Castello is one of the largest islands upon which Venice was
built. Initially its name was 'Olivolo', maybe because it was shaped
like an olive.
According to other sources the name came from the large number of olive
trees which grew on this land.
Tito Livio (Roman historian) says the name comes from a castle that was
said to be built by Antenore, head of the Eneti people.
Under doge Pietro Tribuno, a wall was erected to protect Venice from
the attacks of the Hungarian Tartars. The wall stretched from Castello
to S. Maria Zobenigo, where a big iron chain hung across the Grand
Canal to stop all boats, so intercepting enemy ships.
Museo Storico Navale
Ex Granai della Repubblica, Arsenale
Castello 2148 (linea 1 Actv) Tel. 041.520.02.76
Collection of relics of the Venetian Serenissima Republic era and of the Italian Navy. Miniature models, Arsenale shipyard remembrances, collection of uniforms and standards.
Weekdays, 8.45am-1.30pm; Saturday 8.45am-1pm. Closed holidays and Sundays. Admission, € 1,55.
Museo della Fond. Scientifica Querini Stampalia
Castello 4778 (campo S. M. Formosa)
(S.Zaccaria 1-52 Actv) Tel. 041.271.14.11.
Residence-museum of the Querini-Stampalia family. Library, archive, gallery, furniture and household objects from the 16th century. Important paintings by Bellini, Palma, Ricci, Tiepolo and Longhi.
Gallery: Tue., Wed., Thu. and Sun., 10am-6pm; Fri. and Sat., 10am-10pm. Closed Monday.
Admission, € 6,00. (discounts, € 4 ).
Library: Weekdays, 4pm-12pm; Saturday 2.30pm-12pm; Sunday, 3pm-7pm.
Museo Dipinti Sacri Bizantini - Istituto Ellenico
Ponte dei Greci, Castello, 3412
(S.Zaccaria linee 1-52 Actv) Tel. 041.522.65.81
Collection of 14th- to 18th-century icons by the Greek, Cretan and Veneto schools. Closed on Monday
Weekdays, 9am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-4.30pm.
Sundays, 10am-5pm.
Admission, € 4, (discount, € 2 ).
Sala della Musica - Ospedaletto
Castello 6691, Barbaria de le tole
(San Zaccaria, linee 1-52 Actv ) Tel. 041.271.90.12 (IRE)
Tuesday, Friday, Saturday 3.30pm-6.30pm.
Music Room € 2 with guided visit.
Scuola Dalmata di S. Giorgio degli Schiavoni
Ponte dei Greci, Castello
(S.Zaccaria linee 1-52 Actv) - Tel. 041.522.88.28.
Famous painting cycle by Vittore Carpaccio depicting the lives of Saints George, Tryphon and Jerome.
Tue.-Sat. 10.00-12.30am and 3.30-6pm;
Sunday, 10 12.30am. Closed Monday.
Admission, € 2,58 ridotti € 1,55.