The Best attractions in Venice
Venice is a captivating and exceptional city that appeals to the imaginations of travelers worldwide, who pore over guidebooks, research its attractions, and create their own must-see itinerary for exploring the city.
There are many reasons to visit Venice. Firstly, it is a unique and stunning city built on a series of islands connected by canals, which gives it a romantic and enchanting atmosphere. The city is also rich in history, art, and culture, with many world-renowned museums, galleries, and historic landmarks, such as the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. Additionally, Venice is renowned for its cuisine, including fresh seafood, traditional pastries, and famous Italian wines. Finally, Venice offers a range of exciting activities, from gondola rides and boat tours to exploring hidden alleys and shops, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler.
The Most Popular Venice Attraction – Grand Canal
There are many reasons to visit the Grand Canal in Venice. Firstly, it is the city’s most iconic and largest canal, offering breathtaking views of Venice’s historic architecture, including colorful mansions, palaces, and churches that line its banks. It is also a hub of activity, with a constant stream of gondolas, water taxis, and other boats transporting visitors and locals along its length. Moreover, cruising along the Grand Canal provides a unique perspective of the city, allowing visitors to see it from a different angle and take in the stunning views from the water. Finally, the Grand Canal is a cultural hub, home to many museums and galleries that showcase Venice’s rich history and art, making it an essential destination for anyone visiting the city.
The city’s most expansive and attractive waterway is often considered its main thoroughfare, stretching over a length of 4 kilometers. From the vantage point of a pleasure boat, one can take in picturesque and postcard-worthy vistas of vibrant mansions, stately palaces, and stunning cathedrals. Moreover, the canal offers striking views throughout the city as it meanders through its entirety.
St. Mark’s Square
An absolute must-visit destination to visit in Venice. The city’s hallmark and one of Italy’s main landmarks, the San Marco Square, is home to Venice’s top attractions and hosts the city’s most iconic events. The square’s grandeur begins with two magnificent columns adorned with statues of the apostle Mark and the winged lion.
Visiting Saint Mark’s Square in Venice is a must-do activity for any traveler. To make the most of your visit, here are some tips on how to get there and what to see:
- Arrive early: Saint Mark’s Square can get crowded quickly, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
- Take a gondola ride: A gondola ride through the canals is an iconic Venice experience and is the perfect way to reach Saint Mark’s Square. It offers a unique perspective of the city and the Grand Canal.
- Explore Saint Mark’s Basilica: The basilica is one of Venice’s most famous landmarks and a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Its intricate mosaics and gold leaf decorations are breathtaking.
- Climb the Campanile: The Campanile, the bell tower located in the square, offers stunning views of the city and is a great way to get your bearings in Venice.
- Visit the Doge’s Palace: The palace is a magnificent Gothic building located on the eastern end of the square. It was once the residence of the Doge, the ruler of Venice, and is now a museum showcasing the city’s history.
- Enjoy the atmosphere: Saint Mark’s Square is not just about its landmarks; it’s also a lively place where you can enjoy a coffee, listen to live music, and watch the world go by. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the surroundings.
St. Mark’s Cathedral
Despite being an original example of ecclesiastical architecture, Saint Mark’s Cathedral remains one of the main attractions in Venice. Describing the cathedral briefly is a challenging task, given its rich and uncommon history. The primary architectural style of the cathedral is Byzantine, which is atypical for Western Europe. However, owing to Venice’s history as a cosmopolitan trading city, the cathedral can best be described as eclectic.
The cathedral’s design and decoration incorporate the best of what came into the city – ideas, trends, craftsmen, and goods. For instance, where else would you find statues of horses adorning a church entrance? Upon closer inspection, visitors can observe many more unique features within Saint Mark’s Cathedral. Venice guides are delighted to educate tourists on how various elements in the church’s interior and architecture came to be. However, the cathedral’s primary source of pride is that it houses the relics of St. Mark, brought to Venice by Crusaders in the 10th century, a century before construction of the cathedral began, and remained there until the late 15th century
Cathedral of Santa Maria della Salute
There are several reasons why one should visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria della Salute in Venice. Firstly, it is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, with a distinctive domed structure that dominates the city’s skyline. The interior of the cathedral is also highly ornate and decorated with beautiful paintings and sculptures.
Moreover, the cathedral holds great cultural and historical significance. It was built in the 17th century as a votive offering to the Virgin Mary, thanking her for saving the city from the plague. The location of the cathedral is also significant as it sits at the entrance to the Grand Canal and serves as a welcoming symbol to those arriving in Venice by boat.
Lastly, the cathedral offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Venice from its rooftop terrace, which makes it a must-visit attraction for those who wish to enjoy the city’s picturesque views from a unique vantage point.
It is impossible to visit Venice and not lay eyes on it, as it is located in St. Mark’s Square. Everyone who has been to the “city on the water” has seen this church. Unfortunately, the history of this temple is rather somber. In the 17th century, Venice was struck by a devastating plague, and it claimed the lives of one-third of its population. The cathedral was constructed as an expression of gratitude to God for saving the city from this calamity. The church’s construction took almost 50 years to complete.
Island of San Giorgio Maggiore
The church of San Giorgio Maggiore is the main attraction on the island of the same name in Venice, and visitors usually do not need to wonder where to go on the island. The Benedictines took ownership of the island in the 10th century and built a monastery and a church. Unfortunately, an earthquake destroyed them in the 13th century. In the early 16th century, a new Renaissance-style church was constructed on the island, and it still stands today. Visitors should take the time to examine the interior walls, which are adorned with works by Tintoretto, including “The Last Supper” and “Manna of Heaven.”
Palazzo Ca Rezzonico
Ca’ Rezzonico (Venice)
Located on the Grand Canal in the Dorsoduro sestiere, Palazzo Rezzonico (also known as Ca’ Rezzonico) is an opulent palace that provides a fascinating glimpse into 18th-century Venetian life. It is sumptuously furnished with Baroque and Rococo period pieces, silk wall coverings and Flemish tapestries, together with housing a museum that highlights the importance of luxury goods to the 18th-century Venetian economy.
The Rezzonico family, an influential family in Venice, constructed this typical and impressive Venetian palazzo during the 17th century. Today, it has been converted into a museum, allowing visitors to witness the extravagant interior decorations of the Venetian nobility. The palace showcases a variety of artworks, including paintings by Tintoretto, Longhi, Guardi, and Piazzetto, as well as sculptures and rare pieces of furniture.
