Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark's Square, is Venice's most
famous square. What appears to be a rectangle is actually
a trapezium, and when you look up at the basilica, the piazza
seems enormous, although it is only 175m long. On both sides
of the piazza are the "Procuratie" buildings,
which housed the procurators of San Marco. The oldest of
these (probably built by Codussi) are on your left when
you face the basilica; Longhena built the ones on the right
later, in 1640. The most recent buildings, commissioned
by Napoleon in 1810, lie behind.
Ponte di Rialto
TFor a long time this was the only way to cross the Canal
Grande. There was a bridge here at the end of the 12th century,
but the current one, designed by Antonio da Ponte, was built
1554-1591. There are now lots of shops on the bridge selling
all kinds of souvenirs and curiosities and fresh fruit,
vegetable and fish markets line the streets in the bustling
neighborhood. While a second bridge was built in 1854, this
bridge is still an important historical landmark and always
a bright spot for tourists.
Venice Carnevale
The Venice Carnival is a two-week celebration of mysterious
masked balls, parades, theatrical productions, music and
general gaiety. In the costumed tradition of carnivals of
the 18th century, the streets and various venues throughout
the city are filled with activity. The many masked balls
and galas held throughout the festivities are a perfect
opportunity to donn the traditional hoods, capes and black
masks, concealing one's identify and making carnival mischief
all the more fun! Many events and activities are free.
Ponte dei Sospiri
Some legends say that the Ponte dei Sospiri was called the
Bridge of Sighs because it was a rendezvous for lovers;
however, the truth tells a much sadder tale. The bridge,
in fact was built to convey magistrates to the courts and
prisoners to their fates. However, the baroque bridge, designed
by Antonio Contino, still has a very romantic air to it,
and remains an important historical landmark in Venice today.
Venice Film Festival
This is officially called the Cinema Biennial and is one
of the most renowned and prestigious film festivals the
world over. Artistic rather than commercial films are shown
on the screens of the Palazzo del Cinema, next to the Casin
di Venezia, where the festival is held annually. During
this week, culture is seen side by side with worldliness
that the most famous of stars bring to Venice, with their
luxurious motorboats, fans and paparazzi.
Basilica di San Marco - Campanile
There is a splendid panoramic view from the tallest bell
tower in Venice. It can be seen from the whole of the lagoon,
and once you have reached the top, the whole lagoon can
be seen from above. Even though today's tower was erected
at the beginning of the 20th century, it is an exact replica
of the 15th-century bell tower. In 1609, Galileo Galilei
exhibited his telescope here, and during the carnival, the
bell tower used to serve as a stage for the tight rope-walkers
who entertained the doge with their acrobatics.
Regatta Storica
This regatta, which takes place on the first Sunday in September
each year, dates back to the 13th century. The race features
fast boats with two oars (gondolini), and a procession of
historical boats containing people in costume also passes
through the city. If you want a good view you should get
there at dawn, because the fans of this race get there early
and are passionate enough about the festivities to provide
an additional attraction to tourists.
Venice Marathon
This large international marathon snakes through the magical,
mostly car-free city of Venice. Beginning at the Piazza
Marconi, the race then winds 26.2 miles along the River
Brenta and ends at Riva dei Sette Martiri. In order to finish
the race, the runners must cross a floating bridge that
links the city to the mainland. Entrance fees range from
EUR35-USD68. Side events like the pasta party and family
race are highlights.
Festa del Redentore
This is Venice's most important festival. It takes place
on the evening of the third Saturday in July and commemorates
the end of the 16th-century plague. The Redentore church
in the Giudecca was also built to celebrate this event.
The Genio Pontieri Company builds a bridge of boats across
the Giudecca canal so that people can reach the island on
foot. During the night Venetians picnic on roast duck, watermelon,
wine, and various sweets and wait for midnight when the
fireworks display takes place. Watching the sunrise from
the beach is a romantic finale.
Basilica di S. Donato - Murano
Dating back to the 12th century, this church has now been
completely restored to all its ancient splendour. While
the foundation dates back to the 12th century, its first
restoration, when the floor was completed, dates back to
the year 1100 AD. The richly decorated apse and the Byzantine
mosaic on the vault and the spellbinding mosaic on the church
floor are particularly beautiful. Mass (Advent-Easter):
8am, 9:30am, 11am, 6pm Sunday; 6pm Saturday.
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wonder Venice is one of the most visited cities on the planet.
Within this charming city is a plethora of world-famous
museums and artistic treasures. Don't miss highlights such
as the Basilica of San Marco (with its spectacular Golden
Altar and St. Mark's treasure), the infamous Palazzo Ducale
(the Doge's Palace) and its romantic Bridge of Sighs (where
prisoners about to enter the dark jail on the other side
would stop to enjoy one last glimpse of the beautiful city)
or a visit to the fascinating glass factories. Pick a few
museums, such as the Gallerie dell'Accademia (art of the
14th-18th centuries) or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection
(20th-century art). But just because you'll be bumping into
thousands of other visitors there, don't be fooled into
thinking it's just a museum of architecture and art. We
were delighted to see Venetians chatting with friends in
the campi (squares) and sharing a bottle of wine in the
osterie.
The city does have its share of problems,
too, including winter acqua alta or flooding. Work has begun
on a highly controversial scheme called "Moses"
to close off the lagoon mouth with mobile floodgates when
high tide levels from the Adriatic Sea threaten.
Venice draws as many as 200,000 visitors
a day, but the resident population has declined to less
than 70,000. Many young people have moved to the mainland,
where rents and real-estate prices -- along with the cost
of living in general -- are lower. Parts of downtown are
dirty and run-down -- and rather smelly in summer heat.
People can be brusque. And the prices of virtually everything
smack of highway robbery. Even so, it remains a treasure
to be savored -- and not just by lovers.
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