When it comes to streets and squares, we all think we know what we mean. But Venice is also unique in this: walking around the city you will have noticed that there are no streets or alleys, but calli and calle; not squares but fields.
Here are some names that you absolutely need to know to better orient yourself.
Ca ‘: is an abbreviation that was used by the Venetians to refer to the houses of noble families.
Calle: is the name used for the long and narrow streets. There are over 3000 calli of Venice, some referred to as calle, but also long or wide calle.
Ramo: indicates a minor side street of a calle, usually without a walled exit or with an outlet on a canal.
Campo: this term means square. In ancient times the fields were covered with grass, and only after centuries were they paved taking on their present aspect; the term campiello is also common, which refers to a field of smaller dimensions.
Fondamenta: indicates the banks that line the canals of the city. Their name derives from the fact that they act as real foundations for the buildings.
Rio Terà: indicates a pedestrian street built over an underground canal.
To be precise, the only square in Venice, at least in the name, is Piazza San Marco, one of the most beautiful and important squares in the world.
The most important buildings in Piazza San Marco are the Basilica of San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, the Correr Museum, the Campanile and the Clock Tower.
By choosing our all-inclusive service (navigation + parking), you can reach Piazza San Marco from our landing point in Fondamenta Nove in just 20 minutes on foot
