The most northerly district of Venice and the gateway to the city, Cannaregio holds over a third of the city's population and is within close proximity to the mainland, accessible by road and train from Santa Lucia Station, which lies in the heart of this district. One of its main attractions is the Gothic church, Madonna dell'Orto, or Madonna of the Garden, so called after a statue of the Virgin Mary that was believed to have miraculous powers was found in a neighbouring garden. The church contains numerous works of great importance; in particular, a large collection of masterpieces by Tintoretto, who is also buried here.
A short walk south leads to the Ghetto, the old Jewish quarter where all the Jews of Venice were ordered to live in the fourteenth century. Although briefly liberated in 1797 by Napoleon, they were only fully emancipated in 1866 with the Unification of Italy. The Jewish Museum and Gallery highlight the history of the Jewish community in Venice.
Further east still is the remarkable Roman Catholic church, the Gesuiti. Its beautiful interior walls are inlaid with marble, which took 15 years to complete. Heading south, towards the Grand Canal, another port of call should be the impressive Gothic palace, the Ca' d'Oro, which houses a fine collection of paintings and carvings. Nearby, the busy Strada Nova offers the best in Italian shopping for fashion, jewellery and shoes.