The Zattere

Lonely Planet review

The Fondamenta delle Zattere runs the length of the south side of Dorsoduro along the Canale della Giudecca and unsurprisingly is a popular spot for a passeggiata (evening or Sunday stroll). There are many fascinating buildings along the length of the Zattare. The Ospedale degli Incurabili was put up in the 16th century, this was where incurable syphilus sufferers, who had a tendancy to end up quite potty, used to be parked.

Later it was used as an orphanage and it is now the seat of the Minors' Court.

One of the most attractive of Venice's waterways, the Rio San Trovaso is also home to the most important of the few remaining squeri (gondola workshops)in the city - the Squero di San Trovaso. From the right bank you can look across and see vessels in various states of (dis)repair.