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Sightseeing in Venice - what to see. Complete travel guide

Sunset from San Giorgio Maggiore Venice is a city of canals and amazing architecture that keeps attracting visitors from all over the world. What could be more romantic than a gondola ride on a Venice canal? Venice remained an independent city-state for more than 1000 years, until it was conquered by Napoleon in the end of the XVIII century. This city is home to a large number of historical sites and monuments of architecture and art. However, tourists are not recommended to limit their stay in Venice to visiting famous sightseeing attractions. Make sure you have enough time to wander in this amazing Italian city and discover its real charm. Make a walk to, for example, a quarter, where there are no or almost no tourists. Each quarter in Venice has its own character, and there’s nothing surprising in this when you remember that the city is built on 117 islands connected by more than 400 bridges and about 160 channels. Do not forget that riding a car is prohibited in the center of Venice. If you have a car, it would be better to leave it at the parking lot and get to the center by boat.
One of the most creative and attractive hotels in Venice, Bauer Palladio Hotel & Spa, is open on Giudecca Island. This magnificent spa hotel has quite an unusual location – it is open in … Open
San Marco Square (Piazza San Marco) forms the center of Venice. This is also the lowest point in the city, and because of this the square is constantly flooded with water, especially in winter. San Marco Square is surrounded by beautiful buildings - the Basilica of San Marco , the Palazzo Ducale di Venezia , the Campanile belfry and the Marciana Library. To the right of the basilica you will find Piazetta Square that leads to the Grand Canal. The first San Marco Church was built in the IX century in order to store the relics of Saint Marcus that were stolen by Venetians from Alexandria. This church was burned in a fire, and then a new church was built on the same site. That church was destroyed in the XI century. The modern basilica is built on the foundation of that church. By the way, some historians believe that the relics stored in this church are the remains of Alexander the Great, and not St. Marcus – the relics of the great conqueror disappeared at the same time, when the relics of St. Marcus were found. The basilica has five domes and a large number of arches, turrets and other architectural decorations that have appeared over the centuries due to the treasures, brought by Venetian ships from the East. Therefore, today, one can see Byzantine silver, gold and utensils, captured during the Fourth Crusade in the XIII century, in the treasury of the basilica (Tresoro). The quadriga that adorns the pediment of the basilica was brought as a trophy at the same time. By the way, the horses on the front, which visitors see today, are a replica of the original that has been kept behind the glass since 1990.
The basilica itself has often been the victim of looting. Thus, during the capture of Venice by Napoleon, jewels that decorated the icons of the golden altar (Pala d'Oro) and the main altar of the church were stolen. However, these days the composition made of numerous medium-sized icons is in a fairly good condition. The Napoleon army also stole the front quadriga, but it was returned to Venice in 1815. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
It’s not so simple to stand from hundreds of hotels in Venice, but Liassidi Palace has managed to do that because of its unique design. It’s a true paragon of the classy Venetian … Open
Palazzo Ducale di Venezia is located next to San Marco Basilica . Many years ago the rulers of the Republic of Venice used to live there. The Dodge of Venice was elected by the aristocracy and performed his duties until his death. The Doge ruled Venice together with the Council of Ten. Initially, doge was granted a great power, which was, however, severely limited in the XIII century as the result of efforts of wealthy Venetian families who wanted to have a greater impact on the city. Since that time, doge could do almost nothing without consulting the Council of Ten. The palace in the gothic style was built between 1309 and 1424 on the foundation of the IX century. Its architecture clearly shows the influence of the East – one can clearly see this in the design of open arcades of the first and second floors. The palace has three wings built around the courtyard that is, in its turn, mostly famous thanks to a large staircase (Scala dei Giganti). In the past, the staircase was used during governmental visits and official ceremonies, such as the inauguration of a new doge. The interior of the palace is decorated with sculptures, paintings and gold leaves. The eastern wall of the hall of Sala del Maggior Consiglio is the location of a famous work of Tintoretto "Paradise". The most monumental work of the artist, the creation of which lasted ten years, is 7.45m in height and 24.65 meters in width!
Sunset from San Giorgio Maggiore The Doge's Palace was home to all the most important political institutions of the Republic of Venice. A part of the palace was occupied by offices of lawyers and naval officers, the chancellor and the censor of the city. There was even a separate room for people who wanted to make a complaint. The room was called Bussola. In Piazetta Square tourists will see a huge gate made in the late gothic style. This is Porta della Carta , the main entrance to the palace. The gate was built by the renowned Venetian architects, brothers Giovanni and Bartolomeo Bon. On the back, the Doge’s Palace, which also housed the court, is connected with the former prison by the Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri). Nowadays, this bridge has become a symbol of romantic Venice - a kiss in a gondola under the bridge promises the couple eternal love. However, it should be noted that sighs that gave the name to the bridge, were not caused by love, but by farewell - the convicted people sighed, looking at Venice for the last time.
Venice is internationally famous for its luxurious hotels, some of which are targeted at the most high-income travelers. In order to stay at Centurion Palace, visitors need to pay no less … Open
By the way, a ride in gondola on Venice's canals is entertainment for romantic travelers with big wallets. Locals use gondolas only during weddings or funerals. However, one must admit that it is possible to get the best impression of Venice only during a ride in a gondola on Canal Grande , the most beautiful of the 177 channels of the city. This canal is surrounded by beautiful palaces that stand on the both sides of it.
Venice, Italy, Afternoon Panorama Speaking of Venice, it is impossible not to mention the famous Venetian Carnival, during which the canals and the streets of the city are filled with thousands of people in carnival costumes and masks. The holiday is usually finished by Venetian "Mardi Gras" and fireworks in Piazza San Marco.
Venice - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

