Introduction
Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Built
on more then a hundred islands, the city's architecture is a mixture
of Renaissance, Byzantine, and Gothic styles. In Venice as in
no other city, the reality proves to be yet more impressive than
the publicity. Romantics simply must travel in vaporetti, the
city's 'water buses' or take a 'traghetto' gondola to cross the
width of the Grand Canal in truly romantic style. There are many
other attractions; museums, concerts and the Venetian Carnival
to enjoy. The best time of year to visit the city is during the
spring and autumn when the weather is cooler and the crowds are
fewer.
There's no escaping it: Venice
is unique. For a start, this is a pedestrian's city on a very
human scale; cars are almost nonexistent, and beguiling narrow
paths take the place of ugly city roads. The harmonious architecture
seems to have sprung uniformly from somewhere between the 12th
and 16th century, its secretive walls and enticing balconies sparkling
with flashes of water glimpsed through cracks and windows. Dark
paths suddenly emerge into the clear, bright daylight of a pigeon-packed
piazza or cross the city's myriad canals by way of numerous and
wonderful little bridges. The atmosphere is magical and inexplicably
festive.
The city is built on 117
small islands, and is linked to the mainland service town of Mestre
by a road and rail causeway. The Grand Canal insinuates itself
around the city, emerging at the unforgettable vista of Piazza
San Marco, boasting its campanile, Doges' Palace, St Mark's Basilica
and elegant piazza. The Bridge of Sighs links the palace to the
gloomy old prisons, and the bobbing gondolas are overlooked by
the stunning Santa Maria della Salute, San Giorgio Maggiore and
del Redentore churches. It takes only half an hour or so to walk
from the train station to San Marco - if you can resist the temptation
to take one of the many paths that diverge from the main drag
(Lista di Spagna). To appreciate the fine palaces that line the
Grand Canal, swallow your 'but I'm not really a tourist' phlegm
and take a gondola.
The Accademia Bridge leads
to a quieter Venice and the Galleria dell'Accademia, with its
collection of Venetian masters. The nearby Peggy Guggenheim Gallery
updates your walk through history and art, with its fine collection
of early-20th-century works.
Venice is surrounded by equally
enchanting islands: the Lido (forever linked with Tommy Mann,
Dirk and Death in Venice), Murano (the home of Venetian glass),
Burano (famous for its lace) and strangely time-warped Torcello,
with its Byzantine cathedral.
Population : 65,000
Area : 7.6 sq km (3 sq mi)
Country : Italy
Main language : Italian
Time : GMT/UTC+1
Telephone Area Code : 39-041
When to Go Venice
Like Italy's other great tourist hubs, Venice is at its worst
in high summer (June-August): it's crowded, hot and sticky. The
most pleasant time of year to visit is late March into May, with
clear spring days and comparatively fewer crowds. September is
the next best in terms of weather, but October is quieter. Flooding
occurs in November and December, and winter can be unpleasantly
cold - but seeing Venice under snow is the stuff of fairy tales.
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| Venice
Italy Attraction Guide |
St Mark's Basilica
St Mark's has to be one of the most spectacular houses of worship
in the world, attesting to the Venetian Republic's former maritime
and commercial might. Adorned with an incredible array of plundered
treasures, the seething mass of domes and arches was modelled
on Constantinople's Church of the Twelve Apostles and consecrated
in 1094.
The basilica is famous for its golden mosaics, particularly those
above the doorways in the facade and decorating the interior domes.
The interior is indeed dazzling: if you can take your eyes off
the glitter of the mosaics, take time to admire the 12th-century
marble pavement. The basilica's many treasures include the gleaming
Pala d'Oro altarpiece of gold, enamel and precious jewels.
The Tesoro (Treasury) contains most of the booty from the 1204
raid on Constantinople, including a thorn said to have come from
the crown worn by Christ. On the loggia above the main door are
copies of the delightful prancing horses that were also hijacked
from Constantinople (the gilded-bronze originals are on display
inside).
The basilica's 10th-century campanile collapsed without warning
on 14 July 1902, and was rebuilt brick by brick over the following
10 years. Take the lift to the top for some fabulous views over
the rooftops and lagoon.
St Mark's Square
Napoleon dubbed St Mark's Square the 'finest drawing room in Europe',
and visitors and pigeons alike have been flocking here for centuries
to strut and crow. The square has a constant carnival atmosphere,
thanks to the cacophony of the ceaseless parade, the duelling
cafe orchestras of Florian and Quadri, and the hourly clanking
of the bronze Mori (Moors) as they strike the bell of the 15th-century
Torre dell'Orologio.
