What to do in Santa Croce, Venice

As you’ll know if you read our recent post on the ‘Sestieri’, Santa Croce, Venice is one of the six districts that make up this unique city. If you arrive in Venice by bus, you’ll get off in the Santa Croce district at the city’s Piazzale Roma bus terminal. If you’re hoping to get a little off the beaten track and you’re looking for things to do in Venice Santa Croce, keep reading for some of our top suggestions.

Discovering Santa Croce (Venice)

The district is located in the western part of Venice, just across the Grand Canal, one of the most important tourist hubs in town. It is a charming and historic neighborhood that offers visitors a more authentic and laid-back experience of Venice. The district has a number of charming streets and canals, with many restaurants, bars, and cafes that offer a range of dining options, from traditional Venetian cuisine to modern international fare.

Here is a list of things to do in the district of Venice Santa Croce.

Churches in Santa Croce, Venice

Churches are some of the most famous sights in Venice Santa Croce which gets its name from the Church and Monastery of Santa Croce, which was demolished in 1810. However, there are lots of other interesting churches to see in Santa Croce, starting with wonderful paintings in the Church of San Giacomo a L’Orio, which dates back to the 9th century and which you’ll find in a lively square of the same name. If you’re interested in churches, Santa Croce is home to several other beautiful churches that are worth visiting for their stunning artwork and architecture. Visit the churches of San Nicola da Tolentino and San Simeon Grando, both in Santa Croce. The Church of San Nicola da Tolentino was built in the 17th century and features a beautiful Baroque façade. The church is known for its impressive collection of artwork, including paintings by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.

Museums in Venice Santa Croce

If you’re visiting Venice with the whole family, even the little ones are sure to enjoy the Museum of Natural History, housed in a medieval palazzo where you’ll find all sorts of remarkable things from the natural world, including dinosaur skeletons and other fossils.

If art is more your area of interest, be sure to pay a visit to Ca’pesaro, the International Gallery of Modern Art, full of major works of art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Head to Palazzo Mocenigo if you’re interested in the history of the city’s textiles, costumes and perfume. This fantastic palace gives you a flavour of what the 17th and 18th-century noblemen of Venice would have worn, as well as showcasing an array of other accessories and furnishings that build a picture of Venetian life in days gone by.

Finally, the Museum of the History of Medicine is also located in Santa Croce. Housed in the 16th-century Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista, the museum features a range of exhibits on the history of medicine, including antique medical instruments, books, and manuscripts.

Overall, Santa Croce offers a range of museums that cater to different interests, from art and fashion to natural history and medicine. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply looking to learn more about Venice and its culture, there is something for everyone in Santa Croce’s museums.

Still time left over on your Venice day trip? If you’ve already visited major attractions such as Basilica San Marco and the Rialto Bridge and you’re looking for some more itinerary ideas for different Venetian districts, check out our other posts on things to do in Cannaregio and what to see in Castello.