Venice
Navigate the unique waterways of Italy’s City of Bridges.
Venice is known throughout the world as the City of Canals, among many other names. One such name is the Floating City, made up as it is of 118 islands connected by canals, which can be crossed by one of 400 bridges. It measures just eight square kilometers (three square miles) but packs an astonishing number of stunning landmarks, cafes, and activities into that small space.
Conveniently, three of those landmarks are all within a couple of minutes’ walk from each other namely Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Basilica and St Mark’s Square.
Doge’s Palace is the spectacular result of a project lasting several centuries. Started in the 9th century, the seat of the Venetian government continued to be developed and redeveloped until well into the 17th century. This drawn-out building process means that the palace features an array of architectural styles, from Gothic to Renaissance guaranteed to delight both the casual and committed architecture enthusiasts. The palace wasn’t only the Venetian Parliament; it was home to the Doge, and has also acted as a prison and the city’s court, but is now a fascinating museum. It may be worth more than one visit too because the palace changes color throughout the day depending on the light sometimes appearing white, but other times taking on a pinkish hue. The palace is well worth a walk around, but be sure to take a look at it from the Bridge of Sighs, which provides the best view of the palace. Be prepared, however, to battle dozens of fellow tourists attempting to do the same.
Also built in the 9th century, St Mark’s Basilica houses the remains of St Mark the Evangelist. The city cathedral was built in the Byzantine style and has a staggering 8,000 square meters (86,000 square feet) of mosaic covering the walls and vaults. A visit to the Basilica has to be on anyone’s Venice itinerary, as is a trip to the top of the 99-meter (323-foot) tall Campanile for incredible views of the city.
The square was built at the same time as the Basilica and was enlarged in the 12th century rapidly developing into the heart of the city. The square is the biggest open space in Venice and can be a welcome relief to the at times claustrophobic nature of the city. It may be a tad expensive, but there are few better places in the world to kick back with a coffee than at one of the cafes surrounding the square. You’ll appreciate having a rest, because there are so many glorious sights to see around the city, and there are no roads or cars in Venice. There are three ways to get around: on foot, via a water bus or on a gondola. The city is incredibly easy to walk around you could get around the entire city in about half an hour if you got a good stride on. Make sure you have a detailed map if you’re walking Venice without a guide, as the 2,650 alleys can get quite boggling! Other than the footbridges, the water bus (or Vaporetto) is the best way to cross the canals or travel through the city if you’re getting a bit tired or need to go somewhere quickly. These aren’t particularly cheap, but they are regular and it’s a lovely way to cruise a Venetian canal if you don’t fancy shelling out for a gondola.
Having said that, is a trip to Venice truly complete without a ride on a gondola? These long, narrowboats are synonymous with the city and provide a romantic, fun way to spend 40 minutes, guided and possibly serenaded by a local expert. There are just 400 licensed gondoliers in Venice, and only two or three licenses are given out per year after a rigorous exam process, so you know you are getting the very best that Venice has to offer. It’s a beautiful, unique way to see a city, and an ideal way to have a break from the hustle and bustle of the streets.
The city is a work of art in itself, but if you are in the mood for, even more, the Peggy Guggenheim Museum should be an essential part of your trip. Situated in Guggenheim’s old house, there are dozens of pieces of Italian and American artwork, as well as new exhibits that have earned this museum global accolades. And if you think you recognize the name, Peggy Guggenheim is the niece of Solomon Guggenheim, who gave his name to the equally famous art gallery in New York.
Venice Carnival
Although Venice is at its most visually stunning in the summer, February to March is carnival season. The carnival takes place in the build-up to Lent, meaning that the city is crammed with delicious food and drink to be consumed before the start of the fast. The carnival kicks off with the Flight of the Angel as last year’s Mary Carnival winner ‘flies’ across St Mark’s Square. The Venetians know how to celebrate, with traditional masked galas, parades and regattas along the canals. Venice celebrates its history and heritage in spectacular style, with masquerade balls providing a throwback to the time masks were banned in Venice. The entire city comes out to celebrate. Being such a small city with such a worldwide reputation, Venice can be pretty full, and the addition of thousands of revelers has the city bursting at the seams, but it’s an incredible experience not to be missed.
Also on the theme of art, many famous films have been set and shot in Venice. Don’t Look Now, the 1973 movie starring Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland, purposefully avoided many of the main tourist locations in the city. A ten-minute walk from St Mark’s Square will take you to Fondamenta San Severo, which is the site for the iconic scene when John Baxter first sees the figure in red, while five minutes further on brings you to the church that Baxter was restoring.
Make time for a stroll alongside the Grand Canal. While St Mark’s Square may be the heart of the city, the Grand Canal is its main artery meandering through the center of Venice like a blueberry swirl through the finest Italian gelato. The best views are from the iconic Rialto Bridge, built in the 16th century and, for a long time, the only way to cross the Grand Canal. The bridge will often be busy and bustling with street traders, giving visitors an authentic city experience.
Venice is a beautiful step back through time, with its absence of cars and elegant Renaissance-era buildings. There are wondrous views around every corner, delicious foods to sample, and experiences like no other city thanks mostly to the network of canals, gondolas, and footbridges that gives tourists a truly unique experience. Now, it’s also a fairly well-known fact that the English city of Birmingham has more miles of canals than Venice, but in which city would you rather spend a long weekend?