The Origins of Venice: Santa Croce and Dorsoduro guided tour

San Nicolò dei Mendicoli and the hidden corner of Santa Croce and Dorsoduro district.

Meeting at Piazzale Roma  – “Tre Ponti” Corner. In this walking tour you can discover the origin of Venice and the beautiful Church of San Nicolò dei Mendicoli, on of the oldest in Venice.
According to the tradition, this area was settled by Paduan in the VII century after having fled from the barbarians. Paduan founded it on the ruins of an ancient Roman building. At the time it was only an inhospitable site characterised by sandbars and sandy islets which were furthermore reclaimed in the 1800s and Santa Croce districts. For this reason it is common to hear that Santa Croce and Dorsoduro are considered two of the youngest districts of Venice.

Leaving P.le Roma, the Venetian terminus, after a short walk through Santa Croce district, you will get the Church of San Nicolò dei Mendicoli: a little jewel hidden among the suggestive “calli” of this area. Mendicoli means “poor people” to highlight the harsh life of thee inhabitants in the past.

After the visit of the interior of the Church, characterised by XVI-century painting depicting San Nicholas’s life who is also known as Santa Claus and the Saint of the sailors.

The following stop is in front of the “Squero” of San Trovaso: one of the last shipyards where beautiful “gondola” are built.

All together we will walk along fondamenta delle Zattere to enjoy the stunning view of the Canal facing the Giudecca island.

When? Tour on request. Minimum 6 participants.

Euro 30,oo per person. Tour of about  2hrs30 with qualified guide, including in the morning the visit of  the atelier of a Venetian designer who creates exclusive refined jewels and any kind of elegant accessories. In the afternoon/evening, instead, after have seen San Trovaso, along the Fondamenta delle Zattere you will be able to have a break to taste the famous “gianduiotto” (a Venetian “gianduia” ice cream smothered in soft whipped cream) or  taste a good spritz!

For information and reservations contct ON VIEW Experiences & Weddings (Ornella) – Tel. + 39 338 6144512.

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