There is only one city like Venice in the world. Its narrow alley streets and water canals, adheres love and romance!
1) Piazza San Marco, St Mark’s Square: Saint Mark’s Square (also know as Piazza San Marco) is the main square of Venice, Italy. Very few places in Europe are so historically rich and quiet, you can hear yourself speak without being overpowered by the noise of city traffic. The whole San Marco area is like a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and canals. The square originated in the 9th century as a small area facing the original St Mark’s Basilica. In 1177 it was enlarged to its present form.
Late at night, the square changes its skin as the cafe orchestras fill the night air with Jazz/Classical music. Get a chair, a cocktail and absorb the great unique atmosphere that surrounds you. This is also the place for many of Venice’s festivals. A great popular place in Italy today.
The Piazza you see today was paved in the late 13th century with bricks laid in a herringbone pattern. Light-colored stones were probably used setting up market stalls and organizing frequent ceremonial processions.
2) Rialto Bridge, Grand Canal: The first bridge crossing the Grand Canal was a pontoon bridge built in 1181 by Nicol? Barattieri. It was called the Ponte della Moneta before being replaced three more times until the final model we see today hence the name “Rialto Bridge”. The Rialto Bridge in Venice was the only of its kind (made of limestone) to cross the Grand Canal, which lead to the birth of the Rialto market. It was designed by Antonio da Ponte, and finally completed in 1591.
It became one of the main places for trade (negozio) in the city. The bridge has beaten all odds and has become one of the top attractions of Venice. People gather here to take in the sight of Venice as the sun disappears down into the far distance. From here you’ll see the gondoliers as they make their way slowly down the Grand Canal. It is considered by many to be one of the most lovely sites in the world.
3) Castello Area, Biennial Gardens: The Castello area is the most easterly and largest of the 6 areas of Venice and among the oldest areas of Venice. It grew up from the thirteenth century around a naval dockyard. Napoleon changed it to what is now the Biennial Gardens, and still more recently the island of Sant’Elena has been created along with other parts of land drained at other areas of the quarter.
Plenty of things to do and see around here. One in particular is Venice’s Arsenal Naval History museum (Museo Storico Navale) and the former military shipyard of the Republic at Arsenal. In its old days this was the core of Venice’s prosperous shipping industry. Visit the Public Gardens, the largest of their kind in Venice.
4) Accademia Area, Museum Gallery: The Accademia area is located on the south of the Canal, and gives its name to one of the 3 bridges that crosses it, the (Ponte dell’Accademia). The Accademia is best known for its museum gallery of pre-1800s art, famous architects, art paintings and sculptures in Venice, Italy.
Some of Venice’s most respected ancient artists studied here, and this is part of why other finest artists are attracted in Italy to study in this area. The Galleria dell’Accademia contains masterpieces of Venetian paintings and history.
5) Cannaregio Area, First Jewish Ghetto in Venice: This is the neighbourhood of Venice where local people still live in great numbers. It’s the north of Venice and it’s the second largest in population with about 20K people. Canneregio was the main entrance into the city until the a railway to the mainland was built.
Development began in the eleventh century as the area was drained and parallel canals were dredged. It’s the home to the beautiful church of Madonna dell’Orto, Palace of Ca’ d’Oro and Tintoretto’s masterpieces. The Ghetto’s Jewish Museum (Museo Ebraico), introduces the history of the first Jewish ghetto in history. Many restaurants offer some of the best cuisine in Venice at reasonable prices.
6) Santa Croce Area, Piazzale Roma: Central bus stations and car parks are here (piazzale Roma basically). Weird enough cars can travel here (absolutley unique and uncommon for Venice) that’s why it’s called “Terra Firma”. The area was once part of the Luprio swamp, but slowly claiming land. It is the area most affected by the opening of the Lagoon Road 1933 due its steady grounds. It’s an extension of San Polo and lies on the other side of the Grand Canal towards the main railway station of Venice, Piazzale Roma.
A location where you can grasp the authentic Venetian neighbourhood atmosphere. It’s however very close to the city’s main attractions. It’s a very pleasant area to take an evening stroll! Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio is a lively square full of people and music where sometimes couples can dance.
7) Giudecca Island, Exclusive Residential area and Beautiful Gardens: Giudecca Island was once known as the Long Thorn because of its shape. Giudecca was historically an area of big and elegant palaces with lovely gardens, gaining back its once most regarded reputation as an exclusive residential area. It is known for its long dock and its churches, including Il Redentore.
The Island offers some of the most stunning views of the mainland stretching across the 300 meters wide Giudecca Canal where the sun gorgeously sets. The celebration of “Festival of Redeemer” (the end of the plague in 1526), takes place every 3rd weekend of July every year, the Venetians gather a bridge of boats across the Giudecca canal with a display of fireworks. This spectacular sight can be seen from every corner in Venice.
