Visiting the Palazzo Ducale and the Ca' da Mosto in Venice

One of the most memorable and magical places in Europe to visit for a short break or an extended stay is the beautiful Italian "Water City". When you take the short trip from Venice Airport to Venice by water, you'll see plenty of architectural wonders on your journey. It's a completely different vantage to what you see on foot, so it's a great idea to take notes to remind yourself what you'd like to explore further.

Travelling by water on the transfer from Venice Airport to Venice will reveal the major waterways, but there is plenty to discover in the smaller back streets not so often frequented by the tourist set. You may stumble across some of the city's 200 palaces – some more high profile than others. The two outlined below are hard to miss, and are well worth seeing.

Palazzo Ducale

The Palazzo Ducale is also known as the Doge’s House and in ancient times was the house of the governmental leader. The first palace was built in the 900s and was made of wood – unfortunately, it subsequently burned down. It is likely that the existing palace of today is an amalgamation of a variety of different buildings with different purposes, brought together to form the palazzo. As you travel in from Venice Airport to Venice, you may pass the Palazzo to get a fish eye view, and it is interesting to note some of its history. It sits in an imposing position on St Mark’s Square, and the Gothic design is clearly evident, although there are some changes that have occurred at different times that have incorporated some different aspects. Inside, you'll find the beautiful work of Guariento: "Paradise" on the eastern wall of the Sala del Maggior Consiglio. Be sure to take a leisurely stroll over the Bridge of Sighs, which has two parallel, enclosed walkways overlooking the lagoon and San Giorgio. One pathway leads from the prison to the chambers of the magistrate and the other from the prison to the state advocacy rooms. Since 1923, the palazzo has been a city museum and it is a very popular attraction for visitors from all over the world.

The Ca' da Mosto

Built in the 13th century, the Ca' da Mosto is perhaps the most important example of all the stunning Byzantine architecture throughout the city. As the oldest building on the Grand Canal, as you pass by on your transfer from Venice Airport to Venice take advantage of the spectacular views you will get from the waterside angle.

Over ensuing centuries, the palace has taken on several different levels: a second in the 16th century and a third in the 1th century. It has been home to several important residents as well as operating as a hotel from the 16th-19th centuries. Sadly, today the palace sits empty and the bottom floor has been somewhat damaged by the relentless waters of the canal.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct. If you’re looking for a transfer from Venice airport to Venice, Shuttle Direct provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.