San Polo

Small, ancient and perfectly formed

Talk of the town: Lorenzino de'Medici was assassinated in Campo San Polo in 1548.
Nestled in the heart of Venice and surrounded on three sides by the Grand Canal, San Polo is the city's smallest sestiere, and one of its most fascinating.

It was from here and neighbouring San Marco that the rest of the Venice grew from the 12th century, so if you like ancient buildings, you'll be in architectural seventh heaven. Highlights include the vast, Gothic Frari church and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, both home to wondrous paintings, while in the eastern part of the district is the Rialto area, with its famous market and bridge and plenty of attendant bars and restaurants.
Accommodation in San Polo is slightly more expensive than in other areas, so if you want to save money, base yourself just one or two streets to the north, in Cannaregio, where the hotels are cheaper.