The old city of Venice has always attracted tourists by the magic of its uniqueness. Built on one hundred and seventeen small islands, Venice counts over one hundred and fifty canals and more than four hundred bridges. Venice is the place to get lost for a day and walk or take the beautiful gondolas without having to know where you’re headed. It can be a most exciting and rewarding experience.
The islands of the Venetian lagoon were first settled in the 5th and 6th centuries AD during the barbarian invasions, when the inhabitants of the mainland settlement, Venetto, took refuge in the marshes. The foundations of the “floating” palaces today go back to the watery villages on rafts and wooden posts.
Grand Canal, Venice
There are special times of the year when finding accommodation in Venice can be a problem. So, if you choose to go there in February when the Great Carnevale takes place or around Easter, it’s a good thing to plan your trip a few months in advance. The best time of the year to visit Venice is in late spring and early summer, and then in September.
During these periods the weather is fine and the city is not over-crowded. Of course the main attraction of the city is the Grand Canal, which you can explore by taking a most unique public transport means: the Vaporetto or the water bus. There are regular buses as well, but they are not as exciting as a trip on the canals.
The great attractions of Venice include unique and remarkable buildings from the 5th and 6th century with wonderful arrays of bronze and paintings. In the center of Venice up the Grand Canal, you will find the most amazing sights, like St. Mark Square and the 9th century St. Mark’s Basilica. Consecrated to the Evangelist Mark, it was initially built in timber, and burnt down in 976.
The present day Basilica was erected in the same place, in the 11th century, however it took centuries to complete its marvelous facade and interior. There are five domes built in a Byzantine style covered in precious mural painting and mosaics on golden ground. No wonder, St. Mark Basilica is one of the main tourist attractions in Venice.
St Marks Square, Venice
When you go on a gondola sightseeing tour on the Grand Canal you will reach the Frari Church that houses the works of Titian and Bellini. So this is the great spot for art fans. There is also the impressive funeral monument of Canova. Further on, the Gondola Tour will take you to the oldest bridge built over the Grand Canal, Ponte di Rialto.
You will be more than satisfied with the upbeat bars and restaurants in the area of Campo di Santa Margareta in Sao Paolo. As the sea surrounds Venice, the Venetian cuisine totally does justice to the richness of the sea. In Venice you don’t order pasta and pizza, but noodles and Cichetti, traditional to Venice served with a glass of wine.
When you choose to spend your vacation in Venice, you can visit it as part of the many tours organized by various companies. Usually such tour services need to be booked at least several days before the actual visit to Venice. You can though decide to venture by yourself to explore the City in the Lagoon and take in the sights one at a time.