Porta Magna

Venice


Capped by the lion of St Mark, the Arsenale’s land gate is considered by many to be the earliest example of Renaissance architecture in Venice; it was probably executed in 1460. A plaque on the wall celebrates the 1571 victory at Lepanto, and at the foot of the gate is a row of carved lions; the biggest one, regally seated, was taken as booty by Francesco Morosini from the Greek port of Piraeus.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Venice attractions

1. Padiglione delle Navi

0.03 MILES

The Padiglione delle Navi is a vast 2000-sq-metre warehouse containing a fabulous collection of model historic boats, including typical Venetian luggers,…

2. Chiesa di San Martino

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Designed by Sansovino, the neighbourhood church of St Martin has a Greek-cross-shaped interior lined with eight chapels and topped by a trompe l'œil…

3. Sotoportego dei Preti

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Under the arch of this covered passageway is hidden a reddish, heart-shaped stone about the size of a hand. Local lore has it that couples that touch it…

4. Museo Storico Navale

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Maritime madness spans 42 rooms at this museum of naval history, featuring scale models of Venetian-built vessels as well as Peggy Guggenheim's not-so…

5. Arsenale

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Founded in 1104, the Arsenale soon became the greatest medieval shipyard in Europe, home to 300 shipping companies employing up to 16,000 people. Capable…

6. Chiesa di San Giovanni in Bragora

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This serene 15th-century brick church harmonises Gothic and Renaissance styles with remarkable ease, setting the tone for a young Antonio Vivaldi, who was…

7. Riva degli Schiavoni

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