Venice: From Santa Lucia Station to St. Mark’s Square

Venice: Arrival

You can reach Venice in several ways. For example, you can arrive by vaporetto from Punta Sabbioni near St. Mark’s Square. You can also park in the large parking lot on the island of Tronchetto and continue to Venice by public transport. But you can also take a train from Mestre to the final station Venezia Santa Lucia, which is right next to the Canal Grande waterway.

This is the option we will explore today. Before we head to St. Mark’s Square, we will make a short detour to the opposite side of the station, where there are fewer tourists and where you can discover other interesting and pleasant places and corners.

Canal Grande: The City’s Water Artery

When we get off the train and walk in front of the Santa Lucia station, we are greeted with a breathtaking view of the Canal Grande, the largest and most important waterway in Venice. This canal is approximately 3.8 kilometers long, 30 to 70 meters wide, and has an average depth of about 5 meters.

It runs in a characteristic S-shape and connects the station with the St. Mark’s area. It is lined with palaces, churches, and historical buildings, many of which date back to the thirteenth century.

Ponte della Costituzione and the Santa Croce District

But before we head towards St. Mark’s Square, let’s look in the opposite direction. Just cross the Ponte della Costituzione, a modern glass bridge from 2008, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. This bridge connects the Santa Lucia station with Piazzale Roma, where all road traffic ends.

Beyond the next bridge lies Santa Croce, one of the six Venetian districts (sestieri). It is an area with fewer tourists than the main route to St. Mark’s Square, and here you will find a mix of historic buildings, smaller squares, and quieter streets. There is also the picturesque park Giardini Papadopoli, with mature trees, flower beds, and a statue of Pietro Paleocapa, a significant 19th-century engineer. The park is not very large, but it is well-maintained and has many shady spots. This place can be beautifully used for relaxation when you return to the station after a city tour and still have some time.

From Santa Lucia towards the Rialto Bridge

When we leave the Santa Lucia station and head right along the Canal Grande, the first prominent building is the San Simeone Piccolo Church on the opposite bank. It stands directly opposite the station and is one of the iconic points of this part of the city. The church was completed in 1738 and is one of the last significant sacred buildings built in Venice.

Right at the exit from the Santa Lucia station, on the left side, the monumental baroque church of Santa Maria di Nazareth, better known as Chiesa degli Scalzi, catches the eye. The white marble facade by Giuseppe Sardi is adorned with numerous statues representing the Virgin Mary, Saint Catherine of Siena, and Saint Thomas Aquinas.

The church was built for the Discalced Carmelites in the 17th century, and its interior was once decorated by the famous Tiepolo, whose fresco was destroyed during bombing in World War I. Even today, the interior offers magnificent altars and rich decorations that contrast with the hustle and bustle of the transport hub in front of the entrance.

On the right side, we pass several historic palaces and alleys leading to smaller canals. If you stick to the main route, you will reach Campo San Geremia, where the church of the same name is located. It is known mainly for housing the relics of Saint Lucy. Opposite stands the Labia Palace, now the headquarters of the Italian public broadcaster RAI, whose main hall is decorated with frescoes by Giambattista Tiepolo.

We continue to the Ponte delle Guglie, which is one of the few bridges in Venice adorned with stone spikes on the railing. Beyond the bridge begins the Cannaregio district, known not only for its quieter streets but also for its historic Jewish ghetto. This place was established in 1516 and still retains a unique atmosphere, complemented by small synagogues and traditional shops.

The path leads us to the Rialto Bridge. It is not only the oldest bridge over the Canal Grande but also a bustling commercial center. On both sides of the bridge, there are markets with fish, fruits, vegetables, and spices. The closer we get to the bridge, the denser the crowd of tourists becomes. Around noon, Rialto is completely packed, so it is ideal to set out on the route early in the morning. You will avoid the main rush, it won’t be as hot, and taking photos will be easier because there won’t be as many people.

From the Rialto Bridge to St. Mark’s Square

Beyond the Rialto Bridge, the path branches into several narrow alleys leading towards the heart of Venice. We gradually pass

smaller squares, where it is worth stopping for a moment to soak up the atmosphere. Some of them have small churches or chapels with a long history, while others are lined with cafes and shops selling traditional goods.

One of the more significant points on this route is the San Salvador Church, built in the Renaissance style. It houses works by Titian and Piazzetta, and its interior is among the most valuable in this part of the city. Nearby is Campo San Bartolomeo, a lively square full of shops and restaurants, which serves as a natural hub for locals and tourists alike.

