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.

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.

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.

The Grand Canal is Venice's most famous waterway, winding through the historic city in a distinctive S-shaped route. Lined with magnificent palaces, historic churches, and elegant waterfront buildings, it showcases centuries of Venetian architecture and cultural heritage.

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.

Along the Grand Canal, a unique panorama of Venetian architecture from the last five centuries unfolds. One of the most evocative experiences of a visit to Venice is a stroll down the main street, whether in a Gondola, a private launch, or one of the vaporetti, the transport boats.

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

Le Grand Canal (en italien : Canalazzo, en vénitien : Canałasso) est la principale artère maritime qui traverse Venise, en Italie.

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.

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.