Exploring the Dorsoduro District, Venice, Venice, Italy

There are grand churches, world-class galleries and palazzi. Markets, piazzas, and students everywhere. Welcome to Dorsoduro, the relatively peaceful south west corner of Venice.

Dorsoduro is one of six sestieri (districts) of Venice. Bisected by the Giudecca Canal, it consists of the southern part of the city – connected to San Marco by the Accademia Bridge – and the Giudecca island chain.

Dorsoduro literally means “hard bone”: this part of the city is built on higher, more stable, land than other areas of Venice. It is the home of the university, and very much a place where people live, study and work. Yet there are enough churches, galleries, restaurants and bars to keep tourists occupied for a day or more.

Part of the pleasure of a day in Dorsoduro is wandering around a lively, but more residential area of Venice. When I visited it was a busy Saturday afternoon, but most of the people were locals and students rather than tourists.

Campo Santa Margherita is a large and popular square, with cafés and stalls selling fresh fish. Campo San Barnaba is also a favourite spot: the square and its white-fronted church have appeared in many films. In the canal beside the square look out for the colourful barge selling fresh fruit and vegetables. Elsewhere in Dorsoduro you are likely to see market stalls on any available street corner. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).