Castello is the largest of the six sestieri
(districts), and the only one not facing onto the
Grand Canal. More than half of Castello is situated
within Arsenale, the naval base, which occupies over
one-fifth the area of Venice. This gentrified maritime
neighborhood feels busy but casual. Castello’s side
streets are laid back, with small boats lining canals
criss-crossed by laundry. Semiannual exhibitions add a
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strong artsy current to the Arsenale area. Via
Garibaldi in Castello, with its shops and bars, has
one of Venice's rare straight and wide boulevards.
When a large ship turns around the Lido to enter the
Giudecca Canal, the startling sight creates an
illusion that it will run aground right on Via
Garibaldi! Families treasure Giardini near the
island's tip, green with rare trees and grass, and
Riva degli Schiavoni is a popular spot for Venetians
to take a stroll to watch the sunset.
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