What attracts to visitors in Venice
Venice really needs no introduction. Venice, a unique city of 116 islands, ancient history and endless waterways; it attracts a steady stream of tourists from all corners of the world to view its inspiring architecture and to navigate its mystical canals. Venice and the image of beautifully lit canals and graceful gondoliers come to mind. This romantic city does however have many more attractions.
The Grand Canal – Venice’s main waterway splits the city in half with sestieri in equal parts to the west and east of it. It is the hub around which much activity in Venice is concentrated and is encircled with elegant facades of the palazzi, which testify to the city’s past opulence. The best way to explore the architectural splendor of these Renaissance buildings is on board a vaporetta.
St Mark’s Square – It has always been the nucleus of Venice. The first citadel and church were erected on its stony foundations, the Palazzo Ducale and the Basilica di San Marco respectively. The Basilica di San Marco is a unique juxtaposition of Byzantine, western European and Islamic architectural styles. Travelers and pigeons flock to the Piazza with equal zeal. It is the tourists however who pay dearly to eat or drink at the elegant cafes that spill onto the pavements. Designer shops line the streets that radiate from the square.
Rialto -The Rialto has long been the commercial core of Venice and is famed as the place where the first bridge over the Grand Canal was built. The original wooden bridge collapsed under the strain of the crowds gathered here to admire a wedding procession.
Basilica dei Frari -This great Gothic Franciscan church was constructed in the 14th century and is primarily known as the burial place of Titian and the Venetian sculptor, Antonio Canova. Titian’s tomb in the south aisle watches over large marble pyramid created for Canova.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection -The Guggenheim collection is housed in the former Palazzo of the wealthy American heiress and has become one of the most illustrious collections of Modern Art in Italy.
Clock Tower -Entering the Piazza San Marco, the clock tower is one of the first things to be seen, towering above the Procuratie Vecchie (the ancient administration buildings for the republic). Built in 1496, the clock mechanism of that same period still keeps perfect time. The two bronze figures, known as ‘Moors’ because of their dark colour, pivot to strike the hour.
Processing your request, Please wait....
