Venice, a unique city built on water in the middle of a lagoon, is considered one of Italy’s most beautiful travel destinations. It just seems that ‘romance’ is a full synonym to its name.
Of course the complex network of canals is the city’s major attraction; Venice’s history is her water.
Grand Canal winds through Venice connecting all major sights but only has three bridges crossing it – at the train station, the Rialto Bridge and the Accademia Bridge. So in case you’ll need to get to the other bank, taking a traghetto (gondola) will be a good solution. Regatta on Venetian Grand Canal reverberating to the applause and shouts of the onlookers with the gondoliers contesting for supremacy, is a spectacular event. However, if you are interested in a gondola ride for yourself, we’d recommend taking one outside the tourist core where the views are as good and the cost less than near St. Mark’s or along the Grand Canal. Moreover, restaurants in Venice’s neighbourhoods serve delicious meals for lower prices.
The heart of Venice is Piazza San Marco with its impressive church. The lowest point in Venice, it is the first to flood during Acqua Alta (high water) from the Adriatic, or even heavy rains. The landmark is extremely popular with tourists, photographers, and… pigeons.
The buildings around the Piazza include such architectural monuments as the Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Basilica, St Mark’s Clocktower and the Biblioteca Marciana, museums and cafes.
St Mark’s Basilica is the most famous of the churches of Venice attracting constant and lavish attention among those who travel Italy. For its turgid design, gilded Byzantine mosaics (with tiles no larger than 1/4 inch across), and its status as a symbol of Venetian wealth and power the building is known by the nickname Chiesa d’Oro (Church of gold).
The church is based on a Greek cross inscribed in a square with each arm emphasized by a dome of its own. (This is based on Justinian’s Basilica of the Apostles in Constantinople.)
In about 1254 the Horses of Saint Mark were installed on the basilica, dating to Classical Antiquity.
An interesting tradition connected with the Venice can be observed in the old mountain village of Rovereto Veneziana on the last days of July through to early August. The place becomes mediaeval Venice for a few days, copying everything about it, including historical costumes and tools.
