Grand Canal in Venice Photos: Bridges, Gondolas & Buildings

One of the most iconic features of Venice is the Grand Canal and the buildings that line it. This is the widest canal in the city and a hive of activity. In the water, lots of gondolas, delivery boats, and vaporetti pass by.

Four bridges cross the Grand Canal, which are fantastic viewpoints, especially if it’s not too busy. All along the waterway, you can see Venetian architecture, including some truly stunning buildings.

There are over 170 buildings on the canal, including palaces, churches and other grand buildings. We enjoyed seeing many of these and the top attractions during our stay, especially during the Venice sunrise for a dog walk.

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Photos of the Grand Canal in Venice

Rialto Bridge

The most famous crossing on the Grand Canal is the Rialto Bridge. It’s lovely to see from various points on the banks or from a boat. The Rialto Bridge has a history dating back to 1173, when it was a pontoon bridge used by people to reach the markets.

The current stone bridge was built between 1588 and 1591 and looks great. It has two paths on either side of a portico with many decorative features to see.

The views from the top are wonderful in both directions. You can see lots of Venetian buildings and a hive of activity on the canal below.

We found that early in the morning, before 8 am, it was pretty quiet, with no jostling for a spot to photograph Henry, our dog. However, when it was busy, it was more exciting.

Ponte dell’Accademia

Ponte dell’Accademia (Accademia Bridge) is another nice viewpoint and an alternative, quieter way towards St Mark’s from Dorsoduro. The original metal bridge here was built in 1854; however, the current wooden bridge was opened in 1933. There are public toilets at the Dorsoduro end, as well as a handy stall selling cold beers.

The main attraction of the bridge for me was the views of the southern end of the Grand Canal. I enjoyed seeing the nearby architecture on both sides.

Ponte degli Scalzi

If you arrive in Venice by train, the nearest bridge to the railway station is Ponte degli Scalzi. When we arrived, the scenery of Venice made quite an impression. After taking it all in, we crossed over.

The bridge is named after the church next to it, the church of Santa Maria di Nazareth, which is also called the church of the Scalzi. They built the current one in 1932, which replaced an iron bridge built under Habsburg rule in 1858. Scalzi Bridge has some amazing views, including towards Chiesa di San Simeon Piccolo, which really caught my eye.

Ponte della Costituzione

Ponte della Costituzione is the 4th bridge across the Grand Canal and is rather modern. This one is also near the railway station. My favourite views from here are towards Ponte degli Scalzi and down Rio Novo. This is a new bridge in the city and opened in 2008. It connects the railway station with Piazzale Roma, the main road junction into Venice.

St Mark’s From Across the Canal

One of my favourite views was from near the Salute ferry stop towards St Mark’s Square. I found this pretty quiet at all times of the day and a great place to hang out. It was great to take in glimpses of Doge’s Palace and the very tall St Mark’s Campanile from afar. The area is also great for watching boats.

We caught a gondola ferry from here to cross the canal for 2 euros; it was a great way to see the area from the water. I found the first ferry of the day at 9 am very quiet and ideal for taking photos.

Chiesa di San Simeon Piccolo

My first view of Venice, upon arriving by train with my dog Henry, was the canal towards Chiesa di San Simeon Piccolo. I felt it was a great welcome to Venice and whetted my appetite to explore as soon as the backpacks were off. Chiesa di San Simeon Piccolo has a distinctive dome. The neoclassical church was completed in 1738.

Riva del Vin

Riva Del Vin has some rather special views, including the Rialto Bridge and epic buildings across the Grand Canal. Henry and I enjoyed some early-morning walks in this area, which was nice. Later in the day, it gets a bit crazy with things going on and busy restaurants overlooking the water. Lots of gondolas seem to leave from here too, which is interesting to see.