Compared to the rest of the Italian cities, Venice stands out for many reasons. The one discussed here is the nomenclature chosen for its streets, mainly called “calle”, but also “ramo”, “salizada”, “fondamenta”, and so on, whereas the rest of Italy uses a more universal “via”.
And yet, looking close enough, it is possible to find a “via” also in Venice, right at the end of Riva degli Schiavoni, before the Biennale Gardens, large and filled with local flavors and historical insights, we are in Via Garibaldi.
As the rest of Venice’s “rio terà” (earthed-in canals), Via Garbaldi used to be a waterway itself and was only possible to sail. Then, in the early 1800s, they turned this canal into a walkable passage to enhance the infrastructure of the island, and since then, it has always been of particular importance for the unfolding of Venice's daily life.
Today, Via Garibaldi is a perfect combination of the local atmosphere and the tourist attractions. The place is swarming with bars, osterias and shops and yet the air is permeated of Venetian dialect words, antique stalls, authentic flavors and even a market floating on a boat!
Last but not least, in the middle of this wonderful street are the entrance gates to the tree-lined boulevard that leads to the Napoleonic gardens. Facing the gates towers the statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi, a national hero who unified the various kingdoms of our peninsula into one single nation that is now called Italy.
Via Garibaldi
Wine + Snack:
€
10
Find your way with 96 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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"Santa Maria dei Miracoli" in Venice is small church with fascinating architecture -- it's a treasure from a historical, and a sentimental, point of view.
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"La Vite Rossa" in Venice - Mestre is a place to have good wine and try the best cicchetti in town -- my favorite are the authentic shellfish canapés...
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"Rialto Market" in Venice is a typical Venetian market which is as local as it gets. I recommend the artichokes from Sant Erasmo and the pesce go'...
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"Caco Nero Bar" in Venice is a great choice for breakfast, lunch dinner, or brunch. I still feel welcome here, which is of course not very common anymore!
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"Fondamenta delle Zattere" in Venice is a long and wide street that looks at the Giudecca canal. Walking here, far from the crowds, is pleasant & relaxing.
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"Campo san Giacomo" is a space with trees for locals to relax from the thousands of tourists in Venice. At night I come here to meet people and enjoy.
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"Campo Santo Stefano" is the place where I live in Venice. It's one of the biggest in Venice, located very centrally and with lots of local life...
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96 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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✓ 96 Insider Tips