In this walking tour we will discover the origins of Venice starting from the district of Dorsoduro, precisely where there is the beautiful church of San Nicolò Mendicoli – one of the oldest in Venice. According to the tradition, this area was settled by Paduans in the VII century after having fled from the barbarians. Paduans founded it on the ruins of an ancient Roman building. At the time it was only an inhospitable site characterized by sandbars and sandy islets which were furthermore reclaimed in the 1800s. For this reason it is common to hear that Dorsoduro is considered one of the youngest districts in Venice.
Leaving P.le Roma, the Venetian terminus, after a short walk we will get the church of San Nicolò dei Mendicoli, a little jewel hidden among the suggestive calli of this area that is one the oldest in Venice. Mendicoli means “poor people” to highlight the harsh life of these inhabitants in the past.
We will visit the interior of the church that still encloses the external front colonnade like all the churches at the time. It’s dedicated to San Nicholas patron, the saint of the sailors. The bell tower dates back to the XII c. The interior is characterised by XVI-century paintings depicting San Nicholas’ life who is also known as Santa Claus.
The following stop is the squero San Trovaso: one of the last shipyards where the beautiful gondole are built. It will be possible to admire one of the last master at work.
Along the fondamenta delle Zattere you will be able to have a break to taste the famous gianduiotto: a delicious gianduia ice cream covered with soft whipped cream.
We will walk along the fondamenta to enjoy the stunning view of the Canal facing the Giudecca island. We will finally take you to the shop of a Venetian designer who designs and creates exclusive refined jewels and jeweled accessories using Murano glass and glass crystals.
This guided tour is available in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese. *3 hours (approx.)