Fondaco dei Tedeschi (Shopping, Art and Culture), Venice (must see)

Once headquarters of the German merchant community in Venice, Fondaco dei Tedeschi is an immense building standing just beside the Rialto Bridge. During its heyday, German traders were the most influential foreign group in the city and had rented this centrally-located building from as early as the 13th century. After being ravaged by fire, the Fondaco was rebuilt in the 16th century as a functional four-story building with a grand inner courtyard. While architecturally it is typically Italian Renaissance, the fundamental concept of the building, much like the word "fondaco" itself, derives from Arabic origins. Similar to the Fondaco dei Turchi, the Fondaco dei Tedeschi encompassed a palace, a warehouse, and restricted living quarters for its inhabitants – mainly merchants from German cities such as Nuremberg, Judenburg, and Augsburg.

Today, this grand establishment has transformed into one of Venice's largest and resplendent shopping centers, specialized in high-end luxury goods. It comes as no surprise that prices here tend to be on the higher side, but the place is still a popular hangout, always teeming with tourists.

But don't let the crowd put you off – at least not before you experience the views from the Fondaco's rooftop terrace, fit to blow anyone away. The 4th-floor Event Pavilion serves as an exhibition space and grants free access to the terrace, affording one of the best panoramas of the Grand Canal, a downward view of the Rialto Bridge, and a distant glimpse of Saint Mark's Basilica, situated a kilometer or so away – quite a different angle from what you can see at ground-level!

Tip:
To access the rooftop terrace, you will need a ticket, which is provided for free but issued for a specific time slot to manage visitor numbers and prevent overcrowding. It is advisable to obtain your ticket on the top floor first and then explore the shopping mall below. Otherwise, you can book your ticket in advance online through the Fondaco's website. If you happen to catch a sunset while up on the roof, your efforts will be well rewarded!