La Giudecca Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

La Giudecca showing a lake or waterhole
La Giudecca showing heritage architecture, boating and general coastal views
La Giudecca
Photo by Audrey Stocker
Photo by Lauren Bath

Discover ancient churches, browse galleries and admire panoramic views of central Venice when you visit this unassuming collection of eight islands.

Beautiful and rugged, La Giudecca resembles a miniature version of Venice, without the crowds. It’s a place that combines the history of its churches with the simplicity of its flower-adorned homes and the romance of its pavement cafés. La Giudecca is a collection of eight islands interspersed by river inlets and interconnected by bridges and an elegant waterfront esplanade. It faces central Venice to the north and the Venetian Lagoon to the south.

Start your visit at the majestic Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore. Built by Andrea Palladio in 1577, the church commemorates the deliverance of Venice from the Black Death. Inside are paintings by acclaimed artists such as Francesco Bassano and Lazzaro Bastiani. Come in July for the Festa del Redentore, when pilgrims cross the Giudecca Canal from Venice’s Zattere via a rickety pontoon bridge.

After visiting the church, meander along narrow lanes to the Giardino Comunale. This leafy public garden is ideal for quiet reflection as you gaze out across the Venetian Lagoon.

Go to the Fondamenta, the esplanade that links the islands via footbridges. Alleys lead from the esplanade into the islands’ residential areas. Watch as local hangs out their washing on lines strung between 16th-century mansions and decorate their balconies with colourful flowers. Browse boutiques, delicatessens and fresh produce stores.

Return to the Fondamenta and look at the exhibitions of Galleria Upp and Giudecca 795 Art Gallery. Don’t miss the striking Chiesa delle Zitelle, a Palladio-designed church located on the easternmost island. Stroll along the banks of the postcard-perfect Rio del Ponte Longo canal. Watch boats come and go at the vibrant dockyards.

During your downtime, take a seat at one of the pavement cafés on the Fondamenta. Order a coffee or a glass of wine, sit back and appreciate the views of central Venice. Spot emblematic landmarks, including the domed Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute.

Reach La Giudecca by catching a vaporetto (waterbus) from stops on the Zattere and Grand Canal in Venice.


Popular places to visit

Activities



Other neighbourhoods around La Giudecca

Dorsoduro featuring a bridge and a river or creek

Dorsoduro

5/5(30 area reviews)

The ample dining options and fascinating museums are top of the list for many visitors to Dorsoduro. A stop by Grand Canal or Maritime Station might round out your trip.

Dorsoduro
San Marco featuring kayaking or canoeing and a river or creek

San Marco

4.5/5(162 area reviews)

San Marco is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like St. Mark's Square and Grand Canal.

San Marco
San Polo showing a bay or harbour and heritage architecture

San Polo

4.5/5(33 area reviews)

San Polo is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Grand Canal and Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari while you're in town.

San Polo
Default Image

Santa Croce

4.5/5(62 area reviews)

Santa Croce is known for its charming cafes, and you can make a stop by Piazzale Roma and Grand Canal while in the area.

Santa Croce
Dorsoduro which includes a coastal town and heritage architecture

Venice City Center

The stunning cathedral and charming cafes are just a few highlights of Venice City Center. Make a stop by St. Mark's Square or Grand Canal while you're exploring the area.

Venice City Center

San Clemente

San Clemente is well liked for its restaurants. You can also take some time to explore sights in the surrounding area like Grand Canal and St. Mark's Square.

San Clemente


La Giudecca Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip:

Explore a world of travel with Expedia