Venice, Italy

Venice guide

Venice is the city of romance. This watery city is made up of canals and fascinating architecture. When the sun is shining it is surely one of the most beautiful places in the world. Definitely a place for couples and honeymooners. Venice is small enough to walk around which is the only way to see all the turquoise canals and magnificent bridges. Venice is not overly access friendly for disabled travelers.

Venice has so much history so make sure you visit some of the many museums and galleries. Collezione Peggy Guggenheim is an unfinished palace that was bought by Peggy Guggenheim in 1949 so she could display her huge collection of modern art. Today it is recognised as one of the worlds foremost modern-art treasures with works by Pollock, Klee, Picasso and Chagall. Piazza San Marco (St Marks Square) is the main square in Venice. The Basilica di San Marco along the square was built in the 11th century to house the body of St Mark. The interior is astounding - marble and gold leaf caress the architecture and there is also 4000 square meters of mosaics (women visiting the Basilica should ensure their shoulders and legs are covered otherwise you will be refused entrance).

The Campanile (bell tower) is the tallest structure (99 m) in the city. It was built in the 16th century but collapsed in 1902 - then rebuilt. Look out for a line on the front of the tower as this indicates the height of the great flood water. Whilst in Venice make sure you sail up the Canal Grande on a gondola, sit back and take in the spectacular sights; in particular the 'Ponte di Rialto' (Rialto Bridge) as this is an image famous all over the world.

Flights to Venice

Aeroporto Marco Polo is 10 km north of Venice in Tessera. There are many direct flights from Europe and one from New York; other U. S. visitors need to change in Rome or Milan.

Aeroporto Treviso Sant'Angelo is 30 KM north of Venice.

To and from the Venice airports

Aeroporto Marco Polo (VCE)

Aeroporto Treviso Sant'Angelo (TSF)

Activities and sightseeing in Venice

Gondolas, shopping, carnivals throughout the year, Basilica di sa Marco (in St Marks Square), Campanile (in St Marks Square), Canal Grande (Grand Canal), Ca' d'Oro (15th century palazzo), Ca' Rezzonico (17th century palace), Collezione Peggy Guggenheim, Galleria dell'Accademia, Ghetto (a place), Madonna dell'Orto (church), Mercato di Rialto (Rialto market), Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), Piazza San Marco (St Marks Square), Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge), Riva degli Schiavoni (promenade), San Giorgio Maggiore (church), Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (church), Santi Giovanni e Paolo (Gothic church), Scuola Grande di San Rocco (meeting hall), Islands - Burano, Lido, Murano, Torcello.

Eating and drinking in Venice

Venice can be expensive and prices can be higher than on the main land. For a taste of real home made Venetian cuisine visit any of the many restaurants but 'Al Covo' is a must. Venice also has many gelateries (ice-cream shops); but make sure you eat nothing but italian whilst in Italy! Venice is lively in the evenings and you will find many bars and cafes around St Marks Square.

First course is antipasto (cold appetizers), second course is il primo (soup or pasta), third course is II secondo (meat or fish dish), and deserts are contorni.