Cannaregio
Cannaregio is one of the six sestiere (districts) of Venice. It is the second-largest in size and most populous district of Venice. It is rich in its history, dating back to Venice's initial development. Some people think the word Cannaregio comes from the term "Canal Regio" (Royal Canal). It refers to the main canal that flows into the Grand Canal. Once, it had been the main route to the city from the mainland. Before the construction of the railway in 1846, this canal held great significance for Venetian commerce and travel.
A look at its history shows it was once a busy place with both factories and homes. This place is also important because it was one of the first places in the world to have a Jewish Ghetto. The first Jewish Ghetto was established here in 1516.
Where is Cannaregio in Venice?
Cannaregio is the northernmost of the six historic sestieri of Venice. It's the second largest district by land area and the most populous one among all sestieri.
When a visitor arrives in Venice by train or road, he encounters the sestiere of Cannaregio first. It stretches from the train station in the west to the Castello district in the east. In the south, it is bordered by the Grand Canal. The district is easily accessible by vaporetto (water bus) or a scenic walk from the train station.
Sights of Cannaregio, Venice
Cannaregio has some of Venice's most picturesque canals and historical sites. Some of these sights include:
The Jewish Ghetto: You can visit museums, shops, and synagogues here. This area has been very rich historically. A notable feature of this area is the height of the houses, which were built to host all the people of the Jewish community.
Ca'd'Oro: It is a stunning example of Gothic architecture in Venice overlooking the Grand Canal.
Palazzo Labia: It is famous for its grand ballroom with frescoes by Tiepolo.
Fondamenta della Misericordia: If you are keen to visit Venice’s vibrant local life then it's perfect for you as it is lined with traditional bars and restaurants.
Ponte delle Guglie: It is one of Venice's two very peculiar bridges. Its name is derived from the presence of four pinnacles at the basis of the handrails.
Ponte dei tre archi: It is famous for its structure which is composed of three arches.
Churches in Cannaregio Venice
In Cannaregio, you can visit some of the most important Venice churches.
Madonna dell'Orto: It is a beautiful gothic church with works by Tintoretto.
Santa Maria dei Miracoli: This church is an example of Renaissance architecture in Venice. It is also known as the “marble church.".
Sant'Alvise: It dates back to the 14th century and is celebrated for its stunning ceiling paintings.
San Geremia: Home to the relics of Saint Lucy of Syracuse and has a rich decorated interior.
Chiesa dei Scalzi: It is also known as Church Santa Maria di Nazareth. built by Carmelitani Scalzi.This is an example of Baroque art.
Church Santa Maria Assunta: Situated in Campo dei Gesuiti, it is not far from Fondamenta Nuova. Here it is also possible to admire the beauty of the Venetian lagoon and the islands of Murano and San Michele.
What's the best way to experience Cannaregio?
If you want to truly explore the various parts of Cannaregio and wander its less-travelled streets, then start your day early. Our interactive Venice map will help here.
You can enjoy a long walk along the quieter canals and visit the historic Jewish Ghetto. Joining one of the Cannaregio tours and tickets is a great option to learn about the culture and history of the area.
Through its churches and architectural sites, you can experience the rich history of this area. In the evening, the best enjoyment can be to join the locals at a traditional "bacaro" for an "ombra" ( a small glass of wine) and some "cicchetti" (Venetian tapas). By taking guidance from our Venice itineraries, you can make the most of your time in Cannaregio.
How do I get from Cannaregio to San Marco?
The most enchanting route from Cannaregio to San Marco is by vaporetto (water bus). Take line 1 from the Guglie or Ca'd'Oro stop, which takes you directly to San Marco.
This journey takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Alternatively, a pleasant 30-minute walk through the winding streets and across the Rialto Bridge is a more pleasant option to explore Venice. You can consider buying a city pass for convenient access to public transportation.
Where to Eat in Cannaregio, Venice?
In Cannaregio, there is a wide range of eating points, including refined Venice restaurants and places for a light meal.
Restaurant la Colombia: It offers a variety of traditional wines and dishes. You can eat the best fish here as well.
Osteria Al Cicheto: It is very famous for good cicchetti. Here you can eat a few other well-prepared traditional dishes.
Creperia Cocaeta: This is a place where you can have sweet and sour crepes filled with vegetables, cold cuts, cheese, and fruit.
Trattoria alla Vedova: It is famous for its meatballs and some other Venetian traditional dishes.
Osteria Anice Stellato: It's a must-visit eating place for seafood lovers.
Paradiso Perduto: This point is renowned for its lively atmosphere and hearty pasta dishs.
Al Timon: It is popular for its outdoor seating by the canal and it prepares delicious cicchetti. A food tour in Cannaregio is famous and an excellent way to sample a variety of local flavours.
Is Cannaregio, Venice, a Good Place to Stay?
If you are looking to stay in a less touristy part of Venice, then Cannaregio can be the best choice. This district gives a more real Venetian experience with easy access to local shops, restaurants, and residential areas.
Its location is convenient for exploring Venice's best attractions and the city's less popular areasns with more space, you can find it here. Selecting this area for your stay can be a good option to explore Venice.
You can find a variety of accommodation options in Cannaregio. Some are luxury and some are rather inexpensive. Here are some options to consider:
Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani Venice: This is a popular choice for those looking for a comfortable and stylish hotel in a great location. Book your room at a discounted price.
Cà Bonfadini Historic Experience: It is a 5-star hotel housed in a 16th-century palazzo overlooking the Cannaregio Canal in Venice. Book your stay here.
Arcadia Boutique Hotel: It is a 3-star hotel housed in a 17th-century palace in Cannaregio. Book your room at a discounted rate.
Alle Guglie Boutique Hotel: It is a small, charming hotel located in the Cannaregio with modern amenities. Book your stay here.
Apart from these there are numerous budget friendly hotels, B&B, guest houses and hostels available at Cannaregio.
Some useful information
Here are some useful information which might help you to plan your trip to Venice:
Parking: If you are planning to arrive in Venice by Car then keep in mind that There isn't any car parking available within Cannaregio itself. The nearest parking garage is in Tronchetto Car Park or Piazzale Roma. Read our article “Where to park in Venice”, to get more information about parking in and around Venice.
Luggage Storage: Similar to car parking, Cannaregio also has no official luggage storage facilities. You can store your luggage here. Alternatively, you can book a luggage locker for small storage. Read our Baggage Storage in Venice article for more information about storing your luggage.