Rasse, Castello 4551/A, ☏ +39 041 5207922, fax: +39 041 5225016. Comfortable hotel in the centre, easy to reach by public transport and 2 minutes on foot to Saint Mark’s Square. Single rooms from €80, doubles from €100 including taxes and breakfast. 7 Hotel Londra Palace, Riva Degli Schiavoni 4171, Castello, 30122 Venezia, ☏ +39 041 520 0533, fax: +39 041 5200208, info@londrapalace.com. 8 Hotel Santa Marina, Castello 6068, Campo S. Marina 30122 Venezia (Ponte Rialto), ☏ +39 041 5239202, fax: +39 041 5200907, info@hotelsantamarina.it. 9 Locanda La Corte, Castello 6317, 30122 Venezia, ☏ +39 041 2411300, fax: +39 041 2415982. 10 Residenza Cà Bauta, Castello 6457, ☏ +39 041 2413787, fax: +39 041 5212313. Few steps from Campo ss. Giovanni e Paolo, one of the most spectacular place of Venice. Double rooms are usually around €100-160 depending on season. 11 Residenza Cá Malipiero Venice, Castello 4852 (Santa Maria Formosa district, behind the Ponte dei Sospiri bridge and St Mark’s Square), ☏ +39 041 2770939, fax: +39 041 5289845. An historic building of the 16th century with a large selection of elegant single, double rooms and suites, capable to host up to four people and equipped with the best modern services expected by a three-star guest house. Rates start from €110. === Splurge === 12 Hotel Tiepolo, Castello 4510, ☏ +39 041 5232415, fax: +39 041-5208222. Small and elegant design hotel in the historic centre, a few steps away from Saint Mark's Square. Doubles from around €200. 13 Hotel Danieli, Sestiere Castello 4196, 30122 Venezia (Riva degli Schiavoni), ☏ +39 041 522 6480, fax: +39 041 5200208. == Connect ==