Contents
Magical and amazing Venice, located in the north of Italy, is spread over 118 islands, connected by canals. Excursions and walks around this amazing city help to enjoy its unusual atmosphere. But no matter how many days your stay in this romantic city lasts, you still will not be able to get to know all the interesting places. However, there are 10 things that every traveler must know to get a general idea of this magnificent city.
10 Gondola ride
The gondola is a symbol of Venice, so it’s no wonder that walking along the Venetian canals is popular with tourists. Many of them begin to get their first impressions by seeing the city from the perspective of a gondola passenger. Moreover, you don’t have to look for this type of transport for a long time; fans of Venetian traditions are expected to gondola literally at every step. Most tourists indulge in this pleasant pleasure and ride on narrow boats designed for 4-6 people along the numerous canals of the city. But keep in mind that such a walk is not cheap.
9. Fabulous island of Burano
A real miracle is the small island of Burano with a population of about 2700 inhabitants, which is one of the districts of Venice. It is impossible to get lost here, you can cross the island from one embankment to another in just 10 minutes.
The island can be called one of the most colorful places on the planet. Bright, multi-colored houses located on the water seem to tourists as a decoration for some amazing and funny fairy tale. According to the local, current legislation, each house has its own color assigned and no one has the right to change it without the permission of the administration. Burano is also famous for its unique, airy, almost weightless laces known to the whole world. The local museum presents the best examples of these products, as well as the tools with which they were created.
8. Rialto bridge
This ancient bridge over the Venetian Canal connects two residential areas – San Polo and San Marco, it is a popular place for meetings and walks. The bridge is small, its total length is 48 meters, the maximum height of its central part is 7,5 meters. But the 12 piles used as support impress every tourist. The bridge is decorated on both sides with exquisite bas-reliefs. There are 24 souvenir shops on the bridge where you can buy leather souvenirs, Venetian masks, Venetian glassware and much more. There are also fish and fruit markets.
7. Armenian monastery on the island of San Lazzaro
The Armenian Catholic Monastery of San Lazaro degli Armeni is located on the island of San Lazzaro. Its founder, the Armenian Catholic monk Mekhitor, was forced to flee from persecution and persecution to which he was subjected in the Ottoman Empire.
Thousands of tourists come to get acquainted with the treasures of the Mkhitarist library, to look at the Egyptian mummy that has survived to our times. The collection of Armenian manuscripts, numbering over 4 thousand copies, many oriental exhibits, several paintings by the artist Aivazovsky are presented to the attention of visitors.
6. The famous Ca’ d’Oro
This material embodiment of grace and beauty has several names, but among the people it is called the Golden House. The palace got its name due to the fact that initially gold leaf was used for the exterior decoration of the facade. This example of high Venetian Gothic often changed its owners, who constantly rebuilt it. Its last owner, Baron Franchetti, restored the original appearance of the building and founded a museum in its halls. Museum visitors can enjoy the work of Paris Bordone, Francesco Guardi, Vittore Carpaccio, Tintoretto, Luca Signorelli, Van Dyck and many others.
5. The famous Murano glass
Murano glass products are highly valued all over the world. They are distinguished by beauty, absolute transparency and lightness. On the island of Murano there is a large factory for the production of Murano glass. It also has its own shop where you can find real works of art made of blown glass. You can buy Murano glass products in small shops located along the main channel of the island. In them you can find all kinds of jewelry, figurines, exquisite dishes, chandeliers and more.
4. Sandy beaches of Lido
Lido is a favorite holiday destination for many Venetians during the summer. Its sandy beaches are conducive to a serene rest, and the gently sloping seabed allows even small children to splash around calmly. Additional protection is provided by breakwaters, the largest – St. Nicholas and Alberoni.
The free public Lido beach is available to everyone. In July and August, this beach is very crowded. You can sit on your own bedspread or towel, but it is possible to rent umbrellas and sunbeds.
More comfortable paid beaches are located on both sides of the central beach. Here, visitors can rent various equipment here: large and mini-awnings, sun loungers with a canopy, sunbeds, umbrellas and much more.
3. Abandoned island of Torcello
In the north of the Venetian lagoon is the island of Torcello, from where the Venetian Republic began. Until the 12th century, life was seething here, enterprising merchants established numerous trade relations, due to which the city grew and grew rich. Nowadays, almost nothing reminds of the former greatness of Torcello, which is practically depopulated. Evidence of the past is the bell tower of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which is visited by most tourists. The bell tower of the cathedral offers picturesque views of the island itself, as well as the islands closest to it.
2. Walking around the new Ghetto
The first ghetto in the world appeared in Venice in 1516. At the request of the pope, the government of the republic forbade Jews from living in the city. Persecuted people were allowed to settle on a separate island in the Cannaregio region, which was connected with the city by three bridges. Bridges were closed at night.
Today, there are several hundred indigenous people in the Ghetto, who lead the usual way of life for Jews. Numerous antique jewelry and art shops in the area cater to tourists and pilgrims from different countries.
1. Doge’s Palace – a unique piece of architecture
Every tourist arriving in Venice must visit Piazza San Marco. And, of course, most of them get acquainted with a real masterpiece of architecture – the Doge’s Palace. At one time, this building served as the residence of the Doge, in connection with which it got its name. In the palace, in addition to magnificent halls, each of which is considered a work of art, there were two terrifying prisons. One was located in the basement, and the other – under the lead roof of the palace.
The Doge’s Palace is a unique creation of Italian architecture, which combines three styles at the same time – Moorish, Gothic and Renaissance. Despite the unusual architecture, the building impresses with its harmony and compositional perfection.