Top 10 Places to visit in Venice - for FREE!

Top 10 Places to visit in Venice - for FREE!

Top 10 Places to visit in Venice - for FREE!

I was contemplating whether to put those attractions here which you will see no matter you want or not ( St. Marc Square) but I think everyone knows pretty much about the world famous square and the Rialto bridge so I will not include those in here. But for sure there will be some which I feel I have to include whether they are famous or not. So, first things first let’s get started with the free stuff!

1.)    Bridge of Sighs/ Ponte dei Sospiri

This is probably one of the most famous mini-bridges all over the world, especially because of it’s weird and unusal structure ( being one of the first ever bridges which were build in a totally closed form) and because of all the legends which surround it. Located about 5 mins walk from the St. Mark’ Square you can spot this little bridge in a mini canal while crossing over the first bridge on the left. It will be easy to spot: that bridge is so full of Korean, Chinese, Japanese tourists, together with tourists all around the world that it must be one of the most supported bridges of all time for it not yet to crumble from the weight it has to carry day by day. If you are smarter you can get to it from the back, which is a route less walked on, but finding it will be your own challenge.

Storyline and the legends:  the white limestone bridge was built in 1600 and it’s connecting the New Prison building with the interrogation rooms which were in the Doge’s Palace. The designer of this unique structure is Antonio Contino whose most remarkable work is this bridge. The legends that surround it can be thanked to famous British poet Lord Byron who christened this bridge to Bridge of Sighs and this has put forth a legend that this is the place where people last see the light before going to the prison and going to be executed. Luckily this legend is not true, by the 1600 there were no executions held in Venice and the New Prison only held pickpockets and other small criminals. Plus the windows are so closed that noone can see anything when trying to look though them.

Another, more romantic legend says if you cross under the bridge at a sunset in a gondola amidst the huge bells of St. Mark’s Basical are tolling then you will be granted eternal love and happiness together. I did not yet have the chance to check out on this, but if you did please let me know in the comment section. If this works, I will definitely go ahead!

This bridge is much more beautiful to see from the outside than from the inside. I’m not sure if its visit is included in the entrance fee of Doge’s Palace.

2.)    Marketplace by the Rialto bridge:

There are daily markets all across Venice but this one is some of the biggest and another one of its attractions is, that it’s right next to the beautiful Grand Canal and only a few minute walk from the Rialto bridge. These great markets are especially interesting for those who don’t live in an area to see the local sea fishes ( or sea fishes at all). Also there are plenty to buy also for tourists: nothing better to pair your bread with like some home made mozarella, tomatoes and other fresh vegetables. Italy loves its markets and honestly there is just no better way for you to experiment the local lifestyle than in an Italian marketplace, no matter where in Italy it is.

Address and Opening times:

Vaporetto: Rialto

Open between 9.00 AM and 1 PM the latest

3.)    St. Mark’s Basilica / Basilica di San Marco

Being a real landmark to Venice many people don’t even dare to think that the visiting of this beautiful church is for free. Unfortunately what’s happening here is, that although it’s free it has a limited acceptance of crowds. That’s why there are always people queuing in front of it from morning to evening, making it totally look like as if it was the queue to the neighboring Doge’s Palace (the two are right next to each other that’s why many people actually regard these two as one complex)

This picturesque basilica is one of the most beautiful buildings of Venice featuring a charming façade which you will be able to see, if you are so lucky, you don’t visit Venice by the time of one of its renovations (this is very oft). This building is very well worth seeing from the outside and if you have a free hour to wait in the queue (it may get quicker if you get there early) then it’s an absolute must to get in and see the wonderful murals and mosaics inside.

Important note: the basilica has two adjoining museums: the St. Mark’s Museum but they do count an entrance fee for visiting. There is also the Treasury (Palazzo d’Oro) you can visit right from the Basilica for an additional entrance fee.  They are actually quite worth visiting once you are inside though.

Address and Opening times:
Piazza San Marco: Open Mon-Sat 9.45am-5pm, Sunday 2pm-4pm.

Get there: Vaporetto: San Marco Vallaresso

4.)    Snail Stairs / Scala Contarini del Bovolo

These are some of the most beautiful stairs you can ever get to see and walk on all for free! The only problem with it is that they are not easy to find in Venice, which was basically built in a way for people get lost in it. But I will do my best to help you in getting there, it’s not that hard... As you will definitely see once you get there.

Another great aspect for the Snail Stairs is the wonderful view that opens up once you get to the very top, to the whole of Venice (see photo below). As for its story, these stairs belong to a beautiful villa that was owned by the Contarini family and the whole complex was built in the 14^th century. The architectural style of these beautiful stairs is gothic and its building was finished in 1499.

How to get there: Starting from Rialto head towards Accademia (follow the yellow signs with arrows) until you reach Campo Manin where there’s actually a small sign pointing towards the Snail Stairs (look for its Italian name). Very near to Campo Manin there is a small courtyard where you can find the stairs.  

Address: 4299 Corte dei Risi, San Marco.

Vaporetto: Rialto

5.)    Madonna dell’Orto

Church alert! This is one of the most popular churches to visit and not only because it’s for free. It’s the burial place of world famous Italian painter Tintoretto who lived and worked during the 16th century. Another great reason to visit this gothic style church is because it’s one complex with neighboring Scuola Grande di San Rocco holding one very remarkable collection of very important Venetian canvases with the best examples including: The Last Judgement, Presentation of the Virgin. Being a little bit off topic but the area outside the church is also very beautiful for its artwork. Check out the wall of neighboring Palazzo Mastelli just facing a canal, where there is a beautiful little white marble relief of a turbaned man standing with a camel testifying the fact that Venice indeed did have lots of merchandise and this way also a cultural relationship with the Middle East.

