The city of Venice, located in Italyis unique in the world. The city, which is largely built on stilts, is known worldwide for its historic city center with many waterways. A gondola cruise through Venice is considered by many to be one of the most romantic trips you can make. The operators make good use of this by charging very high rates. They know you probably won’t refuse anyway, because what’s a holiday in Venice without a gondola ride? Besides the unique appearance of the city, Venice is also distinguished by the Venice Carnival. This twelve-day festival dates back to the year 1268. The masks are characteristic of the Venetian carnival, which makes them a popular souvenir for a city trip to the city on the water.
Venice ‘s Top 10 Things to Do
#1. Grand Canal
According to topschoolsintheusa, the Grand Canal can rightly be called the main artery of Venice. This traffic route is about 4 kilometers long and meanders through different neighborhoods of Venice. You can of course follow a touristic route with a real Venetian gondola or a slightly cheaper Vaporetto (boat). Because traffic used to carry a lot over this Grand Canal, the facades on this water side often have the most beautiful view. Bacino Orseolo is the boarding point for all gondolas. A trip through this canal will take you past many historical sites such as Ca’ d’Oro, Pallazzo Foscai, Doge’s Palace, Ca’Dario, Palazzo Vendramin-Calergi, Ca’Rezzonico, Palazzo dei Camerlenghi and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute.
#2. Piazza San Marco
The most important and most famous square in Venice is Piazza San Marco . It is said that Napoleon even called it “the salon of Europe”. On the square is the great cathedral of Venice, namely St. Mark’s Basilica, the entrance to the Doge’s Palace and Torro dell’Orologio. The Campanile of Venice is an almost 100 meters high bell tower, which also stands on St. Mark’s Square. The tower can be climbed for a beautiful view of Venice. On the edge of the square are several terraces, shops and other catering establishments. The San Marco square is regularly flooded by the rising water.
#3. Doge
‘s Palace The Doge’s Palace is located in Piazza San Marco. This used to be the palace of the leader of the Republic of Venice and the most important decisions for Venice were made here. Now it is a very nice museum where you have to take the time.
#4. San Marco Basilica
On the main square of Venice ‘Piazza San Marco’ is the overwhelming Basilica San Marco. It is the most famous church in the city. Although the basilica has been built, rebuilt and then destroyed several times, the first phase of the present-day basilica dates from 1063. Over the centuries, many adjustments have been made and the appearance has changed several times. Various influences, including the oriental, can be found in this very beautiful historic building. A good example of this is Clock Tower de Campanile.
#5. Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is the most famous and also the oldest bridge in the city of Venice that crosses the Grand Canal. The Grand Canal is the largest and most important canal in the city. The bridge has been there since 1181 and was then a raft bridge that was movable. Later it was replaced by a wooden bridge, which was later replaced by a stone bridge. The current bridge was designed by Antonio da Ponte.
#6. Cannaregio
The Cannaregio district is considered the authentic Venice. The canal of Canneregio, from which this part takes its name, used to be the place through which tourists entered Venice. The Ghetto district, which is the Jewish quarter, also belongs to this district. This district is split into three parts, Ghetto Nove (oldest), Ghetto Vechio (new) and Ghetto Nuovissimo (newest). Here, too, the Jews were not spared during the Second World War, about two hundred Jews were deported. Three of the five synagogues have now been converted into museums.
#7. Dorsoduro
Dorsoduro is a district in Venice that also includes the island of Giudecca. There is a long pleasant promenade on the Giudecca canal. Several beautiful buildings and palaces adorn this district. The 17th century Ca’ Rezzonico is now a museum of Venetian art. Gallerie dell’Accademia and Palazzo Venier dei Leoni with the Peggy Guggenheim collection are examples of what else to visit in this district. The beautiful impressive Basilica Santa Maria della Salute should certainly not be missed.
#8. Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
The Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is a very large 15th century church with bell tower. It is located in the San Polo district. Various special paintings such as ‘Madonna di Ca’Pesaro’ and triptychs by Giovanni Bellini can be admired there. There are graves of various greats, including the composer Claudio Monteverdi, the sculptor Antonio Canova and the painter Titian.
#9. Teatro La Fenice
The world famous opera theater of Venice is Teatro La Fenice. In 1744, the first opera theater in Venice burned down completely. In 1792 there was a new theater which was named ‘La Fenice’. In the 19th century, operas by Bellini, Rossini and Donizetti were premiered here. Unfortunately, it burned down again in 1836 and this disaster struck again in 1996. La Fenice was completely rebuilt in the 19th century style to a design by Aldo Rossi. By means of old photos, the allure of that time has been brought back into the design as it is today. The first production was ‘La Traviata’ in 2004. Opinions about the end result are divided.
#10. Murano
The island of Murano is known for its glassblowers. Ever since the Middle Ages, the worldwide known handmade glassware has been made on Murano. On Murano you can visit the workshops and shops of the glassblowers, as well as the glass museum.
