This walk explores Cannaregio, a district known for its quiet canals, local neighborhoods, and deep history. Starting at the Rialto Bridge, we move away from the crowds and into areas where Venetians live and work. Along the way, we’ll visit historic churches, the Jewish Ghetto, and the former home of Tintoretto, one of Venice’s great painters. This walk offers a chance to see a more authentic side of the city—less polished, more lived-in, and full of stories. It’s ideal for travelers who want to slow down and connect with Venice beyond the postcard views.

Ponte di Rialto

The Ponte di Rialto is not just a bridge—it’s a symbol of Venice’s commercial and architectural history. Completed in 1591, it was the first stone bridge to span the Grand Canal and quickly became a vital artery for trade and daily life. Its elegant arch and covered walkway once housed merchants selling goods from across the Mediterranean. Today, it remains a bustling hub, offering stunning views of the canal and a lively introduction to the city’s vibrant energy. Starting here sets the tone for a walk that blends history, beauty, and the rhythm of Venetian life.

Ponte Chiodo

Ponte Chiodo is one of the last remaining bridges in Venice without railings, a rare architectural relic that harks back to a different era. Its name, meaning ‘Nail Bridge,’ refers to the iron nails once used in its construction. The absence of parapets gives it a unique charm and a slightly daring feel. It’s a quiet, photogenic spot that invites reflection on how the city has evolved while preserving its quirks. Standing here, you get a sense of how Venetians once navigated their city with balance and familiarity.

Campo dei Mori

Just steps away is Campo dei Mori is a quiet square named for the statues of three “Moors” embedded in nearby buildings. These stone figures represent the Mastelli brothers—Silvestro, Sandi, and Rioba—Eastern merchants who settled in Venice in the 12th century. Legend says they were turned to stone after trying to cheat a widow, a cautionary tale etched into the city’s walls. The most famous statue, Sior Rioba, stands at a corner with an iron nose, once touched for luck or to curse corrupt officials. The campo also includes the house ofTintoretto, adding artistic depth to its mythic charm.

Fondamenta degli Ormesini

Fondamenta degli Ormesini is a lively canal-side promenade that captures the social spirit of Cannaregio. Popular with locals, it’s lined with casual cicchetti bars, cafés, and outdoor tables where neighbors gather for a spritz and conversation. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, especially in the early evening when the light softens and the canal reflects the buzz of daily life. This stretch of Cannaregio offers a contrast to the quieter, more contemplative corners nearby—here, Venice feels lived-in and local. The name “Ormesini” refers to merchants from the East, a nod to the area’s historic role in trade and cultural exchange. Today, it’s a favorite spot for both Venetians and visitors to pause, snack, and soak in the rhythm of the city. 

Ponte delle Guglie

Ponte delle Guglie is one of the few bridges in Venice adorned with decorative spires.  Built in 1580 and later restored, the bridge marks a symbolic entrance to the Ghetto area. Its name, meaning “Bridge of Spires,” refers to the elegant stone pinnacles at each end, added during a 19th-century renovation. The bridge’s carved balustrades and gargoyle details add a touch of grandeur to this otherwise modest stretch of Cannaregio. Historically, gates once stood at either end, locked at night to restrict movement in and out of the Ghetto. Today, the bridge remains a visual and cultural landmark—connecting Venice’s layered past with its vibrant present, and offering a scenic crossing into one of the city’s most historically rich neighborhoods.

Casino of Venice (Vendramin Calergi Palace)

We now pass the Casino of Venice, housed in the Vendramin Calergi Palace one of the most elegant Renaissance buildings on the Grand Canal. While the original state-run casino, known as Il Ridotto, was founded in 1638 near San Moisè, the modern Casino di Venezia was established here in the 1950s.  Today, it operates as a public gaming venue with slot machines and table games like roulette, blackjack, and poker. Visitors must be 18 or older and present valid ID to enter. The building itself is a historic landmark on the Grand Canal, known for its elegant architecture and gardens. The palace also includes the Wagner Museum, located in the mezzanine where composer Richard Wagner lived and died in 1883. It costs a minimum of €5 or €10 to enter. Men are required to wear a jacket in the live games area. I did not being a jacket to Venice.

Campo San Felice

Campo San Felice is a quiet square along the Strada Nova that reflects the residential roots of Cannaregio. Historically, this was the center of a small island community, complete with its own church, canal, and marketplace. The Chiesa di San Felice, which faces the campo, dates back to the 10th century and was rebuilt in the 16th century in Renaissance style. Inside, it features a Greek cross layout and artworks including a St. Demetrius attributed to Tintoretto and a crucifix by Andrea Brustolon. The church also holds historical significance as the baptism site of Pope Clement XIII. While the campo today blends into the busy pedestrian route of the Strada Nova, it still offers a moment of calm and a glimpse into Venice’s layered past.