Crossing the Redentore Bridge

To keep with tradition, we followed the footsteps of the Doges from the past and made the journey to the Redentore via St Mark’s square. The Redentore Bridge was due to open at 7pm. So we took the vaporetto across to Zattere and had a wander through Venice in the direction of the Rialto Bridge before heading to St Marks.

Barges filled with young partygoers were already leaving the fondamenta at Zattere. The DJ was booming out tunes as the flotilla headed west, probably towards the start of the Grand Canal at Piazzale Roma. A slow voyage along the grand canal ending up in the San Marco basin in plenty of time for the fireworks.



Another Guiri in San Marco.

After arriving at Plaza San Marco and admiring the famous sights, we walked between the famous columns and turned right heading along the fondamenta. I don't know the exact route that the doge would take but we had no alternative than to cross the Grand Canal at the Accademia Bridge. We passed the famous Harry’s bar and a large selection of expensive designer boutiques before arriving at Campo Santo Stefano.

After a quick Spritz it was time to head up the fondamenta towards the Redentore Bridge. It was heaving with people going to and from the Redentore. The usually packed vaporetto between Giudecca and Zattere would lose out on a lot of passengers this weekend. The sights from the bridge are fantastic. The Redentore Church stands impressively at the end. St Marks square visible on the left, along with the campanile at San Giorgio.


Crossing the Redentore Bridge.


San Marco Basin.

The revellers that were not enjoying the evening sun on a boat where lined up on the fondamenta on the Giudecca side. Places had been reserved for many of the locals. They had set-up impressive picnics and where going to enjoy their feast by the channel. Others simply laid down beach towels and sat on the fondamenta drinking chilled wine. Everyone eager to reserve their place for the firework show later on. It was time to head for our feast back at home. Let the eating commence!


Party on the Fondamenta.