Piccola Venezia (Little Venice) is crossed with small canals built during the 17th century using Venetian methods of reclaiming land from the sea. At the heart sits the remains of the Medici-era Fortezza Nuova . Canals link it with the waterfront Fortezza Vecchia , built 60 years before the Fortezza Nuova. The waterways are huge fun to explore; either from canal-side footpaths or by tour boat, shabby-chic panoramas emerge of faded, peeling apartments draped with brightly coloured washing, interspersed with waterside cafes.
End Little Venice explorations on a high on gorgeous Piazza dei Domenicani , across the bridge at the northern end of Via Borra. Chiesa di Santa Catarina , with its ancient, thick stone walls, stands sentry on the western side of the square as it did for the Medicis four centuries ago.
