The name of this sestiere derives from the presence of more consistent soil (“dorso” = spine) and rock (“duro” = hard) beneath it, unlike other areas of the city.

Dorsoduro sits at the end of the "Canal Grande", where the Chiesa della Salute, the Accademia and the Guggenheim Collection are situated. Venice University and the port are found in the area of San Nicolò dei Mendicoli. The island of the Giudecca also forms part of this district. Dorsoduro was relatively isolated until the 19th Century, when it was linked to that of San Marco by the iron bridge of the Accademia, thus boosting the economy.

Today it is a rich district and extends to the South of the city, starting from the Dogana, the imposing 17th Century customs house with its warehouses hidden behind the façade and ending at the square Torre della Fortuna. After the customs area, Dorsoduro continues to the Zattere, a long pier that leads to Santa Marta. Built in 1516, this pier was used to unload the timber on barges coming from Cadore along the rivers. This timber was an important building material and provided the fuel used to heat all the houses in Venice.

During fine summer evenings, Venetians love to stroll and stop at the many bars along the Fondamenta delle Zattere that runs along the Canale della Giudecca, from the Punta della Dogana to San Basegio, the easternmost point of Venice.

1100 - 1200 - - rev. 0.1.8