Address:                                Cannaregio 3512, Campo Madonna dell'Orto, 30121

Getting there:                       Vaporetto stop: Orto

Opening times:                     Mon-Sat: 10am-5pm; Sun: noon-6pm

6.)    Santa Maria Assunta Church/ Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta

Otherwise known as „I Gesuiti” ( The Jesuits) this is a beautiful large baroque church was in fact built by the Jesuit order in  1715 and it’s one of the very best and important places to visit, especially for free! The Order has tons of outstanding paintings and other artwork stored in this lovely church including artwords from Titian ( Tiziano), Tintoretto, Jacopo Palma il Giovane. The church also has an adjoining monastery making the complex even more unique as it’s recently been reopened and it functions in the role it was originally destined for ( as it also used to be a hospital and was even used as a  military barrack)  The cloister even has a very nice café!

Address:                                Campo dei Gesuiti, Cannaregio.

Get there: Vaporetto:         Fondamente Nove

Opening times:                     daily 10am-12pm, 4pm-6pm.

7.)    St. Mary Church / Santa Maria della Salute

This is actually one of the biggest landmarks of Venice, it’s actually surprising that there aren’t many people who know the building by its name! Located only a few meters from the very end of Dorsoduro which is just facing the St. Mark Square and it’s also the end of Grand Canal this gives some of the most picturesque views in the whole Venice. Walking back, the stairs of St. Mary Church will give you a great relax and retreat from the sun and as an extra, you can also get to look around inside all for free! The beautiful baroque building with a very remarkable dome was built by Baldassare Longhena in 1681 and it served as a means to thank God by the survivors of the plaque. Although it looks a little low key compared to the other churches this church has some very important artwork to showcase, including paintings from Tiziano (Titian) and Tintoretto.

During the days of Health Festival (Festa della Salute) in Venice, they build a pontoon bridge right in front of the church, to offer everyone the chance to cross easily and without much walk to pray.

Address:                Fondamenta della Salute, Dorsoduro.

Opening hours:    Daily 9am-12pm, 3pm-5.30pm.

Getting there:       Vaporetto: Salute

8.)    Orsoni Colour Library

Ok, so this is not an actual library per se. This is a very special place you won’t really see anywhere else in the world, therefore it’s very worth visiting. Also, it’s not a tourist attraction, so you will be able to look around in relative peace and tranquillity. So, getting back to where I started this place is a glass mosaics (smalto) manufacture which is the last working one in Venice. They are in fact world famous for their specific gold leaf decorations, which were used for the Sacré Coeur in Paris and the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona too, not to mention the lovely St. Mark Basilica. Guided Tours are available for free if you call in advance. The program consists of the visiting of the workshop, some great information on how mosaics are made crowned by a visit to the absolutely smashing Colour Library where you will get to see thousands of pieces of coloured glass in thousands of shades! It’s a thing of a beauty and a must-see for everyone.

Address:                                                1045 Corte dei Vedei, Cannaregio

Contact:                                 +39 041 2440002
Get there:                             Vaporetto: Guglie

9.)    Venice Public Hospital – Sala San Marco Library - Scuola Grande

This may not sound like a program to try, but just keep on reading. The whole building of the Public Hospital is housed in a 15^th Century architectural beauty called Scuola Grande di San Marco having a wonderful cloister garden and its first floor has recently opened to the public with its very unqiue medical library which is much more than an ordinary library it’s more like a medical museum! You can get to see an intricate collection of medical instruments from the medieval to the more modern times, lots of illustrations on all the healing methods which were used from the beginnings and some beautiful illustrations of world famous paintings from Bellini, Tintoretto and Donato. If you like to go off the beaten path and like things which are not really ordinary, then you ought to check out this unique place.

Address:                                Ospedale Civile, Campo SS Giovanni e Paolo, Cannaregio.

Opening hours:                    Tues-Sat 9.30am-12.30pm, 2pm-5pm.

Getting there:                       Vaporetto: Fondamente Nove

10.)  Casino Venier

This is a very remarkably historical venue which can also be visited and seen on the inside while letting you know about the history of Casanova and the old time casino lifestyle which was nothing short of scandalous of course. Casino Venier is now a building that’s housing the French Cultural Centre in Venice (belonging to the French Alliance), The casino was founded in 1750 and it’s on the first floor of the building, This is one of the very few examples of the exteriors being poorer than the interiors as nothing prepares you to the sight of the exquisitely decorated salon and casino complex and it’s literally stuffed with beautiful artworks, mirrors made in Murano and gold everywhere. The casino is sometimes used these days too, for holding private exhibitions. It’s a place you won’t really read about anywhere else, but it’s unique as it is.

Address:                                                Ponter dei Bareteri, San Marco

Opening times:                     Mon-Fri 9 am to 1 pm and 3pm to 6 pm

Get there:                             Vaporetto: Rialto

Other places to visit for free:

• The house of Tintoretto: can only be seen from the outside but it’s well worth visiting as it’s a beautiful building with great surroundings.
• The San Michele Cemetery: technically free but you got to pay for the Vaporetto ride as it’s on a separate island do it’s EUR 7
• Lots of churches: most of the churches work as museums housing smaller or bigger collections of artworks and they are free to visit. You only need to take a look at their entrance and see whether there is entrance fee written out or not.

Hope you liked this little introduction. If you know any more notable attractions one can visit for free let me know in the comment section down below.

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