ITALY

subscribe - advertise - contact us

Travel To Venezia

ITALY

Travel To Venezia

During its peak of domination the city had 36,000 sailors operating 3,300 ships, and it was during this time that the rich families of the city began to build the lavish houses and Piazzas that can be seen today. However, Venice could not remain supreme indefinitely, and by the fifteenth century things began to decline. In 1630 a plague killed one third of the cities population and the city could no longer compete with countries like Portugal in international trade. In late 1700s Napoleon invaded and by then the city had become influential in terms of art and architecture, and in 1886 it became part of Italy once more after being given to the Austrian empire. The city now is a magical experience with a fantastical quality that has continued to inspire those who walk its streets and travel along its many canals. What is most interesting about Venice is its combination of tradition and the modern, where ancient buildings have broadband and gondoliers talk on mobile phones. The narrow twisting lanes were not built for maps and navigating is almost impossible, but this, like everything else, seems all part of the charm of the extraordinary city. The summer is the worst time to visit because the crowds radically increase as does the smell of the water. However, there is always an undiscovered piazza to break away from the hoards to spend time discovering, or simply take a boat to one of the other islands in the lagoon.

General Descriptions
Places: 

1. The Grand Canal
Travelling along this three and a half kilometre stretch of water is the best way to take in the sights of Venice and reflect the variety of architectural styles that make up the city. The Vaporetto or waterbuses are a cheap way of getting around rather than water taxi, but are just as good an experience.

2. San Marco
The Piazza and Basilica San Marco are one of the most popular attractions today. The square itself is undoubtedly the heart of the city which is surrounded by many cafes, restaurants and tourist shops, (not to mention pigeons). The Basilica is an impressive statement of the Venice’s former glory as a world power and shows the influences of Byzantium. Exploring the inside of the church is recommended although there is an admission fee to certain areas.

3. Lido
Visiting the islands that make up the lagoon can be a refreshing change from Venice and Lido is easily accessible via Vaporetto. The island has a beach although this can be crowded and expensive to use in summer. The best way to explore is to hire bicycles from one of the many companies and head to the Northern point where there are some interesting churches.

4. Rialto Bridge
The Rialto was one of Venice’s first bridges over the Grand Canal and was initially constructed in 1180 although since then it has been rebuilt and improved. It links San Marco with San Polo and is an area of continual activity with fish and vegetable markets.

5. Palazzo Ducale
Otherwise known as Doges Palace, this building housed the rulers of Venice from the ninth century and was the political pulse of the city. The majority of the Palace is built in pink Veronese marble and contains many historical artefacts and artwork. Guided tours are available and visitors can view Casanovas jail.

Stay, Eat, Watch The World
Where to stay: 

1. Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo
A charming hotel which is just a short stroll away from the Rialto Bridge. The rooms have been tastefully decorated to an eighteenth century style and there is a courtyard which is used in summer.
(reasonable)

2. Hotel Antiche Figure
The Deluxe rooms over look the Grand Canal and include a sitting room and a bedroom. The staff are very helpful and will organise Gondola and island tours upon request.
(lush)

3. Residence Corte Grimani
Cooking facilities are available in the apartments making it ideal for guests who may tire of eating out. The hotel is roughly a two minute walk from Saint Mark’s square.
(lush)
4. Ca’ dei Dogi
The rooms of this hotel look onto the tranquil garden of the convent of Saint Appollonia. They are comfortable and incorporate many modern conveniences for such a historical building. Good location, close the Bridge of Sighs.
(budget)
5. Al Ponte Antico Hotel
This hotel offers large and classic rooms and each bares the name of a different bridge in the city. There is a beautiful terrace which is used in the summer and overlooks the Grand Canal.
(lush)
6. Una Hotel Venezia
The Una Hotel is located in the Ca' d’Oro district only five minutes from the Rialto Bridge. Rooms come in a range of standards and prices to suit all.
(reasonable)
7. Hotel Ca’ Dogaressa
Hotel is very close to the famous Strada Nuova Street and the train station. There is an option to enjoy breakfast on the canal side in summer.
(reasonable)

8. Ca’ Maria Adele
There is a complimentary American provided each morning and also 24 hour room service. The rooms are large and warming. This hotel is more suited for couple as there are no facilities for young children.
(lush)
9. Forscari Palace
The building of this hotel used to house the German Consulate and offers views of the Rialto market and Grand Canal. Guest arriving by boat will enter through the original wrought iron gates.
(lush)

10. Bauer Palladio Hotel and Spa
The hotel is in an spectacular sixteenth century building and is on Giudecca Island. Amenities such as spa, restaurant and business centre are available to guests. The hotel itself is only open seasonally from March to November.
(lush)

Where to eat: 

A speciality of Venitian cuisine is Cuttlefish and its ink which is added to polenta or risotto. The ink produces a strong colour but does not have an overpowering taste and appears on many restaurant menus

Also popular amongst many locals is a sort of finger food such as stuffed olives and vegetable or seafood deep fried in batter. This type of eating can be found in many of the cities osteria, which seem a cross between bars and tratorries.

Advertise on ITALY - Pubblicità su ITALY

Newsletter

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter updates