Castello is the largest of the districts of Venice and the second in population. Comparing the shape of Venice to that of a fish, Castello could represent the tail, given that it is located at the eastern end of the city. It borders to the northwest with the sestiere of Cannaregio and to the southwest with the sestiere of San Marco. Castello is the only one of the Venetian districts that does not have a view of the Grand Canal.

Castello is connected to the San Marco district, among others, by the Paglia bridge that crosses the Rio di Palazzo adjacent to the Palazzo Ducale. It is also connected to Cannaregio through the Santi Giovanni e Paolo bridge which, in front of the basilica of the same name, crosses the Rio dei Mendicanti a few steps from the equestrian monument to Bartolomeo Colleoni of Verrocchio.

In Castello, on the island of Olivolo, there was the first properly Venetian diocese with its cathedral dedicated to Saint Peter. The area would soon become an industrial and port area of the nascent Venice, with the famous Arsenal being located there. The Venetian Arsenal occupies an important part of the district and was of vital importance for the Serenissima because it was where its powerful military and merchant fleet was built.

Located behind Piazza San Marco, the church of San Zacarias It has had great importance in the history of the Republic. To the north, the Basilica di San Giovanni e Paolo houses the tombs of numerous Venetian doges.

On the south side, on the shores of the lagoon, is the Riva degli Schiavoni, which takes its name from the merchants of Dalmatia who docked their ships and carried out their trade here.

In this district two important schools must be mentioned: the Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni and the Scuola Grande di San Marco. This is today a hospital.

Attractions in Castello area, Venice