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.
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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 Word, Venice World or In Venice Today.
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