Dorsoduro is the southernmost district of Venice. Giudecca, which is a sort of sub-district of Venice, is also part of Dorsoduro, delineating, on the south side, the Giudecca Canal, the largest canal of Venice. Isola Sacca Fisolo, it too, pertains to Dorsoduro. Dorsoduro stands out by two features: it is both the highest and the most stable piece of land in the lagoon. Dorsoduro started to be inhabited immediately after the foundation of Venice, which is why its historical background is on a par with the glorious past of San Marco and Castello, an aspect substantiated by the wide architectural heritage of the district.
Speaking of the architectural heritage, it chiefly consists of places of worship and palaces yielding a scenic sight here and there doted with museums and plenty of art galleries. Dorsoduro is also the most effervescent district of Venice, in particular due to its consistent student population. Its vibrant nightlife also adds to the list of reasons for visiting Dorsoduro while in Venice.
Museums in Dorsoduro: Ca’Rezzonico Museum, Academy Galleries
Places of worship in Dorsoduro: Church of Archangel Raphael, Church of San Sebastiano, Church of Santa Maria del Carmelo, Church of San Trovaso, Church of San Pantalon, Church of San Nicolo da Tolentino, Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, Church of Santa Maria del Rosario (I Gesuati), Church of the Redeemer, Church of Santa Maria della Prezentazione
Monuments in Dorsoduro: Scuola Grande dei Carmini, Dogana da Mar, Ponte dell’Accademia
Palaces in Dorsoduro: Palazzo Cini, Palazzo Zenobio, Ca’Foscari, Pallazo Ariani, Pallazo Dario
Squares and thoroughfares in Dorsoduro: Campo San Barnaba, Zattere, Campo Santa Margherita