Ca' Foscari, Venice - On the top of the "Door of the paper" in the Doge's Palace of Venice, you can see the doge Francesco Foscari who greets the winged lion of San Sarco, with the opened gospel. When the gospel of San Marco are opened, in paintings and sculptures, the meaning is that Venice are under a period of peace. The war is when the gospel is closed and the Lion keep up the sword.
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Ca' Foscari Venice

4.2
·393 reviews·Venezia, Italy

A magnificent Gothic palace on the Grand Canal, Ca' Foscari is a key landmark of Venice, blending academic life with stunning architecture.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, magical light

CrowdLow
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Ca' Foscari, Venice - On the top of the "Door of the paper" in the Doge's Palace of Venice, you can see the doge Francesco Foscari who greets the winged lion of San Sarco, with the opened gospel. When the gospel of San Marco are opened, in paintings and sculptures, the meaning is that Venice are under a period of peace. The war is when the gospel is closed and the Lion keep up the sword.

Ca' Foscari Venice

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, magical light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A magnificent Gothic palace on the Grand Canal, Ca' Foscari is a key landmark of Venice, blending academic life with stunning architecture.

4.2
(393 reviews)

"Witness the majestic Ca' Foscari building bathed in the soft, early morning light. Instagram"

Vertical photo
TIP

Wander & Get Lost

Embrace getting lost in Venice's labyrinthine streets; it's the best way to discover hidden gems. :athletic_shoe:

Budget Gondola Hack

Use 'traghetto' gondolas to cross the Grand Canal for just €2. Look for signs indicating traghetto stops. :euro:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ca' Foscari at Dawn

Ca' Foscari at Dawn

Grand Canal

Witness the majestic Ca' Foscari building bathed in the soft, early morning light. A serene start to a Venetian day.

Traghetto Gondola Crossing

Traghetto Gondola Crossing

Grand Canal

Experience a brief, authentic gondola ride across the Grand Canal for just a few euros. A local secret for budget travelers.

Cannaregio's Charm

Cannaregio's Charm

Cannaregio District

Wander through the historic Jewish Ghetto and discover quiet canals and local life away from the main tourist crowds.

Planning Your Visit

Navigating Venice's Waterways

Venice is a city of canals! Forget cars; embrace the Vaporetto (water bus) for efficient travel. Consider a multi-day pass if you plan on frequent use. For a unique experience, look for the 'traghetto' gondolas that cross the Grand Canal for a small fee.

Beyond the Tourist Trail

While iconic sights are a must, Venice's charm lies in its hidden corners. Explore less crowded sestieri (districts) like Cannaregio. Don't just admire buildings from the outside; many churches and palaces hold incredible art.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, magical light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Venice tips! #veniceitaly #venicecanals #summertravel
@thelittlebasketco
107K likes • 2.5M views

Wander & Get Lost

Embrace getting lost in Venice's labyrinthine streets; it's the best way to discover hidden gems. :athletic_shoe:

Budget Gondola Hack

Use 'traghetto' gondolas to cross the Grand Canal for just €2. Look for signs indicating traghetto stops. :euro:

¡EL TRUCAZO PARA COGER GÓNDOLAS EN VENECIA POR TAN SOLO 2€! 🚤💶 Mientras la mayoría de turistas paga entre 80 y 90€ por un paseo en góndola, hay una forma súper barata de cruzar los canales sin dejarte...
@aleezmiller
81.8K likes • 1.4M views
Tempo reale - Ca' Foscari nella prima luce dell'alba Il cielo a oriente inizia a tingersi di blu e la mole bianca di Ca' Foscari, con le finestre illuminate e la lanterna sull'angolo, svetta nel sile...
tolettalibreria
173 likes • 0 views

Cicchetti Crawl

Sample Venice's answer to tapas (cicchetti) and local wines at bacari (wine bars). A true local experience. :wine_glass:

Early Bird Gondola

Take a gondola ride around 9 AM before the crowds build for a more peaceful experience. :clock1:

E rosso fu! Grazie per i vostri consigli 😉 Bel concerto ieri sera a Ca’ Foscari per gli studenti provenienti a Venezia da ogni parte del mondo per la SUMMER SCHOOL OF PHENOMENOLOGY AND PHENOMENOLOGICA...
pablo_lentini_riva
122 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wander & Get Lost

Embrace getting lost in Venice's labyrinthine streets; it's the best way to discover hidden gems. :athletic_shoe:

Budget Gondola Hack

Use 'traghetto' gondolas to cross the Grand Canal for just €2. Look for signs indicating traghetto stops. :euro:

Cicchetti Crawl

Sample Venice's answer to tapas (cicchetti) and local wines at bacari (wine bars). A true local experience. :wine_glass:

Early Bird Gondola

Take a gondola ride around 9 AM before the crowds build for a more peaceful experience. :clock1:

Free Views & Walks

Enjoy free activities like exploring St. Mark's Square and walking across the Rialto Bridge. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(393 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Ca' Foscari Venice is appreciated for its stunning architectural presence on the Grand Canal, especially during the serene early morning hours. While not a typical tourist attraction, its beauty and historical significance are noted. Visitors often highlight the unique Venetian experience of navigating the city by water and exploring its charming, less-crowded districts.

