Dorsoduro Walking Tour (Self Guided), Venice

One of the six districts of Venice, Dorsoduro’s name translates as “hard bridge” due to the area's relatively high terrain. Home to some of the city’s highest spots, it also comprises some of Venice’s most picturesque canals, historic locations and cultural venues, including the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute; the Gallerie dell’ Academia & the Ca’ Rezzonico – both jam-packed with fabulous frescos and paintings; and, for those with more modern sensibilities, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

One of the great things about the church of Santa Maria del Rosario is that the works of some of the great Venetian masters are in their rightful place rather than in an art museum. These include ceiling frescoes by Tiepolo and wall paintings by Tintoretto, Piazzetta and – last but not least – Sebastiano Ricci, considered the most important painter active in Veneto between the 17th and 18th centuries.

There are many squares here, too – both large and small – to choose from. Because of an appearance in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”, Campo San Barnaba is a favorite destination; however, its other big draws are an unusual canal barge selling fabulous fresh vegetables and fruit, as well as Signor Blum’s corner shop packed with colorful, eye-catching, one-of-a-kind items. Meanwhile, Campo Santa Margherita, is one of the city's liveliest places, with numerous outdoor cafés/restaurants, excellent ice-cream shops and fish and flower stalls.

If modern art, historic architecture and peaceful surroundings combined sounds like your kind of fun, this self-guided walking tour of Dorsoduro is for you.

Getting to Sight #1. The first tour stop (Santa Maria della Salute ) can be reached by: Water Bus: 1.