7 minute read
EXPLORE VENICE ITALY
By Kathy Fox
PHOTOS BY KATHY FOX
Venice — one of the most beautiful cities in the world is a living museum. The Venetian history is remarkable, and the city’s architecture is awe-inspiring. The city is comprised of six sestieri or districts including more than 100 small islands and 150 canals in the marshy lagoons of the Adriatic Sea in northeastern Italy. Venice is a city of canals and is also known as the “City of Bridges” or “City of Water.” As a result, you will see no automobiles.
Transportation around the city is convenient by water bus or one can travel easily on foot. During your visit, there will be a lot of walking so be prepared. It takes approximately 30 minutes to walk directly from one end to the other, so bring comfortable walking shoes. The maze of alleys will lead you on an adventure of a lifetime discovering one of the most romantic and beloved cities on earth.
As you discover the Grand Canal, which winds through the middle of Venice and was once the city's main thoroughfare, be sure to soak up the palazzos or palaces of the Grand Canal. They feature some of the most remarkable architecture of the 13th-century Venetian aristocracy. Many are named after distinguished Venetian families with most being museums, hotels, or shops these days. One of the most magnificent architectural examples along the Grand Canal is the Ca’ d’Oro, meaning house of gold. Built in the 15th century, it's a fine example of Venetian Gothic architecture. The Ca’ d’Oro houses some of the masterpieces of Renaissance sculptures such as the Giorgio Franchetti Art Collection.
The Rialto Bridge is at the heart of Venice and has been a busy part of the city for centuries. Until the Academia Bridge was built in 1854, the Rialto Bridge was the only way to cross the Grand Canal by foot. The solid stone bridge began in 1588, took three years to construct, and replaced the boat bridge from the 12th century. Today there are many shops around the bridge, and it is an excellent spot to find Venetian glass jewelry and souvenirs. The Rialto Bridge also offers a breathtaking view of the Grand Canal and is one of the most photogenic spots in Venice.
San Marco, one of the most well-known sestiere, is on the southern border of the Grand Canal. San Marco was Venice’s judicial and political center and is still considered the heart of Venice. The Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark’s Square, is a tourist mecca and a familiar scene in many movies. While exploring San Marco, make time to stop at Harry’s Bar and order a drink from their impressive collection of sophisticated cocktails, Italian wines, and beer. Harry’s has had a long list of colorful history since it opened in 1931 and has had clientele like Ernest Hemingway, Orson Welles, and Truman Capote.
The St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace are two of the most spectacular buildings in the square. Dating to the 9th century, they feature lavish carvings, majestic statues, and masterful mosaics. Napoleon once described the square as “the most elegant drawing room in Europe” and it was the only square worthy of being labeled a piazza, others were simply called campi or fields. While visiting the square step back in time and tour these wonderful historic structures. Want a VIP experience, book the Secret Tour of the Doge’s Palace for a behind-the-scenes look at prison life. Learn the Doge’s best-kept secrets, walk the Bridge of Sighs, and see the torture chambers. And buy the skip-theline tickets for the basilica, it’s worth it!
Another famous architectural landmark in the square is the glorious St. Mark’s Clock Tower. For more than 500 years the large astronomical clock, a 15th-century marvel of technology and engineering, has stood tall in Venice displaying the time, phase of the moon, and dominant sign of the Zodiac. To this day, the original bell rings. Nearby is St. Mark’s Campanile, the bell tower. The original tower was completed during the 12th century and stood so high at 98.6 meters that it was used as a lighthouse to guide ships home. The current tower was reconstructed in 1912 after the previous tower collapsed in 1902. For a fantastic view of the entire city and lagoon, the top is a short elevator ride away.
St. Mark is the patron saint of Venice and the lion is his symbol. Visitors will find symbolic winged lions in honor of the saint throughout San Marco Square and Venice. Today, the square offers many luxury hotels, restaurants, and shops. Tucked away just west of the Piazza is Palazzo Contarini de Bolvo, which is known for its spectacular spiral staircase, and La Fenice, the city’s oldest theatre house built in 1792.
A trip to Venice wouldn’t be complete without visiting Murano, Burano, and Torcello, neighboring islands in the Venetian lagoon a boat tour that delivers a lesson in tradition and history. Murano is where glassmaking has been since the 8th century. A visit to one of the Murano glass-making factories should be on the list. The glassmaking demonstrations will leave you in awe of this art passed down for generations. Burano consists of five small islands and is known for its brightly pastel-colored houses and lace production. In the 16th century, the lace of Burano became the most sought-after handcrafted product throughout Europe. Torcello was the first to be populated after the fall of the Roman Empire and the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, built in the 7th century, is the oldest surviving structure in the Venetian lagoon. It also represents a significant example of Venetian Byzantine architecture and the golden mosaics and prestigious marble on the inside are stunning.
VENICE BUCKET LIST
1. Visit St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco)
2. Explore St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)
3. Tour the Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
4. Take a vaporetto (water bus) or water taxi ride along the Grand Canal.
5. Visit the Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)
6. Enjoy a Gondola Ride
7. Discover the Peggy Guggenheim Collection
8. Explore the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello
9. Wander off the beaten path and explore the hidden squares, charming cafés, and shops
10. Attend a Venetian Mask Workshop
Venice offers a world of cultural exploration. As you lose yourself wandering the alleys, be sure to find some gelato and have a cappuccino! It’s the best you will ever have. The months of May and September are a splendid time to explore Venice and its wonders. If you are ready for Italy's grandest celebration, mark February on your calendar. That's when the 10-day Carnevale di Venezia, featuring exquisite Venetian masks and an unparalleled masquerade ball, unfolds in all its glory. The picturesque canals, charming bridges, and historic buildings of the magnificent City of Water are awaiting your arrival. Ciao!
