Travel Guide to Venice, Italy

Venice is the city of channels and amazing architecture, attracting lovers from all over the world. What can be more romantic than a voyage by a gondola along the channels of Venice? More than 1000 years Venice stayed an independent city-state till the time, when it was conquered in the 18th century by Napoleon. This city is full of historical places and architectural and art monuments, but don't limit yourself with visiting only the famous sights – find time to wander along a very special Italian city and discover its unique charm. Walk, for example, along the areas, where there are almost no tourists. Every Venetian district has its own character, which is not surprising, if to keep in mind that the city is built on 117 islands, connected with each other by more than 400 bridges and about 160 channels. Don't forget that in the center of Venice driving a car is forbidden. You'd better lest your car at the parking place and get to the center by a boat.

San Marco Square creates the center of Vienna. It's also the lowest point in the city, that's why it often gets flooded, especially in winter. The square is surrounded with marvelous buildings: San Marco Basilica, the Palazzo Ducale di Venezia, the Campanile belfry and the Marciana Library. To the right from the basilica takes place the Piazetta that leads to the Grand Canal. The first San Marco Church was built in the 15th century for keeping San Marco's relics, which were from Alexandria. This church burnt down and this very place in the 11th century the basilica that we can look at now was created (by the way, they used the fundament of the first church). Besides that, the historians suppose that there they keep the relics of Alexander III of Macedon, which were lost right at the time when they found the relics of San Marco. The basilica has five cupolas and a great number of arches, towers and other architectural decorations that appeared thanks to the treasures, delivered by the Venice ships from the East. That's why nowadays in the treasury of the basilica (Tresoro) one can see the Byzantine silver, gold, crockery that were seize during the fourth Crusades in the 13th century. At the same time as a trophy they took the quadriga, which decorated the fronton of the basilica. By the way, the horses of the fronton are only a replica of the original, which since 1990 is a part of exposition.

The Basilica itself suffered a lot from plunders. During the seizure of Venice, Napoleon stole the jewelry, which used to decorate the icons of the Golden altar (Pala d'Oro), the main altar of the church. Nevertheless, nowadays this composition of lots of small icons is in good condition. Napoleon also stole the fronton quadriga, but in 1815 it was returned to Venice.

Not far from the San Marco Basilica you'll find the Palazzo Ducale di Venezia, the place, where used to live the government of the Republic of Venice. Dodge was chosen by Venice aristocracy and fulfilled his duties till the end of life. He ruled the country together with the Council of Ten. At first the dodge had a lot of power, which in the 13th century was still greatly controlled by rich families that wanted to influence the government. Starting with this epoch dodge had to take into consideration of the Ten about almost every question. The gothic palace was built in 1309-1424 on the fundament of the 9th century. Its architecture was influenced a lot by the culture of East: you can notice it by the arcades on the ground and 1st floor. The palace has three wings, located around the court. The first thing you notice there is the large staircase (Scala dei Giganti), which was used during state visits and official ceremonies, such as an inauguration of a new dodge. The interior is decorated with sculptures, paintings and leaf-gold. The whole eastern wall of Sala del Maggior Consiglio takes the 'Paradise' by Tintoretto. It is the most monumental painting of this artist, on which he and his learner worked for 10 years. It's 7,45 m tall and 24,65 m wide!

In the Dodge Palace took place all the most important political institutions of the Republic of Venice. There also used to be located offices of lawyers, naval official, chancellor and censor. A separate room was allotted to citizens, who wanted to prefer a complaint, it was called Bussola. At the Piazetta you'll see the enormous gate in late gothic style - Porta della Carta. They serve the main enter to the Palace. It was built by famous Venice architects brothers Bartolomeo and Giovanni Bon. From the other side the Palazzo Ducale di Venezia (which also served as a court) was connected with the former prison by a bridge (Ponte dei Sospiri). Nowadats it is a symbol of romantic Venice: a kiss under the bridge provides a couple with endless love. Though the bridge was called so not because of the romantic atmosphere, but because the prisoners sighed having the last look at Venice.

By the way, a trip by gondola along the canals of Venice is an entertainment for romantic tourists, who are ready to spend quite a sum of money: the natives use them only at weddings and funerals. But nobody will deny that the best impression of Venice you'll get if to travel along the Grand Canal, the most beautiful of 177 city canals.

Speaking about Venice, we can't but mention the famous Venice Carnival, during which streets get crowded with thousands of people in fancy dresses and masks. The carnival usually ends with a firework at San Marco Square.

Read more about Venice:
Restaurants and cuisine in Venice
Local traditions and lifestyle
'Must visit' places in Venice
Nightlife and attractions in Venice
Preparing for Venice: Advices
Venice photogallery