There is no other city like Venice. It has 180 canals, 450 bridges and magnificent
palaces. It is a city rich in museums and historical buildings of great artistic
and cultural importance. Add to that the transient feeling and the quiet everyday
life. The beauty of it all is truly apparent.
Refugees founded Venice. When Germanic tribes ravaged northern Italy in the
5th century, many people escaped to this difficult-to-access area on the Adriatic
Sea. Over the centuries the refugee community grew in to the most powerful
trading port in the Mediterranean. At its peak, Venice had 3 000 trade ships
and 300 navy vessels. After the fall of Napoleon, Venice was ruled by the Austrians.
But after the 1848 uprising, the city once again gained its independence. Shortly
after, in 1866, Venice became part of Italy. 1932 saw the opening of the motor
and rail bridge between Venice and the mainland. That was to be the start of
Venice as a tourist destination. It is hard to navigate around the city, but
don't let that put you off as this is part of Venice's charm. Leave
the other tourists at St Mark's square and the Rialto Bridge and explore
the labyrinth of little neighbourhoods instead. The most interesting areas
and islands are Cannaregio, SanPolo/Santa Croce, Dorsoduro, San Marco and Castello.
The whole city is a unique sight in itself, there is nothing like it anywhere
else in the world. The best way to explore Venice is by foot.
St Mark's Square If you truly want to understand the
might of the former Venetian empire this is the place to visit. Around the
square you will find the basilica of St Mark's, adorned with an incredible
array of plundered treasures, the Doge´s palace with its grandiose state
rooms and the majestic clocktower, campanile, from where you can get a splendid
view of Venice.
Ca' Rezzonico Longhena's palazzo is one of the
most beautiful in the whole city. It was completed in 1756, over 100 years
after the first day of construction.
Ca' Pesaro Ca' Pesaro is the city's modern
art museum, located in an old palazzo. The most exiting art can be found in
the Oriental art department.
Rialto Fish Market Visit the market during weekdays. The
fishmongers, the bustling scenes, the old facades and the canal combine for
an experience by all senses. The city's best butcher shops are also nearby.
Venice Restaurants
Venice has a large variety of restaurants. As usual with Italian cities, the
best dining experience can be had at a simple neighbourhood trattoria off the
tourist strips. Venice has many culinary specialities, like bigoli in an anchovy
and mushroom sauce, or castraure, tiny artichokes with Parmesan shavings and
olive oil. Make sure to always look at the bottom of the menu to see if a service
fee is added to your bill. "Service included" or "12% added/charged" means
that another 12% of the total cost will be added to your bill. "Non cover" means
no service fee included in prices and no additional charge.
Venice Bars & Nightlife Venice has many good bars, primarily
in the Dorsoduro district, but there's no "party scene". The
city's youth travel to Venice's modern sister city, Mestre, on
the main land. In the summer, they go to the seaside town of Jesolo.
Venice Cafes When it comes to cafés in Venice it is
the same as with restaurants - the best value places are located a couple of
blocks away from the tourist strips. Take a stroll and find your own favourite
café!
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