The Grand Canal (Italian: Canal Grande [kaˌnal ˈɡrande], locally and informally Canalazzo; Venetian: Canal Grando, locally usually Canałaso [kanaˈɰaso]) is the largest channel in Venice, Italy, forming one of the major water-traffic corridors in the city.

Explore the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy, famous for historic palaces, iconic bridges, gondolas, and scenic views of the city's waterways.

Shaped like a long, curving “S,” the Canal runs for about 3.8 kilometers (2.4 miles) through the heart of the city, dividing Venice into two halves. It is the main highway of Venice, carrying goods, people, and more both in Venice itself and between the lagoon and the heart of the city.

Grand Canal, main waterway of Venice, Italy, following a natural channel that traces a reverse-S course from San Marco Basilica to Santa Chiara Church and divides the city into two parts.

The Grand Canal is lined with many of the main Venice landmarks – including grand palaces, or palazzi, magnificent hotels and some of the most beautiful churches in Europe. In this detailed Grand Canal guide, I introduce you to its four bridges and also explain how to cross it by other means.

Explore Venice's Grand Canal, its remarkable history, palaces, churches, bridges, boats and the architectural treasures lining this famous waterway.

The Grand Canal was, and still is, the most ambitious place to live. All palaces on this water way (no pedestrian access from the Canal) were built and embellished by the most important nobles families of the City.

Venice Grand Canal map showing all palaces, bridges, and vaporetto stops along Venice's main waterway. Interactive guide to the Canal Grande.

The Grand Canal is the waterway that runs through the centre of Venice. Follow the course of this famous canal to discover the secrets of a unique city.

The Grand Canal is Venice’s main street and its longest uninterrupted view: a broad, curving waterway lined by more than 170 Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque palaces, crossed by the Rialto Bridge, and travelled daily by vaporetti, gondolas and the ordinary business of a city built entirely on water.