San Polo and Old Red Light District Walking Tour (Self Guided), Venice
Within the San Polo district are some of Venice's most famous sights. Among them is the Rialto Bridge, one of four bridges that spans the Grand Canal and its oldest crossing. In fact, this is the oldest part of the city and a walk through the labyrinth of narrow lanes will reward you with ancient buildings, and cafés that have been in families for generations. Make a point of going to San Giacomo di Rialto, which some believe is the oldest church in Venice. According to local lore it was consecrated in the 5th century, although the building you see today dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Nearby is one of the most popular attractions in this part of the city, the Rialto fish market where you can purchase fresh fish and shellfish that have been plucked from the Adriatic Sea and the Venetian Lagoon. There's more shopping in the neighboring streets where you'll find bakeries, wine shops and florists among other enterprises. As you tour the area, pause to look over the Grand Canal and the many passing gondolas.
Visit some of the lesser known parts of the district, such as Carampane, often frequented by Casanova. This is the old red light district with the famous Ponte delle Tette. The name of this crossing translates as the “Bridge of Tits”. Apparently it earned the sobriquet because prostitutes used to try and drum up trade by flashing their breasts from brothel windows that overlooked the bridge. Stay in the district for a delicious meal. San Polo restaurants are renowned for serving up some of the best food in the canal city.
Visit some of the lesser known parts of the district, such as Carampane, often frequented by Casanova. This is the old red light district with the famous Ponte delle Tette. The name of this crossing translates as the “Bridge of Tits”. Apparently it earned the sobriquet because prostitutes used to try and drum up trade by flashing their breasts from brothel windows that overlooked the bridge. Stay in the district for a delicious meal. San Polo restaurants are renowned for serving up some of the best food in the canal city.
How it works: A discovery walk features a route using which you can explore a popular city neighborhood on your own. This walk, along with other self-guided walks in over 1,500 cities, can be found on the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" which can be downloaded from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app's built-in GPS navigation functions allow following this walk route with ease. The app works both online and offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
San Polo and Old Red Light District Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: San Polo and Old Red Light District Walking Tour
Guide Location: Italy » Venice
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Discovery)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Author: jenny
Guide Location: Italy » Venice
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Discovery)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Author: jenny
1) Ponte di Rialto
2) Ponte di Rialto
3) Calle Riva Carbon
4) Campo della Pescaria
5) Chiesa di San Silvestro
6) Ponte de le Tette
7) Chiesa di Sant'Aponal
8) Campo San Polo
9) Chiesa di San Polo
10) Basilica dei Frari
11) Basilica dei Frari
12) San Rocco
13) San Rocco
14) Basilica dei Frari
15) Campo San Tomà
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