Venice is rich in history, culture, and beauty, and after arriving, travelers may
find it difficult to know what to do, or where to begin their journey through the city that
is “built on water.” Whether you enjoy strolling through the labyrinth of narrow streets and hidden
passageways, or decide to use the canals for transportation, in this video you will discover
8 must-do activities in “la bella Venezia” to get a more complete experience of the city,
the culture, and the traditions of the locals, or Venetians. Stay until the end,
because the last event will leave you speechless, taking you backward in time.
1094. This was the year of the first mention of a gondola in Venice. Long and narrow,
made of wood and hand-crafted, with a curved hull and a single oar,
the “Gondola” is a traditional Venetian boat that has been in use for nearly a thousand years!
When you put your feet in a Gondola, you are catapulted into a new world,
and being on the water allows you to see the city from a different perspective.
The gentle lapping of small waves against the sides of the boat, and the fresh air breezing
through your hair, will make you feel a sense of peace and tranquility during your ride,
and if you’re lucky, maybe the gondolier can even carry a tune.
Piazza San Marco is the largest public square in Venice and one of the most famous in the
world. It was built in the 9th century and is home to some of the most famous buildings in
Venice, including the Doge's Palace, the Basilica di San Marco, and the Campanile.
This square never sleeps. Musicians playing their music, kids having fun with their friends,
and the aromas of freshly-baked bread and coffee waft through the air,
all surrounded by a mixture of Byzantine, Venetian, and Gothic architecture.
First-time travelers are often left breathless at the beauty of the Piazza.
In the 14th century the Doge's Palace was built as a residence of the Doge of Venice,
the supreme authority of the former Republic of Venice, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site
that attracts millions of visitors each year. One of the first things you notice when you
step into this palace is the immensity of the artwork and architecture inside.
The walls are covered with intricate paintings and tapestries, the floors are made of polished
marble, the ceiling is high and vaulted, and the windows are large and filled with sunlight.
Don’t miss Sala del Maggior Consiglio (a large hall where the Venetian Senate met),
Sala del Consiglio dei Dieci (a secret council that was responsible for the security of Venice),
and Scala d'Oro, a golden staircase that leads to the Doge apartments,
which includes a breathtaking view of the city..
The Basilica of San Marco, its golden domes shining in the sun,
the facade covered in mosaics depicting scenes from the Bible and the life of Saint Mark, along
with doors made of bronze decorated with intricate carvings, are therapy for the eyes and the soul.
On entering the basilica, you will discover incredible marvels, including the Pala D'Oro,
a golden altarpiece that is one of the most famous works of art in the world,
the treasury of San Marco, which is filled with priceless jewels and artifacts,
and the tomb of Saint Mark, the patron saint of Venice.
Every step inside this building is a step back in time to the Byzantine Empire.
At 24 meters wide and 48 meters long, and supported by 12 columns,
the Rialto Bridge is the oldest bridge across the Grand Canal in Venice.
In 1587, the Venetian government decided to build a new bridge at the Rialto,
so they held a competition, and the winning design was submitted by Antonio da Ponte.
Da Ponte's design was for a stone bridge with three arches and it was built between
1588 and 1591, with its inauguration in 1592. The Rialto Bridge is a great spot to get photos,
or to view the Grand Canal and the city of Venice, and it’s also a very popular
spot for shopping thanks to Rialto Market, with many shops and cafes located nearby.
The Jewish Ghetto, all surrounded by canals and walls, is the first of its kind in the
world. Established in 1516 by the Venetian Republic, which forced all of its Jewish
population to live in a small, isolated area of the city, the ghetto was abolished in 1797,
when Napoleon Bonaparte conquered Venice. The narrow and winding streets,
and the old and worn buildings, show you another hidden part of Venice.
The Ghetto is full of synagogues, including the Scuola Grande Tedesca,
which was built in 1528. Another spot to visit is the Jewish Museum of Venice,
which offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the Jewish community.
Located in a beautiful 18th-century palace on the Grand Canal, the "Peggy Guggenheim Collection"
was founded by this homonymous figure, a wealthy American heiress and art collector.
The museum offers over 2,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures,
and drawings, by some of the most important artists of the 20th century, including Picasso,
Matisse, Dalí, and Miró, and is open to the public from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Give yourself plenty of time to immerse yourself in these historical works of art.
Murano is an island in the Venetian Lagoon, about 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) north of
Venice. It is known for its centuries-old glassware industry and for its beauty,
intricate drawings and vibrant colors. From Piazza San Marco, take a vaporetto
in Murano (it takes 10-15 minutes, depending on where you depart) and when you arrive at
one of the many stops on the island, go to a glass workshop and experience for
yourself the expertise and precision by which this famous glass is manufactured.
There is also the “Museo del Vetro”, which houses a collection of over
6,000 glass objects from the 14th century to the present day. Murano is famous for its glass,
which has been used to create some of the most beautiful and iconic objects in the
world. The tradition of glassmaking in Murano dates back to the 13th century,
and the island has become synonymous with the art of glassmaking. Today, Murano glass is still made
using traditional methods, and the island is home to dozens of glassmaking factories and workshops.
If you are in Venice in February, enjoy the historical Carnivale,
which dates back to the 12th century.
To find out all about Carnivale, watch this next video now