Zattere

The Zattere was built in 1519 and first used as a landing dock for the delivery of timber used to construct ships and buildings, which gave the quay the name Zattere, Italian for raft.
The timber gone, the Zattere today is a spacious promenade that runs along the entire southern shore of Venice’s Dorsoduro District, from the Marittima and San Basilio all the way to the Punta della Dogana. The island of Giudecca lies immediately to the south and a walk along the Zattere provides excellent views of the island and its majestic Redentore Church.

The Zattere is lined with a number of notable buildings and monuments so visitors strolling along the walkway should be sure to have their cameras ready!

At the westernmost end, known as San Basilio, there once sat a large church of the same name. Today, the church is gone but you’ll find other interesting buildings, such as the Scuola dei Luganegheri, once home to the local sausage maker’s guild. Today, it’s a fine restaurant.

Head further down the promenade and you’ll view a number of palaces that are now used as government offices. These include the 16th century Palazzo Priuli Bon which, for years, housed the French Embassy; and the Palazzo Molin, a 15th century Gothic structure that is now home to the Adriatic Coastal Authority.

Walking a bit further east, crossing the Ponte Lungo, you reach another 15th century structure, the Santa Maria della Visitazione, a grand church designed by Mauro Codussi. The amazing ceiling features paintings of 58 saints. The artist, however, remains unknown.

Another church, Santa Maria del Rosario - also known as the Gesuati, is a Baroque masterpiece, designed by Giorgio Massari and constructed in the 1740s. The frescoes on the ceiling are renowned and depict scenes from the history of the Dominican Order. They are considered some of the best examples of work by Italian artist Giambattista Tiepolo.

As you walk towards the east end of the promenade, you’ll also view the Spirito Santo Church, known for its trompe l’oeil ceiling; the Emporio dei Sali, an old salt storage facility that is now home to the most prestigious rowing club in Venice; and finally, the Customs House. Be sure to get a photo of its beautiful bronze weathervane featuring the Goddess Fortuna.

Several excellent restaurants line the promenade as well as places to grab a snack or gelato or a few souvenirs.