Castello has the distinction of being thelargest Venetian sestiere and home to the former powerhouse ofVenetian naval construction, the Arsenale. Though not open to the public(except during the Biennale), the exterior architecture and history of the buildingremains essential for understanding the power of the Venetian Republic. Our walkfocuses on the southwest section of the neighborhood, quite distinct incharacter and perfect for discovering the quiet side of the island. We willhave the chance to walk along via Garibaldi, Napoleon's legacy of urbanplanning, which gives way to a lively and colorful district where one can finda myriad of alimentari, pasticcerie, and clothing stores. Thisthriving neighborhood is also home to the Giardini Pubblici, for those who areyearning to discover a bit of greenery, and the highly important church SanPietro in Castello. With its Palladian facade, the church was the officialbasilica of Venice until 1807, when the honor was transferred to San Marco.
