Venice

Venice has incurred so many surnames that skeptics might find it incredible for Venice a city to genuinely comply with the image depicted by these. However, Venice is resourceful enough to rightfully be dubbed the City of Masks, the Bride of the Sea, the Most Serene One and the Queen of the Adriatic. Tourists who choose to visit Venice will surely have the chance of checking this aspect and they are very likely to approve it. It can be stated Venice has set an example of urban planning, which is why in reference to its name other cities are also referred to as the Venice of the North (Amsterdam) and the Miniature Venice (Grado). Bursting with historic heritage, Venice floats both in water and in unmatchable architectural display. Birthplace of Vivaldi, Casanova and Marco Polo, Venice is justifiably one of the top destinations in the world.

Venice short history

Despite its scarcely documented origins, Venice has a rich history pegged out by moments of glory and intervals of gloomy defeat. However, either in its heydays or in overthrow, the city, now capital of the region of Veneto, has always been a power to be taken into consideration by all the other forces which used to carve the face of Europe in the past. The main constant ally of Venice has always been Byzantium, though one could always tell the unspoken and yet conceivable antagonisms between these two powers. The heydays of Venice consisted chiefly of its statute as a republic (roughly, between the late 7th century to late 18th century), when the city was a considerable naval power under the rule of the so-called doges of Venice. As from the 15th century, however, Venice started to lose its power by involving in utopian expansion projects. All in all, the ebullient history of Venice is nowadays imprinted in the overwhelming abundance of the historic heritage.

Accommodation in Venice

Venice is a popular destination and, like most destinations of such reputation, it gives rise to some of the most contradictory attitudes. Some of the less favorable comments concern accommodation. Venice is reputed for its high prices, a policy apparently unknowingly practiced even by the lowest rated establishments. In addition, prices do tend to increase during certain months of the year or when worldwide renowned events are held in Venice (such as the Venetian Carnival). Budget travelers should not expect the best of what accommodation generally means. However, those traveling on a generous budget are highly unlikely to find reasons to complain. Furthermore, even in such circumstances, making reservations in a timely manner still remains the best of all alternatives.

Eating out in Venice

The Veneto region has one of the most refined cuisines in Italy, which is always a closer for visiting Venice. One can always conceive that Venice, as capital of the region, clusters all its gastronomic peaks. The Venetian liver (fegato alla veneziana) is one of the classiest dishes in Venice, but one should always try the so-called moeche (a crab specialty), risotto de go, or even cuttlefish in ink. In terms of desserts, baicoli is extremely popular in Venice, but the famed tiramisu should definitely not be overlooked, since it is the pride of the Veneto confectionary. Prosecco and Pinot Grigio are the most reputed wines in the region.

Venice Tourist Attractions

Venice is divided into 6 districts, namely Cannaregio, San Polo, Dorsoduro, Santa Croce, San Marco and Castello, which host the impressive amount of attractions. There are some 50 museums and galleries in Venice, but the Marciano Museum, the Correr Museum, the Naval Museum, the Archeological Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Ca’Pesaro Museum, the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, the Academy Gallery, the Ravagnan Gallery and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection are definitely worth visiting. As to religious edifices, there are some 40 establishments of major importance in Venice. Of these, the Basilica of San Marco, the Campanile (adjoining the Basilica), the Church of Santa Maria dei Frari, the Confraternity House of San Rocco, the Church of Santi Giovanni and Paolo, Santa Maria dei Miracoli, the Church of the Redeemer, Santa Maria di Nazareth, Santa Maria della Salute, Santa Maria del Rosario, San Sebastiano, Santa Maria Formosa, Santa Maria dell’Orto, Santa Maria Assunta and San Giobe should not be overlooked. Furthermore, Venice is literally replete with historic landmarks. Of these, one should always want to visit the Palazzo Ducale (Doges Palace), Ca’ Foscari, Ca’ da Mosto, the Palazzo Corner della Ca’ Grande, the Palazzo Corner Spinelli, the Palazzo Dolfin Manin, the Palazzo Grassi, the Palazzo Grimani, the Palazzo Vendramin Calergi, the Palazzo Pesaro, the Palazzo Rezzonico, the Palazzo Loredan dell’Ambasciatore, the Colleoni Monument, the Rialto Bridge, the Palazzo dei Camerlenghi and the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo.

Venice Carnival and Events

The Venetian Carnival is so famous that it has become a symbol of the city. Besides the Carnival, cultural and artistic events refer to the Contemporary Dance Festival, Livio de Marchi, Weekends at the Museum, Venice Biennale, the Market of Miracles, the International Theater Festival, OPEN, the Architecture Biennale of Venice, Restaura, Viaggiandum Est, the Venezia Jazz Festival, the Venice Film Festival, the Festival of Venetian Gardens and to the International Festival of Contemporary Music. As to sports events, the Vogalonga, the Pavia Venice Raid, the Race of the Lighthouse, the Venice Marathon, Premio Venezia, the Murano Regatta, the Pallestrina Regatta and the Burano Regatta are the most significant. The Feast of the Sensa, Mare Maggio, Christmas in the Lagoon, Capodanno Love, Witches Regatta, I’m a Luxury Animal, Su e Zo per i Ponti, Festa del Bocolo, the San Pellegrino Cooking Cup, Caffè Florian, Natale di Vetro, the Venice International Boat Show, the Feast of Good Health, the Heineken Festival, Venezia Suona, Festa del Redentore, the Historic Regatta and the Venice Country Show are just as popular.