Along the way, we also reach the Church of Santo Stefano, which is one of the largest in Venice. It dates back to the 15th century and is known for its wooden ceiling resembling the hull of an inverted ship. The church is located in a quieter spot, so here you can escape the main tourist flow and calmly admire the architectural details.

The closer we get to St. Mark’s Square, the denser the crowd and the street noise. From a distance, you can already hear music and the voices of street performers. We get a view of the Rio di San Moisè canal, over which a smaller bridge offers a view of grand hotels and palaces. This section of the route is a popular spot for photography, especially in the morning or evening light.

St. Mark’s Square and Surrounding Monuments

After passing through the last alleys, the space suddenly opens up, and we stand on St. Mark’s Square, the most famous and visited place in Venice. The square is surrounded by significant buildings, and its history dates back to the 9th century when the first version of the basilica stood here.

The dominant feature is the St. Mark’s Basilica, built in the Byzantine style and decorated with mosaics, gold, and marble. Inside is the famous Pala d’Oro, a golden altar adorned with gemstones. Next to the basilica stands the Doge’s Palace, the former residence of the Venetian rulers and the center of state power. The palace is connected to the prison by the Bridge of Sighs, which got its name from the sighs of prisoners taking their last look at the lagoon.

On the opposite side of the square rises the Campanile di San Marco, almost a hundred meters high. It offers a panoramic view of the entire city and the surrounding islands. On a clear day, you can even see the distant Alps.

Along the square, you will find famous cafes, the most famous of which is Caffè Florian. It was founded in 1720, and its guests included Casanova, Goethe, Lord Byron, Marcel Proust, and Ernest Hemingway. The interior has retained its historical appearance, and the cafe is still a center of cultural events. When sitting outside, the atmosphere is accompanied by live music and a view of the entire square.

Practical Recommendations

Venice can be visited all year round, but each season has its advantages and disadvantages. Most tourists arrive in spring and summer, especially in July and August. Temperatures are high, and the main attractions are crowded, making photography and a peaceful walk difficult. The February carnival is also a big draw, when the streets fill with masks and the city is alive with a rich program, but it is not an ideal time for a quiet visit. The city is often so crowded that entry is closed.

On the other hand, January and early February offer the opportunity to walk through the historic center without crowds, but you have to expect cold and damp weather. The fog is sometimes so thick that you can’t see a step all day, which can completely prevent photography.

The best compromise is the end of March and April or October and November. There are fewer tourists, the light is more favorable, and the temperatures are milder. In some periods, there is also no need to pay an entrance fee to the historic center.

Typical Venetian Products and Gastronomy

While walking through Venice, you will come across shops with lace from the island of Burano, glass products from the island of Murano, hand-painted porcelain, and original jewellery from local workshops. These products are part of a long craft tradition and represent popular souvenirs.

Typical dishes include tramezzini, white toast with various fillings, which are an ideal snack on the go. Also worth trying are sarde in saor, sweet and sour sardines with onions, raisins, and pine nuts. A popular dessert is tiramisù, which, according to some sources, originated in this region.

Street Art

In the Venetian alleys, visitors may be surprised by street art, which appears on walls, doors, or technical cabinets, adding an unexpected contemporary layer to the city.

Banksy also made his mark here – his work “Migrant Child,” depicting a child in a life jacket with a pink smoke flare, was originally placed on the facade of a palace by the canal. However, the painting was removed by a conservation team in collaboration with people associated with the author due to its poor condition. The project is funded by the Venetian bank Banca Ifis, which plans to exhibit the work as part of free cultural events after restoration. On our route, we can also encounter smaller, anonymous works, such as a raven painted under old signposts.

Gondolas and Gondoliers

The gondola is a symbol of Venice, and its construction has changed little since the 16th century. It measures approximately eleven meters, is asymmetrical, and allows for balance when paddling with a single oar. At the bow, it has a metal element called ferro, which is S-shaped, six teeth represent the six city districts, one inverted tooth signifies Giudecca, and the upper arch resembles a doge’s cap.

Gondoliers undergo special training, which includes paddling techniques and knowledge of the city’s history. The number of licenses is limited, and the profession is often passed down in families. Currently, there are approximately four hundred gondolas in Venice, most of which serve tourists.

In Conclusion
Venice is unique, enchanting, and romantic in many ways. It always offers something new to discover and never gets boring. You can stand for hours looking at St. Mark’s Basilica, examining the details of this Byzantine building. In contrast, the Church of Santo Stefano has a quiet atmosphere that can deeply impress. If you’re lucky, you might find yourself there alone, far from the crowds. This is where true luxury lies. The ability to enjoy not only the famous landmarks but also the less-visited places where you can quietly admire the beauty of this unique city, even in the summer season.