To many travelers, Venice is a dream destination known for being unique and romantic. There is so much to see and experience, and here are just a few prime examples of what can make your visit an extremely memorable part of your vacation.
Canal Grande
Everyone wants to experience gliding on an authentic and serenaded traditional Venetian gondola ride on these famous “liquid streets” that comprise the city’s main water thoroughfare. You are taken past magestic Renaissance palaces, beautifully colored gardens, elaborate churches, and other landmarks.
St Mark’s Basilica
This is Venice’s most famous cathedral, is one of the finest examples of the opulent Italo-Byzantine architecture style, and contains valuable art, metalwork, and other treasures. Originally built in 832, by the time of the 11th century, it was going by the nickname “Church of Gold”.
There are 85,000 square feet of mosaics that show scenes from the Old Testament and the New Testament. The four bronze horses were created around the 4th century BC in Constantinople and were plundered during the Fourth Crusade and were placed in front of St. Mark’s in 1254. The ones you see are replicas that were installed in the 1980s due to air pollution that was doing damage to the original ones that are still inside St. Mark’s Museum.
Doge’s Palace
The palace is over 1,100 years old. An architectural masterpiece with its elaborate exterior, rococo interior, and grand halls, it was the residence of the Doge, the “Duke” of Venice. Italy’s greatest architects added to it as the city grew, and it has been a museum since 1923 with priceless paintings by Venetian masters.
The Bridge of Sighs is a symbol of love. It is best to go there on a gondola because it is said that if a couple kisses at sunset as they pass under the bridge and hear the bells of St. Mark’s tolling, their love is sure to last forever!
Walking Tours
They are very popular and allow you to see numerous sights first-hand. If you want to take one that is unusual, consider a Ghost Tour! You get to explore the city’s mysterious past and go through abandoned piazzas and ancient passageways while your guide tells ghost stories and legends as you see the spookier side of Venice.