Now that most visitors arrive in Venice via the railway station,
the magical symbolism of the waterside Piazzetta San Marco has
to a great extent been lost. The piazzetta's two columns bear
emblems of the city's patron saints: the winged lion of St Mark
and the figure of St Theodore. St Mark's Square is one of the
lowest parts of the city, and so is always the first to be covered
in water when the acqua alta (high tide) arrives - a magical sight
on a moonlit night!
Basilica di San Marco
Piazza San Marco, Venice
Tel: +39 41 52252 05
One of the most precious Christian relics, the body of St. Mark,
was recovered by a miracle and, buried beneath the Basilica di
San Marco. The church is a gem of Venice and a symbol of the power
and wealth that Venice once attained. The outside is elaborately
decorated with beautiful marble and amazing mosaics, including
one from the 13th century. Inside there are an endless amount
of mosaics on the walls and ceiling, which help to dim the natural
light to create a mysterious, exotic atmosphere. Also inside is
the Pala d’Oro which should not be missed, as the 10th-century
golden alterpiece is embellished with nearly 2000 precious gems
and 255 enameled panels.
Palazzo Ducale
Piazza San Marco, Venice
Tel: +39 41 52249 51
The Doges Palace served as the official Venetian residence of
the Doges, who were the elected officials of the former Venetian
Republic. This splendid, Gothic-style palace was a showplace for
the artistry, architecture and craftmanship of the day. In addition
to living quarters, the palace contained offices, meeting rooms,
law courts and its infamous prison cells, which are connected
to the palace by the Bridge of Sighs.
Canal Grande Venice
Illustrating the uniqueness
of Venice, this great 'road of water' is the most beautiful street
in Venice. One can glide along the Grand Canal and be surrounded
by the most opulent architecture. The atmosphere is absolutely
unforgettable, as the splendour of the Grand Canal is unparalleled.
To meander along the canal by gondola is literally to take a journey
through Venetian history.
Galleria Dell' Accademia
Campo della Carita, Accademia, Dorsoduro, Venice
Tel: +39 41 52222 47
This amazing gallery contains
the finest collection of Venetian art. You can see renowned works,
such as 'Pieta' by Titian, 'The Tempest' by Giorgione, Veronese's
'Christ in the House of Levi', and Bellini's 'Madonna Enthroned'.
24 separate rooms house works by all the great Venetian artists.
Ponte di Rialto
Over the Grand Canal, Venice
Arched high over the Grand
Canal, Ponte di Rialto is the most famous of the city's bridges.
Built severn times, today's bridge was constructed by Antonio
di Ponte in 1591. It is in the centre of the city's old trading
area and trades such as wine, coal and iron are still reflected
in the nearby street names. To this day, shops are strung along
this famous bridge, selling jewellery, linens and Murano glass.
Chiesa dei Frari
Campo dei Frari, San Polo, Venice
Tel: +39 41 52226 37
Due to the size and style
of this massive church, i Frari is often compared with the Church
of San Giovanni e Paolo. The architecture displays fine detail
around the plain brickwork, but due to the sheer size of the building
it appears rather rigid and plain, although nonetheless pleasing
to the eye. The outside appearance is reflective of the Franciscan
lifestyle, which focused on spirituality and poverty. Inside,
there are Venetian treasures including the extraordinary Titian
altarpieces and Bellini’s Madonna and Four Saints.
Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni
3259 Castello, Venice
Tel: +39 41 52288 28
This structure was once a brotherhood devoted to charitable works.
Here, between 1502 and 1507 AD Vittore Carpaccio painted an exceptionally
interesting series of paintings, known as the Cycle of St. George.
Other works of Carpaccio are also displayed, showing the beautiful
colour and vitality ever present in his works. St. George and
the Dragon is a favourite, as the painting demonstrates the romance
and courage of heroic chivalry.
Scuola di San Rocco
Campo San Rocco, San Polo 3058, Venice
Tel: +39 41 52348 64
This school of painting is richly decorated with Tintoretto’s
mystically spiritualistic paintings from the 16th century. Tintoretto
was skilled in embodying emotions into his paintings drawn from
emotive chapters in the Bible.
Ca' d' Oro
Calle della Ca' d' Oro, 3933 Cannaregio, Venice
Tel: +39 41 52387 90
This Venetian Gothic palace displays incredible opulence with
its elegant Gothic architecture and decor. The mansion was given
the name Ca’ d’Oro or House of Gold because the fa?ade
was once gilded, but over time it has suffered from erosion. Through
restoration, the original majestic colours of the fa?ade reflect
in the Grand Canal once again. Ca’ d’ Oro houses the
Franchetti Gallery, which is dedicated to Venetian Byzantine Art.
