Sestieri

Venice is divided into six “sestieri” (districts). Be careful that often wrong maps are circulating on the web In particular Giudecca and Dorsoduro are the same sestiere and not two different ones.

Almost all of our houses are located in Cannaregio and Castello

San Marco: the tourist heart of the city, home to the famous St. Mark’s Square, the Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.
Cannaregio: the most populated district, authentic and less touristy, featuring the Jewish Ghetto and numerous quiet canals.
Castello: the largest sestiere, including the Biennale Gardens, the Arsenal, and residential areas away from mass tourism.
San Polo: small but lively, with the Rialto market and a network of streets animated by artisan workshops.
Dorsoduro: cultural area with important museums such as the Gallerie dell’Accademia and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, as well as Ca’ Foscari University.
Santa Croce: The least touristy of the districts, with a local and tranquil atmosphere, close to the Venice Mestre train station.

In Venice there are “sestieri” and not “quartieri” (districts) for historical reasons specific to Venice. The word “sestiere” comes from the Latin “sextarium,” meaning “sixth” or “a sixth part.” This name reflects the original division of the city into six distinct administrative parts.
This subdivision dates back to the 12th century, when Venice established this territorial organization for administrative, fiscal, and military purposes. Each sestiere had its own responsibilities in city defense and local management.

Other Italian cities have divisions called “quartieri” (from Latin “quartus,” meaning “fourth”) because traditionally they were divided into four parts. For example, Florence had four historical quarters. “Quartiere” originates from Roman military encampments (castra). These encampments were typically divided into four main sections by two roads that intersected at right angles. The term “Quartiere” (districts) originates from Roman military encampments (castra). These encampments were typically divided into four main sections by two roads that intersected at right angles. The name has stuck even though in cities today neighborhoods may number in the hundreds

Venice maintains this unique terminology as part of its cultural and historical identity, thus differentiating itself from all other Italian cities in the naming of its urban subdivisions.