Venice is a city unlike any other. With its unique winding network of canals, Venice is built on top of a series of mud banks in the Adriatic sea. Attracting tourists from across the globe, it promises to be like nowhere else you have ever been! See it now, before climate change and the associated sea level rise begins to wear down the city at the edges.
Situated in the northeast of Italy, Venice was once known as the gateway to the orient, full of merchants trading all kinds of commodities.
Today, Venice is flooded with tourists enjoying the art, architecture, museums and shops. There is only one road into Venice across the causeway, so once you’re there the only way to get around is either by foot or boat.
You’ll find yourself crossing bridges, negotiating narrow alleyways and stopping to watch the boats bobbing by while perhaps enjoying an Aperol Spritz in the afternoon sun.
The most famous waterway of Venice has to be The Grand Canal, which winds through the heart of the city and is lined by beautiful palaces and churches such as San Simeone Piccolo and San Stae.
You’ll find the waterways of Venice are filled with ferries, speedboats and most notably, the gondolas. These traditional modes of transportation are a great way to see the city as you sit back and relax while your punter takes you around the waterway network. Alternatively and for less expense, you can take a ferry around the city or travel out to the other islands within the Venice lagoon.
If shopping is your thing, check out the Rialto bridge, situated in the commercial heart of the city, which crosses the Grand Canal. After the Rialto, the Grand Canal bends through the city until it widens out in its approach to San Marco.
Saint Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is the principal public square of Venice and is a real gem. From here you can visit the church of St Mark (which was sadly having construction works done when we visited and so was clad in scaffolding), climb the clock tower, or look out at the beautiful views across Venice lagoon.
The complex networks of waterways, streets and bridges make Venice a maze to negotiate – especially if you stray from the beaten tourist path… but that’s is part of the fun! Take a wander down a back alley and see what treasures you can discover as you turn around each corner. It’s such a unique place that it’s well worth a visit.
What are your favourite things to see and do in Venice? Leave a comment below!
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