Venice City, Italy
About Venice City
Venice is a beautiful city located in northeast Italy that is famous for its intricate transport system of interconnected canals. A perfect setting for a magical Valentines break. It has been described as the most beautiful city built by man and one of Europe’s most romantic cities. Venice is also known for its art, architecture and culture. So you’ll never be short of something to do in the “City of Bridges”.
The "City of Bridges", as it is usually called, stretches along the mouths of the Po and the Piave rivers.
Out of the 270,000 inhabitants, about 62,000 live in the historical center, or city of Venice, about 176,000 live in the mainland or "Terraferma", behind the lagoon, in locations like Mestre and Marghera, and all others live on islands throughout the lagoon (there are about 100 islands around Venice).
Also known as a famous place for sweethearts, lovers, artists and poets, Venice is a magical city, which stretches across numerous small islands. It is often refered to as the city of "gondole", which are the means of transportation used to cross the numerous canals passing through the city.
The canal is lined with beautiful buildings and churches some of which date back as far as the 13th century. You’ll also see the Rialto Bridge that was the only bridge to cross the canal until the 19th century and was mentioned in Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice”. You could also visit Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari which is one of the greatest churches in Venice. It has Gothic architecture and a beautiful red brick exterior and also houses many excellent examples of Renaissance art, including Titian’s Madonna di Ca’ Pesaro.
Another important feature of Venice is the manufacturing of glass on the Murano island, an artisan activity which has made the city one of the biggest producers of glass in Europe; the unique high-quality materials they use and the craftsmanship are unrivaled.
Things To Do In Venice City
.Saint Mark's Basilica
This elaborate church sits on the popular piazza by the same name. The church was built in honor of Saint Mark the evangelist, whose remains were stolen from their home in Alexandria, Egypt, and hidden in barrels of pork by a couple crafty Venetians, intent on bringing him to rest in Venice.
. Grand Canal
Considered to be the main street of Venice, the 2-mile-long Grand Canal is one of the city's most popular and highly photographed attractions. Recent travelers recommend hiring a gondolier for a romantic (but expensive) row along the canal. Many others suggested getting the vaporetto, or the public waterbus, for a cheaper ride. Vaporetto lines No. 1 and 2 go down the Grand Canal, and travel experts strongly recommend purchasing a travel card if you don't plan on walking the entirety of your trip due to the high cost of one-way fare. Whichever mode of transportation you chose, travelers agree that the Grand Canal is a magnificent site and must be experienced during your trip.
. Rialto Bridge
Several centuries ago, if you wanted to cross the Grand Canal, the Rialto bridge was the only way. Now there are other options, including the Accademia Bridge. The bridge's current incarnation is the handiwork of Antonio da Ponte, whose name translates to "Anthony of the Bridge," is built entirely of marble after collapsing multiple times from previous wooden designs. Predicted to fail by critics, the bridge still stands and is considered an engineering marvel.
. Teatro La Fenice
The Teatro La Fenice is one of Italy's most popular opera houses, and one that has almost faced its demise from not one, but two big fires throughout the course of its lifetime. Locals and visitors alike joke at the name (which translates to Theater of the Phoenix), and how it has coincides with the theater's unfortunate history: like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, La Fenice has lived on.
. Campanile di San Marco
This particular bell tower was constructed in the early 20th century, as a replica of the 15th-century original. The former one provided a stage for Galileo Galilei's presentation of the telescope; it also served as a stage for tight rope walkers who would humor the doge with their feats during the flight of the Angel celebration. Today's campanile is used for sightseers desiring a Venetian panorama — though one without canals; oddly, the canals are obscured from so high up. Going to the top of the tower costs 11 euros (about $13.20) for adults and and7 euros (about $8.40) for students 26 and younger. The tower is accessible by elevator and stairs. Most visitors say the attraction is well worth your time and makes for a great photo. To avoid crowds, travelers say it's best to go early in the morning or later in the evening. Hours vary by season.
Best Food To Eat In Venice City
** .Sarde in Saor**
The sarde in saor is a classic Italian antipasto that you absolutely have to try. This dish of sweet and sour sardines are cooked in a tangy sauce containing an eclectic mix of ingredients, such as onions, pine nuts, and raisins.
. Bigoli in Salsa
A signature dish of Venice, the bigoli in salsa is made with whole wheat bigoli pasta, onions, and salt-cured fish. Traditionally, sardines was used in the preparation of this dish, but the anchovy is more commonly used today.
. Fegato alla Veneziana
Calf liver may be the main ingredient in Fegato alla Veneziana, but do not be put off by this dish, for it wins over diners who are not fans of the liver. Cooked with stewed onions, the pungent tastes of the liver are masked by the sweet flavours of the onions. Tender and tasty, this is a classic dish not to be missed.
. Tramezzini
Perfect as a breakfast or snack, tramezzini are triangular sandwiches made with white bread without crusts. Fillings such as tuna, olives and prosciutto are popular options, but a plethora of ingredients can be used to create different variations of this snack.
. Moleche
A seasonal Venetian treat consumed during spring and autumn, moleche are soft shell crabs from the lagoon in Venice. The males and female crabs shed their shells during springtime, while only the males molt during the autumn months.
Best Hotels
Carnival Palace Hotel
Hotel da Bruno
Hotel Antico Doge
Hotel Saturnia & International
Hotel Campiello
Map Of Venice City
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Well done on this interesting article. I went to Venice in May last year it was a dream come true. I loved travelling around on the Vaparettto (water bus). Just walking from one district to another and soaking up the atmosphere was a wonderful experience.
I would recommend a trip to the Lido for anyone travelling to Venice - amazing beaches. Murano island is the glass making centre. It is fascinating watching a master glass blower at work.
Venice is full of art galleries. The Peggy Guggenheim was full of delightful works of modern art.
Getting lost in Venice is fun. The winding narrow alleyways are great to explore.
One last thing. Venice is so quiet as there no cars a huge bonus!
Thanks