Snapshot of Venice
One only needs to stroll the streets of Venice to feel the whimsical wonderment, which captivates and lures you in to days long gone. The intricate detailed architecture of the buildings will keep you in awe as you wander through every nook and cranny. Though there is a blending of modern alongside the pieces of the past, the newness has not overshadowed the splendor of this ancient city, which was founded in 568 following the emigration of refugees escaping the invasion of northern Italy by the Lombards. The narrow paths and walkways are not only crowded by tourists, but the ghosts of yesterday hauntingly carry you along your journey, as you step back in time.
Whether you are there for its beauty or a connoisseur of sorts, Venice will offer up a dish of something for everyone. Though often crowded by tourists, this city is not hard to navigate at all. Once you abandon your car at a parking garage/lots, or step off the Train at Venezia S. Lucia station, the paths are clearly marked by yellow signs pointing the path of the most common sites visited in Venice. In addition, there are many water taxi/bus stations along the canal, each having maps noting your location; and if you are feeling intimidated and unsure, you can purchase a water taxi/bus ticket and tour the city by boat.
The streets of Venice are lined with small shops, selling everything from souvenirs, Murano glass, carnivale masks, art, jewelry, clothes, food, wine, bread, gelato, and more. There are open-air markets where you can buy fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and souvenirs. One of these al fresco markets can be found at the famous and oldest bridge in Venice, The Rialto, which spans across the Grand Canal. The Rialto, itself, consists of two covered inclined ramps, which lead to the central portico. Small shops line the covered ramps of the Rialto.
Before making your way to The Rialto, you may wish venture into what is called Ghetto Novo, the Jewish Ghetto in Venice. After 1492, when many Jews were pushed out of Spain and Portugal, they began to make home in several Italian cities, and eventually, setting up small communities within Venice. There presence was not always one of welcome, and it led to the Governor of the Republic to designate a specified area where the Jews would be confined to; and in 1516, the first Ghetto came into existence. Today, when visiting, there are two synagogues dating back to the 15th and 16th century, a museum, shops and restaurants.
There is, indeed, so much to see and do in Venice, and to rush through it you would surely miss some of its splendor. As you wander, eating and snacking will never be a problem. Whether you pack a lunch and sit in one of the numerous squares, or stop for a sit down for up market cuisine, there is something appetizing for every one. The mouth-watering smells that permeate the city, especially at lunchtime, will tease you into submission.
When you tire of traveling by foot, treat yourself to a ride in classical Venetian boat known as a gondola. It can be a bit pricey, but what is a trip to Venice without a ride in a gondola; and if you are lucky, you may be able to get your gondola driver to serenade you as you glide along the canal waters. If a gondola ride is out of your price range, there is always a water tax/ bus (Vaporetti), which will navigate the canal like a subway train or commuter bus, making stops at most of the important sightseeing destinations.
As you continue your exploration of Venice, a notable stop might be at the Accademia (Accademia di Belle Arti) on the south bank of the Grand Canal. It is Venice’s famous school of art, as well as host to an art collection of masterpiece paintings. Paintings created by Giovanni Bellini, Pietro Longhi, Andrea Mantegna, Titian, Paolo Veronese, as well as other artists dating up to the 18th century, can be found there.
No trip to Venice would be complete without a stop at Piazza San Marco, which is Venice’s official town square. While there, you can visit St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco in Venezia), which is the most famous of the many churches surrounding Venice, and a beautiful construction in itself. Lining the square, there is St. Mark’s Clock tower, Procuratie Vecchie and Nuove, St. Mark’s Campanile, and Doge’s Palace. There are a magnificent selection of museums, cafes, and an opportunity to visit the famous Venetian mint. At the rear of Doge’s Palace, is another famous bridge, The Bridge of Sighs, which crosses over Rio di Palazzo, connecting the old prisons to the interrogation room in the palace.
The bridge was built in the 16th century, but was given its name by Lord Byron in the 19th century. It is said that when prisoners were transferred to the prison, while walking across the bridge, they would sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice, before being taken to their cell; hence the name Bridge of Sighs. The old prison once confined Casanova and Galileo. Before leaving the square, take a moment, buy a bag of dried corn kernels, and feed the friendly pigeons who make their home there. Then stroll along the waters of the Grand Canal, next to the Piazza San Marco, you will find street vendors selling souvenirs, local artists sketching and painting works you can buy, and snacks.
A nice way to end a day of absorbing the magnificence of Venice, is to board a water taxi/bus at the Piazza San Marco stop, sit back and relax, while the boat navigates you on the Grand Canal, and back toward where you began your trip. During the ride, be sure to take notice of the exquisite architecture all along the Grand Canal. Keep an eye out for Ca’d’Oro, a beautiful palazzo built between 1428 and 1430 for the Contarini family. Also, be on the look out for the Ca’ Rezzonico, Ca’ Foscari, Ca’ Balbi, and Ca’ Giustinian, which capture the beautiful Venetian Baroque and gothic style architecture.
If you are staying in one of Venice’s many hotels, and have more time to spend there, you may want to take a water taxi out to one of the other islands. Murano is the island that is famous for glass making, and there are shops all over the island, which sell the beautiful glass art that is produce there. The island of Burano is dotted with brightly colored houses, and known for lace making, with a museum and school dedicated to the art. Lido, primarily visited by Italians for their summer retreat, is also the scene for the Venice Film Festival.
With its blend of old and new, Venice has a truly mystical quality that keeps you enchanted and intrigued. Soaked with history, adorned with beauty, and emerged with culture, one visit will leave you longing for more.
