The Arsenale is said to have been founded in 1104 on two islands in the eastern Castello district of Venice. During the period of the Serenissima it was one of the largest and most productive shipyards in Europe. The main gate of the Arsenale is the first Renaissance structure constructed in Venice. The two lions on either side of the steps were sent to Venice from Athens by Francesco Morosini as a war trophy.

Chiesa di San Pietro is located on the island of San Pietro. Built in the ninth century, it was for centuries the seat of the bishopric of Venice. In 1451, when Venice got its own patriarch, it became the cathedral church. The church holds the Chair of St. Peter, upon which, according to legend, the apostle sat. It is curious that the chair is supported by a panel that consists of a trail of Muslim motifs and verses from the Koran.

Ponte di Quintavalle is a long wooden bridge over the Canale di San Pietro. Quintavalle is the surname of an ancient family belonging to the Venetian aristocracy. The Quintavalle built their homes in Venice, on the island of San Pietro di Castello.

Viale Garibaldi is a peaceful esplanade with tall trees aligned on both sides. At the entrance to Via Garibaldi is located the Giuseppe Garibaldi Monument. The monument dedicated to the Italian national hero was erected at the beginning of the 20th century. The pond beneath is full of turtles and fish.

Chiesa di Sant'Isepo was built in 1512 by the Venetian Senate in response to a popular demand for a church dedicated to Joseph, father of Jesus. Inside the church are paintings by Paolo Veronese and Jacopo Tintoretto. From the start it was a church complex that included a convent for Augustinian nuns. Nowadays the convent houses the Venice Nautical Institute and the church is still active.

The Giardini Pubblici is situated along the edge of Castello. The gardens were laid under an order of Napoleon I. Some sacred buildings were removed to create these gardens. The garden is full of Rococo and 19th century statues and pathways among the palms, acacias and plane trees. It is a good place to watch the sunset.

Venice Biennale was founded by the Venetian City Council in 1895 as an exhibition of Italian art to be held once every two years. The Biennale has been, for over a century, one of the most prestigious cultural events in the world. The whole exhibition complex is based on 30 permanent national pavilions. The most important parts are the Venice Film Festival, the International Architecture Exhibition and the International Art Exhibition.