For buildings adjoining the water, water entrances were the main access to transportation. They are doors into the buildings, attached to a set of water stairs. Sometimes the entrance can be more elaborate, as in the Ca' d'Oro, where there is an entire loggia between the water stairs and the door into the building.

1. Rio dei Miracoli at Rio San Canciano, Castello
Here the door's white stone threshold may be seen above the current water level.

2. Rio del Barettar, San Marco
Land transport right next to, but separate from, water traffic.

3. Palazzo Agnus Dio, from Rio Pesaro, Santa Croce
Some doors were well-decorated, as in this example of a roundel containg a lamb, from which the palazzo acquired its name.

4. Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista, Santa Croce
This entrance is on the canal adjoining the back of the scuola, while the main entrance for people and processions is on the other side of the building.

5. Looking south across Rio di S. Caterina from Fondamenta Zen, Cannaregio
Here the water entrance is common to two rows of houses making up a corte. Thus, there is no door.

6. Rio del Barettar, San Marco
Many water entrances have fallen out of use; some have now acquired decorative elements contrary to their original function.