Piazza San Marco (02:37)

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Venice was a major port city during the Middle Ages and the Italian Renaissance. Venetian landmarks surround the piazza at the center of the city. San Marco Basilica was built to rival St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and features relics from early Christianity.

Doge's Palace (06:54)

The palace of the former dukes of Venice who ruled from 697 to 1797 is located at the canal's entrance. The exterior of the building is Gothic, while its interior is Renaissance. Paintings and frescoes depict the political and military history of the Republic.

Grand Canal (03:52)

Venice's largest canal runs through the entirety of the city. Houses built between the 13th and 18th centuries line the canal. The Rialto Bridge rebuilt in stone by Giovanni de Ponte during the Renaissance.

Basilica Santa Maria della Salute (01:26)

Baldassare Longhena built the church in the 17th century after a plague hit the city. It contains numerous art pieces by Tintoretto and Titian.

Venetian Canals (02:34)

More than 150 canals link the islands that make up Venice. Gondolas have been used since 1094 but their current design dates back to the Renaissance.

Basilica di San Giovanni e Paolo (01:41)

The Venetian Gothic church was built in the 14th century and has an exterior of marble and red brick. The interior is filled with Renaissance style paintings and sculptures. It includes the tombs of 25 former dukes.

Scuola Grande di San Marco (02:28)

Venetian unions during the Renaissance protected the interests of artisans and merchants. The scuola were wealthy and their lavishly decorated building contained numerous paintings from notable Italian artists.

Cannaregio District (04:21)

The working-class district in the north end of the city was not developed until the late 14th century. The district includes numerous palaces and Renaissance era churches, including Madonna dell'Orto; many pieces by Cima da Conegliano and Tintoretto hang in the church.

Jewish Ghetto (01:39)

The Jewish citizens of Venice were forced to live in the ghetto from 1516 until 1797. The area includes a memorial to those forced out of the city.

Ca' d'oro (05:15)

The palace is one of the best examples of the transition from Gothic to Renaissance architecture and houses the Giorgio Franchetti Gallery. Statues and mosaics are located throughout the building.

Scuola Grande di San Rocco (03:15)

The union-like brotherhood consisted of wealthy citizens devoted to charity. The walls and ceilings of the building are covered in frescoes by Tintoretto.

Galleria dell'Accademia (08:06)

Docks offered a view of the canal and a pedestrian walkway. The gallery has the largest collection of Venetian Renaissance paintings. Many of the painters attended the art academy in Venice.

Judaica (05:20)

The largest island in the Venetian Lagoon has acted as a place of exile for nobles, an industrial zone, and a residential area. San Giorgio Maggiore sits on across the lagoon from San Marco.

Credits: Venice - Treasure of the Italian Renaissance (01:39)

Credits: Venice - Treasure of the Italian Renaissance