Perhaps the most incredible thing about Venetian architecture is Venice’s location itself; situated on 118 small, lagoon islands (every time you walk over a bridge, you are effectively stepping onto another island). The city’s magnificence is enhanced by the light reflecting off the water and the canals that afford visitors unobstructed views of Venice’s unique architecture.

Venice is one of the most architecturally rich, diverse, and exceptionally well-preserved cities in the world.

Venice’s history is based on a series of extraordinary events (natural, religious and political), which led to its long and successful history as the maritime trading gateway to the East.  Through this trade position, Venice made lasting connections with the Byzantine and Islamic empires, giving them exposure to architectural and artistic styles that influenced their own.

Plan Your Travel Itinerary Using Approach Guides

Whether you are a first-time visitor to Venice or have visited many times before, our Approach Guide to the Architecture of Venice will help guide your itinerary.

First-Time Visitor to Venice: Use this guide to select a few things to focus on in depth: whether you choose to learn about the fascinating history of Venice, become familiar with the different styles of Venetian architecture or explore the incredible sites in St. Marks Square, you will come away with a unique understanding of Venice.

Experienced Italian Travelers: Approach Guides offers experienced travelers the opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for the development of Venice’s urban infrastructure, to understand how trading partners in the East influenced the city’s architecture and to take an in-depth look at off-the-beaten-path sites of Venice-based architects, Palladio, Longhena, and Sansovino.

No trip is complete without also enjoying Venice’s culinary side. We invite you to look into our Guides to Italian Food and Italian Wine and visit at least one of our recommended top four places to enjoy cichetti and ombre.

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Note: Venice and its Lagoons are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

All Approach Guides are offered as PDF files that can be downloaded and printed immediately after purchase.

Distinctive Domes, Saint Mark's Cathedral, Venice, Italy