The Grand Canal or Canal Grande winds
through the heart of Venice. It's over 21/2 miles (3 km) long
and full of vaporetti, barges, water taxis and gondolas. Bordering
the canal are beautiful palazzi, mostly dating from the 14th to
the 18th century. You can admire them by taking a gondola ride
or more cheaply by taking vaporetto no 1 from front of Santa
Lucia railway station. Three beautiful bridges span the canal
(Scalzi, the Rialto and Accademia).
