Arsenale

While the larger part of this year's Architecture Biennale is concentrated in the Giardini pavilions, you would do well to head first to the appendix display in the old naval ship-building complex. Closed to the public except during the Biennale season, these vast and crumbling buildings provide a striking backdrop to the hi-tech exhibits and a fascinating glimpse of Venice's once-almighty marine industry which produced a warship a day at the height of the Republic's powers. Take a camera and prepare to be amazed.