The magical and amazing Venice, located in the north of Italy, spreads over 118 islands, connected by channels. Nevertheless, there are 10 things that every traveler must get to know in order to get a general idea of this magnificent city.
10. Gondola ride
Gondola is a symbol of Venice, therefore it is not surprising that walks on the Venetian canals are popular among tourists. Many of them begin to get their first impressions, exploring the city from the perspective of a passenger gondola. Moreover, it is not necessary to look for this type of transport for a long time, fans of the Venetian traditions of the gondola are expected literally at every step. Most tourists do not deny themselves this pleasant pleasure and ride on narrow boats designed for 4-6 people through the numerous canals of the city. But you need to consider that such a walk is not cheap.
9. The fabulous island of Burano
The true miracle is the small island of Burano with a population of about 2700 inhabitants, which is one of the districts of Venice. It is impossible to get lost here, you can cross the island from one to the other promenade in just 10 minutes.
The island can be called one of the most picturesque places on the planet. Bright, colorful houses located on the water seem to tourists as a decoration for some amazing and funny fairy tale. According to local, current legislation, each house has its own color and no one is allowed to change it without the permission of the administration. Burano is also famous for its world-famous unique, airy, almost weightless lace. The local museum presents the best examples of these products, as well as the tools with which they were created.
8. Rialto Bridge
This oldest bridge across the Venice Canal connects two residential quarters - San Polo and San Marco, and is a popular place for meetings and walks. The bridge is small in size, its total length is 48 meters, the maximum height of its central part is 7.5 meters. But 12 thousand piles used as a support impress every tourist. The bridge is decorated on both sides with exquisite bas-reliefs. There are 24 souvenir shops on the bridge where you can buy leather souvenirs, Venetian masks, Venetian glass products and much more. There are also fish and fruit markets.
7. Armenian monastery on the island of San Lazzaro
The Armenian Catholic Monastery of San Lazaro degli Armeni is located on the island of San Lazzaro. Its founder, the Armenian Catholic monk Mehitor, was forced to flee from the persecution and persecution to which he was subjected in the Ottoman Empire.
Thousands of tourists come to get acquainted with the treasures of the library of Mkhitarists, look at the Egyptian mummy, preserved to this day. The visitors are presented with a collection of Armenian manuscripts, numbering over 4 thousand copies, many oriental exhibits, several paintings by the artist Aivazovsky.
6. The famous palace of Cad d'Oro
This material embodiment of grace and beauty has several names, but it is popularly called the Golden House. The palace got its name due to the fact that gold leaf was originally used for the exterior decoration of the facade. This example of high Venetian Gothic often changed its owners, who constantly rebuilt it. His last owner, Baron Franchetti, restored the original appearance of the structure and founded a museum in its halls. Museum visitors can enjoy the work of Paris Bordone, Francesco Guardi, Vittore Carpaccio, Tintoretto, Luke Signorelli, Van Dyck and many others.
5. The famous Murano glass
Murano glass products are highly regarded throughout the world. They are distinguished by beauty, absolute transparency and lightness. A large Murano glass factory is located on Murano Island. She also has her own shop where you can find real works of art from blown glass. Murano glass products can be bought in small shops located along the main channel of the island. In them you can find all kinds of jewelry, figurines, exquisite dishes, chandeliers and more.
4. Sandy beaches of Lido
Lido is a favorite vacation spot for many Venetians in the summer. Its sandy beaches are conducive to a relaxing break, and the gently sloping seabed allows even small children to dabble calmly. Breakwaters provide additional protection, the largest of them are Nicholas the Wonderworker and Alberoni.
The free public Lido beach is accessible to all comers. In July and August this beach is very crowded. You can sit on your own bedspread or towel, but it is possible to rent umbrellas and sunbeds.
More comfortable paid beaches are located on both sides of the central beach. Here visitors can rent various equipment: large and mini-sunshades, sun loungers with a canopy, sunbeds, umbrellas and much more.
3. The abandoned island of Torcello
In the north of the Venetian lagoon is the island of Torcello, from where the Venetian Republic began. Until the 12th century, life was seething here, enterprising merchants established numerous trade relations, due to which the city grew and became rich. Nowadays, almost nothing reminds of the former greatness of Torcello, who, in fact, depopulated. Evidence of the past is the bell tower of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which is visited by most tourists. The bell tower of the cathedral offers scenic views of the island itself, as well as the islands closest to it.
2. Walking the New Ghetto
The world's first ghetto appeared in Venice in 1516. At the request of the pope, the government of the republic banned Jews from residing in the city. Homosexual people were allowed to settle on a separate island in the Cannaregio area, which was connected to the city by three bridges. Bridges were closed at night.
Today in the Ghetto, there are several hundred indigenous people who lead the usual Jewish way of life. Numerous antique jewelry and art shops in the area target tourists and pilgrims from different countries.
1. Doge's Palace - a unique creation of architecture
Every tourist arriving in Venice must visit St. Mark's Square. And, of course, most of them get acquainted with a real masterpiece of architecture - Doge's Palace. At one time, this building served as the residence of the Doges, and therefore received its name. In addition to magnificent halls, each of which is considered a work of art, there were two terrifying prisons in the palace. One was located in the basement, and the other under the lead roof of the palace.
Doge's Palace is a unique creation of Italian architecture, which combines three styles at the same time - Moorish, Gothic and Renaissance. Despite the unusual architecture, the building is striking in its harmony and compositional completeness.