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Guide to Venice
Venice (Venezia) is built on more than 100 different islands, fighting for survival as modern excesses in the region makes life here susceptible to the tides of the Adriatic. Things are not all that bad and the residents are, as always, coping well with living on the edge. Once a major player on the seaways of the world, traders brought great wealth to the city as the Venetians competed and won on the world stage. It was known as La Serenissima, or the Serene. The Venice of Old remains a memory in the washed and decrepit glory that loses colour with every tide. It is the astounding buildings constructed during the glorious age when the waterways and bridges were just being started that make Venice the wondrous destination.
There are so many things to see and do in Venice- the whole city is one massive sight with canals, narrow little streets, tiny squares and gondolas. UNESCO and other concerned groups are working to protect the city from sinking under the waters but it is a continuous struggle against the forces of the tide. St. Mark's Square is home to thousands of pigeons who roost in the ornate buildings around the edge of the square. More than 12 million people visit the square every year; there are occasions when the water comes up into the square- be prepared for wet feet. The body of St. Mark was rescued in the 8th century and the Basilica was built as a resting place for his body. It became one of the most ornate basilicas in the world with a spectacular fusion of eastern and western influenced architecture. There are five domes, it is decorated throughout with fine carvings, gold-lay mosaics and takes more than a day to really see what the fuss is all about.
One of the more poignant sights is The Bridge of Sighs, a walkway connecting the Doge's Palace with the prison; is so called because of the sadness and sighs of the prisoners as they crossed the bridge. The Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) was the residence of the Doge (leader) until the falling of the Venetian Republic in the late 1790s. The decadent features of the fancy apartments, fabulous artwork and the staterooms are a step back into the opulent wealth and glory of the Venetian past. The numerous museums of the city are housed in places such as the Doge’s Palace but there are others specifically built for the purpose of providing information on the Venetian past. The Museo Correrlocated on St. Mark's Square, is a museum dedicated to the history and art of Venice. The Museum of Querini Stampalia Scientific Foundation is an amazing collection of household objects from the 16th century that were bequeathed by the Querini-Stampalia family. There is a library, gallery of fine paintings and archives to explore.
From the history of the city to the modern equivalent of a phoenix rising from the ashes, La Fenice Opera House has been restored to its former glory com'era, dov'era as the Mayor of Venice said. The lush seats, brilliant golden mouldings and surrounds fit for great performers have been restored to their former glory and are now as they would have been, if not better than, when first constructed in the 1800s.
Venice is a great city to explore- with a history varying from the desperate to the glorious. This city was once a major instrument in world development, its people fought and made the city important to the rest of the known world. Visitors rediscover the glory days while wandering the narrow streets, feel part of the city when being punted along the narrow canals and get a sense of what it is like to live here while enjoying the nightlife with the locals.
Cultural events and festivals are held around the city throughout the year. Visitors should check with local tourist offices for further information and updates on any attractions mentioned:
Venice APT
Calle del Rimedio 4421,
Castello 5050,
30122 Venezia
+39 (0) 41 529 8700
There are so many things to see and do in Venice- the whole city is one massive sight with canals, narrow little streets, tiny squares and gondolas. UNESCO and other concerned groups are working to protect the city from sinking under the waters but it is a continuous struggle against the forces of the tide. St. Mark's Square is home to thousands of pigeons who roost in the ornate buildings around the edge of the square. More than 12 million people visit the square every year; there are occasions when the water comes up into the square- be prepared for wet feet. The body of St. Mark was rescued in the 8th century and the Basilica was built as a resting place for his body. It became one of the most ornate basilicas in the world with a spectacular fusion of eastern and western influenced architecture. There are five domes, it is decorated throughout with fine carvings, gold-lay mosaics and takes more than a day to really see what the fuss is all about.
One of the more poignant sights is The Bridge of Sighs, a walkway connecting the Doge's Palace with the prison; is so called because of the sadness and sighs of the prisoners as they crossed the bridge. The Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) was the residence of the Doge (leader) until the falling of the Venetian Republic in the late 1790s. The decadent features of the fancy apartments, fabulous artwork and the staterooms are a step back into the opulent wealth and glory of the Venetian past. The numerous museums of the city are housed in places such as the Doge’s Palace but there are others specifically built for the purpose of providing information on the Venetian past. The Museo Correrlocated on St. Mark's Square, is a museum dedicated to the history and art of Venice. The Museum of Querini Stampalia Scientific Foundation is an amazing collection of household objects from the 16th century that were bequeathed by the Querini-Stampalia family. There is a library, gallery of fine paintings and archives to explore.
From the history of the city to the modern equivalent of a phoenix rising from the ashes, La Fenice Opera House has been restored to its former glory com'era, dov'era as the Mayor of Venice said. The lush seats, brilliant golden mouldings and surrounds fit for great performers have been restored to their former glory and are now as they would have been, if not better than, when first constructed in the 1800s.
Venice is a great city to explore- with a history varying from the desperate to the glorious. This city was once a major instrument in world development, its people fought and made the city important to the rest of the known world. Visitors rediscover the glory days while wandering the narrow streets, feel part of the city when being punted along the narrow canals and get a sense of what it is like to live here while enjoying the nightlife with the locals.
Cultural events and festivals are held around the city throughout the year. Visitors should check with local tourist offices for further information and updates on any attractions mentioned:
Venice APT
Calle del Rimedio 4421,
Castello 5050,
30122 Venezia
+39 (0) 41 529 8700
VENICE MARCO POLO AIRPORT DETAILS
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