City tours, excursions and tickets in Venice and surroundings

Reference information
Map of all shopping areas
Shopping streets in Venice
♥   Shopping area ' Calle Larga XXII Marzo' Venice, 0.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Shopping area ' Salizada San Moisé' Venice, 1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Shopping area ' Calle Valaresso' Venice, 1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Shopping area ' Piazza San Marco' Venice, 1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all castles
Survived castles around Venice
♥   Castle 'Castello di Mestre' Mestre, 0.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Residenza Il Castello' Fivizzano, 1.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Fortress of Sant’Andrea' Itri, 4.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Forte di Sant’Andrea' Venezia, 4.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castello di Roncade' Roncade, 21.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all parks
National and city parks around Venice
♥   National Park 'Parco nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi' , 84.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Landscape Park 'Krajinski park Strunjan' , 100.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   World Heritage Site 'The Dolomites' , 114.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all art museums
Art galleries in Venice and around
♥   Art museum 'Ca Pesaro' Venice, 0.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Museo Fortuny' Venice, 0.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Ca Rezzonico' Venice, 0.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Ca d Oro' Venice, 0.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Gallerie dell Accademia' Venice, 0.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo

Sights around Venice from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'

Burano

From the series “The Most Magical and Picturesque Cities in the World”
The population of the amazing island city is about 2700 people. The miniature town is interesting not only for its architectural peculiarities, but also for its cultural traditions. From the 16th century, Burano is considered a major center of lace production. In this craft locals reached incredible heights. Many tourists visit the island city especially to buy beautiful lace fabrics in local stores, as well as to visit the Venetian Lace Museum located on its territory. … Read further

Venetian Arsenal

From the series “Monuments of Byzantium: the most famous buildings”
It was at this shipyard that the legendary ship "Galleass" was built. It is a three-masted galley of incredible size. It was used to transport heavy guns and other weapons later. The Venetian arsenal was badly damaged during the war with Napoleon. Some of its buildings were destroyed. They were never able to recover. Interesting medieval exhibits are kept in the preserved buildings today. They are connected with the shipbuilding and military past of the Republic of Venice. Some historic buildings are used for various festivals and themed events. The Venice Biennale takes place here. … Read further

Piombi Prison

From the series “Famous prisons of the world”
Casanova immediately began to make a hole in the floor of his cell. He planned to escape from the empty palace one of the holidays. Casanova was suddenly transferred to another cell when almost everything was ready to escape. Prison guards discovered a huge hole in his former cell soon after. Casanova had to bribe the guards to keep this fact from becoming public. He escaped from his new cell through a hole made in the lead roof shortly after. … Read further
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com Rentals in Venice

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Sightseeing in regions nearby Venice

All about Venice, Italy - sightseeings, attractions, touristic spots, architecture, history, culture and cuisine. Prepare your trip together with OrangeSmile.com - find out the 'must see' things in Venice, which places to visit, which excursions to take, where the breathtaking views are waiting for you. Planning your trip with this travel guide will help your to get the most out of Venice in few days.
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