The Grand Canal, known in Italian as Canal Grande, is the most important and famous waterway in Venice, Italy. This iconic canal winds through the city in a large reverse-S shape,. It's lined with splendid buildings dating from the 13th to the 18th century, reflecting the wealth and artistry of the Republic of Venice. Not only a picturesque marvel, but the Grand Canal also serves as a vital artery for transportation within the city, where gondolas and vaporetti (water buses) are a common sight, carrying locals and tourists alike.