Galleria dell'Accademia

Venice Top 15 in Can't Miss Attractions

You'll probably come here to see Michelangelo's David, but there's so many other wonderful pieces. I've uploaded pics of David's butt in case anybody wonders what it looks like.

If you like paintings of Jesus and Mary, this is your place. We found it mind-numbingly boring even if the building itself is interesting to explore.

Gallerie dell'Accademia is home to an extensive collection of works by Venetian masters of the 18th century. A must for any art lover, student of art, or art historian. It is also the home of da Vinci's Vitruvian Man. Sadly, when I visited and asked where I could view it, I was told "oh no, it's in the dark room," and when I said "okay, where is the dark room," I was told, "oh no, nobody goes in the dark room." Que sera, sera. I'd definitely recommend getting tickets in advance to ensure fewer issues with crowds.

After a visit to the fascinating Gallerie Dell'Accademie carry on walking along Fondamenta Priuli till you get to Campo San Trovaso where you will find Squero San Trovaso, where you can admire gondolas been built or restored. After that carry on walking till you reach the big Canale della Giudecca. turn left and walk along the Zattere, always full of Venetians out for a coffee or an ice-cream. Walk all the way to Punta della Dogana where you can see one of the most amazing views ever and then go and visit Santa Maria Della Salute, the votive church that Venetians dedicated to the Madonna to thank her for saving them from the plague.

The Accademia is one of the finest collections of Italian painting in the world. Visiting the Accademia introduced me to Tintoretto, who is one of my favorite painters to this day. Spending a morning in the Accademia is an essential part of visiting Venice.