Overview
Of the six Venetian sestieri, Dorsoduro, as reflected in its name, is the only one to have a particularly resistant terrain.
A vast concentration of Venice's artistic and architectural masterpieces can be found in this sestiere: from the Museo dell’Accademia to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute to Palazzo Cà Dario.
Walking along the foundations of the sestiere, you will come to Squero di San Trovaso, one of the small boatyards still operating today, and typically building gondolas or pupparini. Near Campo San Barnaba there is Ponte dei Pugni [Bridge of Fists], remembered as the venue of countless battles between two opposing factions, the Castellani of San Pietro di Castello on one side and the Nicolotti of San Nicolò dei Mendicoli on the other. Finally, the famous Campo Santa Margherita, a square bustling with local activities during the day and frequented by university students in the evening.
Don’t miss a visit to the Church of San Pantalon, to admire the ceiling painting depicting the Martyrdom of San Pantalon. A work of amazing skill, made by combining 40 canvases painted in oil, for a total area of 443 square meters, and considered the largest in the world.
