Venice is truly one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and in the whole world, and one should definitely put this on his/her travel list. Fortunately, this city offers a lot of free things that you can do for free!
1. Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore
To see how beautiful Venice is from the bird’s eye view, go to the island of San Giorgio, which is overlooking the Doges Palace and the Grand Canal. The landmark church designed by Andrea Palladio in 1555 is also a must-see! You can also visit the free exhibitions in Le Stanze del Vetro organized by the Cini Foundation. Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore is open daily from 9:30am to 6:30pm.
2. Casino Venier
Back in the 18th century, Venice is filled with casinos where the upper class met, flirted, danced, and gambles, and one of it is still open, the Casino Venier that dates back to the year 1750. It is situated on the first floor of a lackluster building facing the Barateri Canal. Get amazed by the main salon’s interior design: the striking marble floor that is a riot of lavish stucco, frescoes and Murano mirrors. Today, the space is occasionally used for exhibitions. It is open on Mondays through Fridays, from 9:00am to 1:00pm and 3:00pm to 6:00pm.
3. Scala Contarini del Bovolo
Many did not know but the “Snail Staircase” outside the palace built for the Contarini family in the 14th century is one of the best hidden gems in Venice. To reach the remarkable Gothic staircase, follow the yellow signs for Accademia from the from Campo San Bartolomeo, right at the foot of the Rialto bridge, until you reach Campo Manin, don’t miss the small panel that points in the direction of the Scala.
4. I Gesuiti
Formally known as the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, this splendid Baroque church is also known by the name of the Jesuit Order, built in 1715. Aside from the amazing gratis entry, the Gesuiti houses paramount collection of paintings and sculptures of trompe l’oeil. Also check out the works by Titian and Tintoretto and the 20 paintings by Jacopo Palma il Giovane at the Sacristy. The church is open daily from 10:00am to 12:00pm and 4:00pm to 6:00pm.
5. Santa Maria della Salute
Simply known as the Salute, this is one of the most favorite churches of Venetians. Its colossal baroque frontage and dome made by architect Baldassare Longhena is an icon on the Venice skyline. Aside from this, the paintings by Titian and Tintoretto are also worth checking out. Also see the pontoon bridge strung across the Grand Canal at the facade of the church for the worshippers to cross over during the celebration of the Festa della Salute. It is open daily from 9:00am to 12:00pm and 3:00pm to 5:50pm.
6. Orsoni Colour Library
This is the only functioning glass furnace left in Venice that produces elegant smalto or glass mosaics and gold leaf used in some of the world’s most popular edifices including St. Paul’s Cathedral, Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Paris’ Sacre Coeur and the Basilica of San Marco. Call in advance for a free tour, to learn more about how smalto is made. Dial +39 041 2440002 or visit orsoni.com.
7. Sala San Marco Biblioteca
Venice’s Ospedale Civile housed in the vast Scuola Grande di San Marco dating back to the 15th century is worth a visit. Find ancient cloister and gardens here, and on the first floor, you can find Sala San Marco which contains an immense medical library, a collection of historical medical instruments and illustrations that are quite terrifying, and outstanding paintings by the Bellini, Donato and Tintoretto that were originally made for the Sala. The place is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30am to 12:30pm and 2:00pm to 5:00pm. No admission fee required.
8. San Michele Cemetery
Wander within this 19th-century cemetery and find the graves of Ezra Pound and Joseph Brodsky, and Diaghilev and Igor Stravinsky. Also check out the awesome statues on the tomb of gondoliers. It is open daily from 7:30am to 6:00pm.
9. Casa di Tintoretto
Visit the den of the famed painter Jacopo Tintoretto. This is where the artist lived and painted. Discover a lot of lovely treasures like the statue of the Greek trader Rioba and a turbaned Moorish trader. On the ground floor is the Bottega del Tintoretto, a print studio managed by Roberto Mazzetto, a local artist, which is open to the public.
10. Basilica di San Marco
St. Mark Church is one of Venice’s icons. Its magical facade draws a lot of people, having a domed interior filled with breathtaking intricate mosaics. No admission fee needed when entering Basilica di San Marco. It’s open on Monday through Saturday from 9:45 am to 5:00pm and on Sunday from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
