Riva degli Schiavoni

Riva degli Schiavoni is the waterfront path that extends from the Doge’s Palace to Arsenale. After this it changes name, but following it all the way would lead you to Giardini (where the Venice Biennale is held) and Sant’Elena. This Riva to Arsenal is approx 1.4km (nearly a mile) s name as it stretches for 2km or so (nearly a mile) to Sant’ Elena.

The Riva is lined with hotels, restaurants and bars and provides great views of the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. Depending upon the day and season, it can get crowded here – this is where boats with day trip tourists dock.

The Riva takes its name from the merchants from Dalmatia (which at the time of the Republic of Venice was also called “Slavonia” or “Schiavonia”) who landed here with their merchant ships to trade. The Riva was an integral part of the commercial port of Venice and was of considerable importance thanks to its proximity to Piazza San Marco.

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