Venice hasn’t changed much in 600 years which has earned it both a popular sort of charm and a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It has long been one of Italy’s most important cities, sitting on a stunning lagoon and giving visitors the opportunity to explore Italian and Venetian history. Venice’s timeless charm is on full display with a walk or gondola ride along the lagoon-side.

Set in six boroughs, Venice has significant points of interest and history everywhere in the city. Venezia Insulare is the most famous and includes the historic city of Venice and the islands of Giudecca, Muranos, Burano, Torcello, Mazzorbo, and Sant’Erasmo. The historic city itself is again divided into six sestieri (districts) known as Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, San Polo, Santa Croce, and San Marco. San Marco hosts the main monuments and historic sites.  Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark’s Square, is the principal public square of Venice, known locally as la Piazza.  It’s an iconic place to capture an Instagram.

The Doge’s Palace was built in the Venetian Gothic Style. It was the original residence of the Doge of Venice who was the supreme authority when Venice was still a republic. It became a museum in 1923 and is one of 11 museums that are run by Fondazione Musei Civivi di Venezia. The most popular way to visit is through a guided tour known as Secret Itinerary.  The tour showcases memorable pieces of the palace such as Casanova’s jail.

Other famous sites include the Ponte di Rialto, one of the most recognizable sites in Venice and dates back nearly 800 years.  The Zattere is wonderful for strolling along the Giudecca canal, and of course, the timeless churches such as San Marco, San Giocomo, and San Simeone Piccolo. There is a pass available allowing access to all the churches and includes an option for entrance to the museums.

Wherever you are in Venice you’ll be walking in history. From architecture and art to culture and cuisine, a visit to Venice is an unforgettable experience.