"The worst experience. They force you to lose your money once you are enrolled. Once you are enrolled, they ask you to withdraw before 31 october but you also have to submit visa refusal attestation so you can get refund of your fees.
On the other hand, you can join course till 31 december.
So suppose it is 29 october and you haven't yet recieved appointment at embassy, your money is lost. because if you wait to get visa rejection attestation, it will pass 31 october. so you lost money. on the other hand, if you apply for withdrawal, you can not get money as you don't have visa rejection attestation.
Long story short, once you pay money, you never get it eventhough they say you can get it"

Hafiz ullah

"You need to Stop your visiting students putting pro Palestine graffiti all over the quartiere! This is not how you protest by defacing the local historic area. Go do it in Israel maybe.

Also foreign people complaining about staff not speaking English for internationals. Do your countries speak Italian? Vfc and stay in your own country or learn Italian."

80RobM

"Simply horrible university. The international office consists of rude and unhelpful bummers who won't lift a finger to assist a student. A lot of lecturers bully, discriminate and fail students for no reason and if you try to complain to someone higher up the answer is basically that it's your problem even if you produce real evidence of the lecturer's incompetence and lack of adequacy. If you are an international student I recommend avoiding this university at all costs and probably reconsidering studying in Italy in general because the Italian education system is very corrupt and unfair"

Alina Kompanets

What People Like

Architectural beauty
Grand Canal location
Serene atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited public access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting Around Venice

Venice is car-free! The primary modes of transport are walking and the Vaporetto (water bus). For budget-friendly canal crossings, look for 'traghetto' gondolas, which cost around €2. TikTok+1 Consider purchasing a Vaporetto pass if you plan on using it frequently.

While traditional gondola rides can be expensive (€80-€90), you can experience a similar thrill by using the 'traghetto' gondolas that ferry locals across the Grand Canal for a fraction of the price, around €2. TikTok+1 For a more leisurely, private ride, consider going early in the morning to avoid crowds. Reddit

Yes, walking is the most immersive way to explore Venice. Be prepared for lots of bridges and narrow alleyways. Wandering without a strict plan is highly recommended to discover hidden gems. Reddit

Ca' Foscari is located on the Grand Canal. You can reach it by Vaporetto, alighting at the San Tomà stop, or by walking from the Rialto Bridge area. Instagram

Absolutely! You can enjoy free activities like exploring St. Mark's Square, admiring the exterior of St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, walking across the Rialto Bridge, and simply getting lost in the charming streets. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ca' Foscari is a university building and generally accessible for viewing its exterior and surrounding areas. Specific events or exhibitions within the university might require tickets, so check their official website for details. Instagram+1

As a functioning university, Ca' Foscari doesn't have traditional tourist opening hours. However, its exterior can be admired at any time, especially during the beautiful early morning light. Instagram

Yes, Venice offers museum passes that can provide access to multiple attractions, which might be cost-effective if you plan to visit several museums. Reddit

Standard gondola rides typically range from €80 to €90 for about 30 minutes. However, you can opt for the 'traghetto' service to cross the Grand Canal for just €2. TikTok+1

For popular attractions like St. Mark's Basilica or the Doge's Palace, booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended to avoid long queues. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography Tips

Beyond the iconic Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square, explore the quieter canals of Dorsoduro or Cannaregio for unique shots. The early morning light offers stunning opportunities, especially around Ca' Foscari. TikTokInstagram

The 'golden hour' just after sunrise and before sunset provides the most beautiful light for photography. Early mornings also mean fewer crowds, making it easier to capture unobstructed shots. TikTok

The Ca' Foscari building itself, especially when illuminated in the early morning light, offers a picturesque scene. Instagram Its location on the Grand Canal also provides excellent vantage points for capturing Venetian life.

