Castello

SS Giovanni e Paolo

This church was built in the 15th century and dedicated to the Roman martyrs Giovanni and Paolo. The facade is composed of bricks and suggests the inner division of the church in three naves. In the central part of the facade there's a big eye accompanied by two smaller apertures on either side. Interior has a Latin cross plan composed of three naves and lateral chapels. Five huge columns divide the main nave from the side aisles. There is one monument dedicated to Doge Pietro Mocenigo by Pietro Lombardo describing his virtue during the battles against Turks.

Riva degli Schiavoni

Riva degli Schiavoni is a walkway extends along the waterfront from the Palazzo Ducale to the Arsenale at the south east side of Castello. Lining the waterfront are a number of hotels and upscale restaurants for the more affluent visitors. Concerts are held regularly at Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pietà known as La Pietà. Vivaldi was concert master here in the early 18th century.

Santa Maria Formosa

It is said that this church was constructed in the 7th century after an apparition of St Mary was seen by Saint Magno. The church was reconstructed in 1492 by architect Mauro Codussi. It contains an altarpiece by Palma Giovane depicting St Barbara.

Arsenale

Arsenale was once the centre of Venice's maritime power. It was built in 12th century and rebuilt and enlarged in 14th and 16th centuries. And at one point became the largest naval shipyard in the world. Covering 32 hectares and completely enclosed by fortifications. At one time 15,000 people were employed to construct galleys here. Two of the lions at the entrance were taken from Piraeus, Greece, in 1687. The third lion is thought to have been carved by Scandinavian mercenaries who fought for the Byzantines in the 11th century. The Arsenale was a symbol of the maritime supremacy of Venice until Napoleon destroyed it in 1797. But it was reconstructed in the 18th century and used as a shipyard for the Italian navy. Its now in the hands of the military and is not open to the public.

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