Venice
Venice is quite simply unique. Built atop a series
of low mud banks and islands, ever at the mercy of
the tidal waters of the Adriatic, Venice and its beautiful
monuments to a long-lost Empire survive against the
odds.
To stroll past Venice's crumbling palazzos, to enjoy
the deserted piazzas of once-bustling communities,
and to inevitably get lost in the city's labyrinth
of alleyways, canals, and deadends can be both
an invigorating and eerie experience. All around cluster
the beautiful churches, houses, and shops of a timeless
city, but the underlying melancholy of decay and abandonment
is ever-present. Venice is a time capsule - a fading
snapshot of a once-proud, once-powerful trading empire,
but an empire that was in terminal decline over five
centuries ago.
Venice is a maritime city - its wealth was built
on trade, and the canals and gondolas are iconic features
of the city. The absence of cars makes Venice
a walkers paradise, although you are never far from
a water-taxi or gondolier should you wish to get about
more quickly. Vaparettos (water-taxis) make a great
and inexpensive way to get around.
The waters of the Adriatic have been Venice's
lifeblood for a thousand years, but they will also
write the city's death warrant. As time and tide
rot away the foundations of the city, its structures
are slowly, inexorably being reclaimed by the sea.
Every year the most exposed quarters are flooded,
while away in Rome Italy's politicians continue to
procrastinate about how to save this unique city.
Venice is literally sinking, and its long-term future
is uncertain.
One of the most flood-prone parts of the city - San
Marco - is also one of the most popular destinations
for Venice's tourists. Situated where the Grand Canal
meets the Canal della Guidecca, Piazza San Marco
is home to some of Venice's most impressive sights.
The Basilica San Marco dominates the northern
end of the piazza, and has stood witness to the processions,
festivals, and political events of the square for
the best part of one thousand years. Hailed as
one of Europe's finest buildings, the Basilica mixes
the styles of East and West both externally and internally,
with its domes, spires, and forest of columns. Highly
decorative coloured marble, mosaic-covered walls and
domes, and the gold and gem-encrusted altarpiece adorn
this monument to Venetian wealth.
From the roof of the Basilica fantastic views
of St. Mark's Square, the Campanile, the Doge's Palace
are on offer. The four mighty bronze Horses of
St. Mark's can also be seen up close - those outside
are replicas of the originals, which are now on view
in a special interior room. A great vantage point
to view the hustle and bustle of Venice's busiest
district.
Neighbouring the Basilica is the Palazzo Ducale
(Doges' Palace), where Venice's rulers lived from
the 9th century. The Gothic exterior was added
five centuries later, and it's distinctive design
(utilising pink Veronese marble) makes it one of the
city's most noticeable landmarks. The interior is
well worth a visit - the Sala dello Scudo features
map-covered walls and two giant globes, the torture
chamber bears grisly testimony to the darker side
of Venetian politics, and the magnificent hall of
the Great Council is decorated with ceiling and wall
frescoes.
The nearby tower known as the Campanile provides
the best birds eye view of Venice - on a clear
day you can see over the rooftops of the city to the
Alps in the far distance. Below is the splendour of
the Palazzo Ducale and Basilica San Marco, the impressive
expanse of Piazza San Marco, and the busy waterways
of the Venetian Lagoon.
The original Campanile stood on this spot for an incredible
800 years and from its roof Galileo demonstrated his
telescope in 1609. Other visitors to the Campanile
were less lucky - prisoners in medieval times were
hung in a cage near the top and left to rot. The
Campanile also acted as a lighthouse for the busy
shipping lanes around the city, but in 1902 collapsed
with little warning. Rebuilt 'as it was, where it
was' in 1912, the 'new' Campanile has a lift and (thankfully)
improved foundations!
The famed Rialto Bridge is a short walk from San
Marco, and it remains one of the busiest areas of
the city. Markets (check out the fish market on
the Camp della Pescheria), watertaxis, locals, and
of course tourists all bustle for space here - not
surprisingly, as this is a great spot to take photos
and enjoy the spectacle of activity on the Grand Canal.
Venice is far more than a collection of sights however,
and the most rewarding way to experience what this
faded jewel has to offer is simply to walk the alleyways
and ride the water-taxis, soaking up the atmosphere
of the ancient city and marvelling at the generations
of endeavour that created this unique place. Outlying
islands (such as the excellent Burano, with
its multi-coloured houses and seafood restaurants)
and forgotten corners add a sense of discovery to
your explorations, and a different Venetian experience
often lies just around the next corner.
Don't Miss...
- A gondola ride - sure it's touristy, but
it's also a great way to see the charms of the city
up close. Remember that Venetians got around this
way for centuries, so swallow the steep charge and
enjoy!
- Basilica of San Marco - a 1,000 year old
masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Free entry,
but do pay the extra charge to see the Pala d'Oro
and to access the loggia (balcony) overlooking St.
Mark's Square.
- The Campanile - a 'must see' for the views
over Venice and the lagoon.
- The Palazzo Ducale - the palace where the
Doge and his Great Council ruled this maritime empire.
- Exploring the 'back streets' - getting
away from the crowds is a must, and is surprisingly
easy to do. Areas such as the Campo Santa Margherita,
Campo Santo Stefano, and Campo Santi Giovanni e
Paolo (to name but three of many) provide a great
place to relax with a coffee or gelati and watch
the locals at work and play.
- Visiting an outlying island - Burano is
a brightly coloured, traditional fishing island
an hour from San Marco. For those who want to lie
on the beach, the far side of the Lido has a large,
sandy expanse. Murano is famed for its fine glassware.
- Ca' Rezzonico - renovated to reflect the
glory of its past as a fine 18th century palace,
Ca' Rezzonico provides the best opportunity to see
the wealth of Venice's ruling families on display.
Even if you stroll through with barely a pause you'll
be amazed by the art, architecture, furnishings,
and frescoes of this palazzo overlooking the Grand
Canal.
- Visiting one of the top galleries - Venice
has a wealth of art on display, and the Accademia
(Renaissance) and Guggenheim
(Modern) are two of the more popular galleries.
- Using the vaporetto network - the equivalent
of any other city's bus network, the vaporettos
of Venice are a great and affordable way to enjoy
the sights. A uniquely Venetian way of getting around.
- Wandering in to one of the amazing churches
- Venice is dotted with ancient churches, most of
which contain world-class art, statuary, monuments,
and the kind of atmosphere that only a centuries-old
building rich with history can possess.
Affordable Venice
Spring and early summer are a great time to experience
Venice, which can be overrun in July and August.
Check out our cheap
airlines guide for flight information. Hotel
Connect offers accommodation options. Also check
out your local travel agent and also travel
websites for other special deals.
Arriving
Most visitors will either arrive at Marco Polo
airport on the Italian mainland (from where it
is a short boat trip to Venice itself), or at the
railway station on Venice. The latter is handily
placed for a vaparetto ride on services 1 or
82 that (going right to left) will take you along
the Grand Canal towards San Marco - a great way to
be introduced to Venice.
More Information
Visit Venice
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Venice Today.
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