It seems that the first inhabitants settled on a group of islets, when in the eleventh century, there were born the first markets and the district became the commercial heart of Venezia.
San Polo is still today one of the most lively and characteristic districts (sestieri) of the city, in fact, among the many streets we find outdoor markets, shops, bacari (as the local pubs are called), as well as being also the center of the city's financial activities.
Santa Croce, on the other hand, is much more similar to the Venetian hinterland.