Among this gallery’s fine collection of paintings, sculptures
and Flemish tapestries is the renowned Saint Sebastian by Mantegna.
Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo
Campo dei San Giovanni e Paolo, Venice
Formerly known as the Campo delle Maravege (marvels), this square
is appropriately full of wonderful sights. The grand sculpture
by Verrocchio, Monumento di Bartolomeo Colleoni, now stands in
the square. The infamous John Ruskin praised Verrocchio’s
sculpture as 'one of the noblest works in Italy.' Also the largest
church in Venice is located here; the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni
e Paolo.
Santa Maria della Salute
Campo della Salute, Dorduro, Venice
Tel: +39 41 42379 51
The Ciesa di Santa Maria della Salute is a famousVenetian landmark,
guarding the entrance to the Grand Canal. After the 1630 plague
subsided, this gigantic, white, domed 17th–century church
was designed by Longhena and officially dedicated to Our Lady
of Good Health. This majestic church demonstrates serenity and
grandeur through its bold Baroque architectural style.
Ca' Rezzonico
Fondamenta Pedrocco, 3136 Dorsoduro, Venice
Tel: +39 41 24101 00
This gigantic Baroque mansion contains the most dazzling ballroom
in Venice. Also inside is the Museo del Settecento Veneziano,
which is home to a number of fine pieces from 18th-century Venetian
artists, including an admirable series of frescoes by Tiepolo.
Chiesa di San Sebastiano
Campo San Sebasiano, Dorsoduro, Venice
Tel: +39 41 52824 87
Rich decoration embellishes the inside of this 16th-century church
where the painter Veronese established his reputation by painting
amazing frescoes whilst still in his twenties. Veronese continued
to produce astounding works within the church, throughout his
career and was eventually buried here. The opulent nature of Veronese’s
art beautifies the church and makes it so unique.
Chiesa di San Zaccaria
Campo San Zaccaria, Castello, Venice
Tel: +39 41 52212 57
This is a wonderful church built in the 15th century and
incorporates the former 9th-century church that was originally
on this site. The inside is literally covered with paintings including
Bellini’s 'Sacra Conversazione' and Tiepolo's 'Flight into
Egypt'. |
| Venice
Italy Transportation |
Getting There & Away
Most visitors flying into Venice land at Marco Polo airport, 12km
(7.5mi) from Venice. A few charter flights land at Treviso's tiny
airport, about 35km (21.5mi) north of Venice.Direct trains call
a halt at Venice's Stazione di Santa Lucia (known in Venice simply
as the ferrovia) from Padua, Verona, Milan, Bologna, Switzerland
and France; Paris-Venice takes 9.5 hours, including the change
at Milan. If you're coming from the east (Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary
and beyond) you will need to change at Trieste.
The legendary Orient Express runs between Venice and London via
Verona, Zurich and Paris twice weekly from March to November.
At the other end of the scale you can arrive in Venice by bus,
deposited at Piazzale Roma. It's marginally cheaper than train,
but being stuck on a bus for 30 hours from London doesn't sound
like too much fun (unless it's a double-decker).Driving into Italy,
the main points of entry are the Mont Blanc tunnel from France
at Chamonix (currently closed following the March 1999 fire),
the Grand St Bernard tunnel from Switzerland and the Brenner Pass
from Austria.
Once in Italy, the A4 is the quickest way to reach Venice from
east or west, connecting Turin with Trieste, and passing through
Milan and Mestre. Once over the Ponte della Libert? from Mestre,
cars must be left at one of the huge, hideously expensive car
parks in Piazzale Roma or on the island of Tronchetto.
Getting Around
Few cities reward walkers so generously as Venice: get ready to
pound those antique pavements! Don't bother following the interminable
signs directing you to 'San Marco', 'the Rialto', 'the Ferrovia'
or all three at once - get lost in the timeless backstreets, dead-end
alleys, canalside fondamente and deserted squares that make up
the real Venice.
Vaporetto is the other essential method of getting around, and
it can be equally rewarding: you won't find too many public transport
routes as unforgettable as vaporetto No 1's trip along the Grand
Canal.
Taking a ride in a gondola is corny, expensive, embarrassing and
... well, if you really want to, why not? Water taxis are almost
as expensive as gondolas, but their pilots don't wear stripy shirts
and sing 'O Sole Mio'. |
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