The Grand Canal is believed to be a branch of the ancient Brenta River that opens into a lagoon. In the 10th century, the Byzantine Empire settled and sprung on the banks of the Grand Canal. Trading flourished due to the easy accessibility via sea and most of those who stayed by the peripheries of the canal were established merchants and traders.

By the 12th century, houses along the canal became ornate with Byzantine arches and loggias. The oldest building along the canal namely Ca’ da Mosto is a 13th century palazzo which flaunts the Venetian-Byzantine style of architecture. Cut to 15th century when the European Gothic style of construction spread across Europe like blazing fire and Venice too succumbed. The Ca d’Oro( House of Gold) plastered in bright colours with skinny arches and intricate carvings is a fine blend of Venetian Gothic architecture by the Canal.

The 16th century saw the Renaissance architecture creeping into buildings around Venice. Pastels were replaced by clean whites and windows started becoming curvy from its pointed stance. The Palazzo Dario and Palazzo Grimani are fine examples of the Classical Renaissance architecture. During this period, having a palace facing the Grand Canal was considered a status symbol.

By the 17th century, the Grand Canal was crowded enough but certain Baroque styled constructions made its way to the pier. This prolific era saw the creation of the Santa Maria di Nazareth Church and the world renowned Santa Maria della Salute Basilica. These were perhaps the last few structures to adorn the Grand Canal because by the 18th century, construction along with Grand Canal saw a complete halt.

Ever since, it has just been restoration and preservation works to maintain these splendid structures that are the pride of Venice.

The Grand Canal stretches across the whole city in the shape of an inverted S. It is lined by numerous structures of importance like churches, government offices, museums, palaces, historical markets and more. Make sure you don't blink too often lest you miss a wonderous building. Amongst the umpteen structures, here's a list of 5 you absolutely cannot miss.

Santa Maria Della Saluta

The monumental baroque of Santa Maria Della Saluta, commonly known as the Salute is the most impressive structure on the Grand Canal. This church dedicated to the Lady of Health was erected as a votive offering for the city’s deliverance from the plague outbreak in 1630. The massive dome is sure to catch your attention from even the furthest point on the Grand Canal.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

This is a modern art museum housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, an 18th-century palace, which was home to the American heiress Peggy Guggenheim for almost 30 years. It is a low white contemporary structure that is always bustling with tourists and if you crane your neck enough, you may see a few prominent sculpts of art from around the world.

Corner della Ca' Grand

Bang opposite the Peggy Guggenheim's Collection, you will see a fine example of Renaissance architecture. This is the Corner della Ca' Grande built in 1545 by Italian master sculptor Jacopo Sansovino, for the powerful Cornaro family. It was built in order to showcase the Carnaro family’s status. Notice the Ionic columns on the first floor and Corinthian columns on the second while you cross by this grand palazzo.

Ca' d'Oro

The House of Gold is an exemplary example of Venetian Gothic architecture and considered one of the most eye worthy sights on the Canal. Though it has lost its original lustre, its shimmering mosaic and gold might cause you to flinch a little. The interiors of this masterpiece houses a museum which illustrates the lives of the Venetian Nobles during the Middle Ages.

San Stae

Built in 1678, this church was built in shape of a Greek Cross and the facade that you see from the Grand Canal was built 30 years after its original construction by Domenico Rossi. This finely embellished roccocò styles structure was initially built as dedication to Saint Eustacchio.San Stae is a part of the Chorus Circuit and houses the tomb of the Mocenigo Family, an affluent Venetian family who gave 7 Doges to the Republic.

On the Grand Canal, there are 4 bridges connecting parts of it for easy pedestrian access. Each of these have been built in different eras and are integral connecting points. Don't forget to notice these 4 canals during your cruise.

Ponte Di Rialto

The Rialto Bridge is the first and oldest bridge connecting San Marco and San Polo. It took 3 years to erect this ornate structure engraved with Istrian stone reliefs depicting St Mark, St Theodore and the Annunciation.

Ponte dell’Accademia

This bridge is a wooden bridge which derives its name from the Accademia galleries close by and connects Dorsoduro and Saint Mark's district and is very close to the Peggy Guggenheim Museum as well. Its virtue lies not in its appearance, but in its terrific vantage point over the Grand Canal. It is considered one of the best place to get a classic photo looking down the canal towards Santa Maria della Salute.

Ponte degli Scalzi

Ponte degli Scalzi translates to Bridge of Barefoot Monks and is a stone arch bridge connecting two frequented areas - Santa Croce and Cannaregio.If you arrive by bus or train you are likely to use this bridge to move into the city as it connects the Santa Lucia Railway Station and Piazzale Roma Bus Station.

Ponte della Costituzione

TThe last and latest bridge connecting the Grand Canal is Ponte della Costituzione commonly called Calatrava Bridge. It crossed the Grand Canal at the terminus of 3 modes of transport - Buses, Boats and Railways. It is a long, sweeping curve of glass and steel designed to complement both the historic buildings on the Piazzale Roma side of the canal and the 1950s modernity of Venice's main railway station. Though it is considered the gateway to Venice, it has received much criticism as it is not luggage and wheelchair friendly.