Grand Canal in Venice.

Riding across the Grand Canal to Venice is a wonderful experience and something that everyone should do at least once in their lifetime. You get to see colourful and ancient buildings that grace the canal but also your everyday Venetian at work. Men can be seen offloading boats and people working at the docks.

grand canal venice history, grand canal restaurant venice, grand canal venice images, grand canal venice facts — The Grand Canal at night.

Photos don’t do it justice and there is nothing quite like seeing Venice and the Canal in person. There is so much beauty and history here.

What is the Grand Canal in Venice?

The Grand Canal is Venice’s main water thoroughfare. It carries a lot of traffic from Gondolas to large Cruise Ships. Talking about Cruise Ships there are talk of banning these large carriers on the Canal. In fact I agree with this proposed ban. These colossal ships don’t belong on this historical waterway.

Although Venice is made up from many islands and canals, the Canal is the largest. Did you know that it is shaped like a backwards letter “S”? Locals call Canalazzo. Many spectacular houses and buildings can be seen from the Canal as you approach Venice. Many of these buildings date from the 13th to the 18th centuries and was built in a Venetian-Gothic style. The best way to see these buildings is by a vaporetto, the water bus. You can also take a romantic Gondola ride.

Interesting facts about the Venice Grand Canal.

1. More than 15 million people visit Venice each year and make their way across the Grand Canal.

2. The Canal divides Venice City into two parts.

3. More than 170 buildings, restaurants and shops can be found along the Canal.

4. The Canal is +- 2.5 miles long, with an average depth of 16 feet.

Famous movies filmed in Venice and the canal.

1. The Tourist with Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie.

2. The Italian Job with Charlize Theron.

3. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade with Harrison Ford.

Apart from sightseeing you can also enjoy shopping along the Grand Canal or eat at one of the many restaurants that offers a magnificent view of one of the busiest Canals in the world.