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide canal views and street details. A wide-angle lens can be great for capturing the grandeur of squares and bridges. Don't forget a portable charger for your phone! :iphone:

Visit popular spots very early in the morning or later in the evening. Explore less-visited sestieri like Cannaregio or Dorsoduro for more tranquil photo opportunities. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Cicchetti are small, savory snacks, similar to tapas, that are a Venetian specialty. They are typically enjoyed with a glass of wine (ombra) at a bacaro (traditional Venetian bar). TikTok

Venture into local bacari for cicchetti and explore the Cannaregio or Dorsoduro districts for restaurants frequented by locals. Avoid restaurants with overly aggressive touts or menus in multiple languages. TikTok

Food prices can vary greatly. Tourist-heavy areas will be more expensive. Seeking out bacari for cicchetti and local trattorias away from major attractions can offer more affordable and authentic dining experiences. TikTok

Some travelers suggest managing expectations for pizza in Venice, as wood-burning ovens are banned, potentially affecting flavor. TikTok Focus on local specialties like seafood and cicchetti for a more authentic taste.

While seafood is prominent, many trattorias offer pasta dishes with vegetable sauces, risottos, and salads. Exploring local markets can also reveal fresh produce options.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Venice can be magical for families, but requires some planning. Embrace the Vaporetto as a fun way to travel, and consider a multi-day pass. Pack comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing bridges. Look for kid-friendly cicchetti options like mini pizzas or meatballs. While a full gondola ride might be pricey, the traghetto offers a short, affordable canal crossing experience. TikTok+1

💰 Budget Travelers

Venice can be done on a budget! Utilize the traghetto gondolas for cheap Grand Canal crossings (€2). TikTok+1 Enjoy free activities like exploring St. Mark's Square and wandering through less-touristed neighborhoods. Opt for cicchetti at bacari for affordable and delicious meals instead of sit-down restaurants. TikTok Consider a Vaporetto day pass if you plan on island hopping.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Venice is a photographer's dream. Visit Ca' Foscari at dawn for breathtaking light and fewer crowds. TikTokInstagram Explore the backstreets of Cannaregio for unique, less-cluttered shots. TikTok Master the golden hour for stunning canal reflections and atmospheric alleyways. Remember to pack a versatile lens and a portable charger for your phone. :iphone:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding Venice's Unique Transportation

Venice's lack of roads means its transportation system is entirely water-based. The Vaporetto is the public water bus service, acting as the city's main transit. Purchasing a multi-day pass can be cost-effective if you plan on using it frequently to hop between islands or districts. For a more authentic and budget-friendly experience, seek out the traghetto gondolas. These are essentially public gondolas that ferry passengers across the Grand Canal at specific points, costing only a couple of euros. TikTok+1 They offer a quick glimpse into gondola travel without the hefty price tag.

Beyond the Vaporetto and traghetto, walking is paramount. Venice is a city best explored on foot, allowing you to stumble upon hidden campi (squares) and charming bridges. Embrace the maze-like streets; getting lost is part of the adventure and often leads to the most memorable discoveries. Reddit Remember that while the main thoroughfares can be crowded, venturing a few streets away often reveals a quieter, more local Venice.

Experiencing Venetian Cuisine: Cicchetti and Beyond

Venetian cuisine is deeply rooted in its lagoon environment, with seafood playing a starring role. However, the true culinary adventure for many visitors lies in cicchetti. These small, flavorful bites, akin to Spanish tapas, are served in traditional bacari (wine bars). Locals often enjoy cicchetti with a small glass of wine, known as an 'ombra,' as a pre-dinner snack or a light meal. Popular cicchetti include baccalà mantecato (creamed cod), sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines), and various crostini with local toppings. TikTok

When dining at trattorias, look for fresh seafood dishes, risotto al nero di seppia (risotto with squid ink), and pasta with seasonal vegetables. While pizza is available, some travelers note that the absence of wood-burning ovens in Venice might affect its traditional flavor. TikTok For a more authentic and potentially budget-friendly experience, seek out restaurants in less touristy sestieri like Cannaregio or Dorsoduro, where you're more likely to find establishments frequented by locals. TikTok

The University of Ca' Foscari: A Venetian Landmark

The Ca' Foscari University of Venice is not just an academic institution but also a significant architectural and historical landmark situated on the Grand Canal. Its stunning Gothic palace offers a picturesque backdrop, especially when viewed in the early morning light. Instagram The university hosts various events, lectures, and summer schools, attracting an international community of students and academics. Instagram+1

While primarily an educational facility, the presence of Ca' Foscari adds a vibrant, intellectual layer to the city. Visitors can admire its exterior from the canal or nearby bridges, appreciating its historical significance and its role in contemporary Venetian life. The university's location makes it a point of interest for those exploring the Grand Canal, offering a blend of history, architecture, and academic pursuit within the unique Venetian setting.

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