Venice

Venice Make the most of your time in Venice, use the information provided on this web site by clicking on the links to plan your visit.

Venice is the capital of the Veneto region found in northeast Italy and has been nicknamed the Queen of the Adriatic as well as the City of Water. It is famously a city based on several islands, linked together by a series of waterways instead of roads. Indeed there are 117 islands, 150 canals and a fantastic 409 bridges, although only three of these cross the main canal. Taxis and vaporetti (“bus” ferries) provide systems of public transport, while ambulances are speedboats and rubbish collectors use scows to perform their duties. The romantic combination of art, architecture, history and water gives Venice an allure few cities can match.

The greatest collection of Venetian art can be found in the Gallerie dell’ Accademia though there are many other galleries spread throughout the city. Architecture styles vary across Venice but most agree the Basilica di San Marco is one of the best examples of Byzantine design. The Doge’s Palace is a great display of a Venetian take on a Gothic, Renaissance and Byzantine hybrid. The annual Venice International Film Festival, or Mostra Del Cinema di Venezia, occurs during September when visitors may catch a glance of some famous stars at this, the Italian equivalent of Cannes. The major event of the year though is Carnevale, which happens in February and is a week long party in the run up to Ash Wednesday. Fabulous costumes and masks are worn for this festival.

Venice has seen its fair share of the rich and famous, while one of its own residents, Giacomo Casanova, helps remind visitors of the more passionate aspects of this city. Another renowned inhabitant, Marco Polo, gives his name to the airport based just 12km from the city and reachable by boat. Fresh fish and produce from the markets give chefs the ingredients with which to create fantastic cuisine and there are many restaurants in the city in which to enjoy this. After dinner, there are several drinking venues including Harry’s Bar which is distinguished for creating the Bellini – a cocktail of sparkling prosecco and crushed peach purée.

Discovering the secrets behind the labyrinth of waterways is one of the greatest delights in Venice and time should be taken to leisurely walk around the city taking in the many sites and sounds that create such an unique place. Of course, one alternative to walking, is to view the city from the water that makes it so famous, and what could be better than relaxing in a gondolier, which epitomize the character of Venice so well.