One of the most romantic cities in the world,
Venice became a Mecca for tourists. The city makes living
out of tourism. The biggest part of Venice population works
in travel industry, the amount of the visitors is much higher
than the amount of the native inhabitants.
The city is famous for its countless canals and ancient
palaces.
Venice is built on 117 small islands and has approximately
150 canals and 409 bridges. The historic centre of the city
is divided into six sestieri (quarters): San Marco, Dorsoduro,
San Polo, Santa Croce, Cannaregio and Castello. The
'main street' in Venice is the Grand Canal , which passes
each of the districts and stretches from the railway station
to San Marco.
The heart of the city is St Mark's Square . Napoleon
dubbed it the 'finest drawing room in Europe '. There is
a constant carnival atmosphere thanks to the cacophony of
pigeons, cafe orchestras and constant traffic of waiters
serving diners. St Mark's Square is located in one of the
lowest parts of the city, so is always the first to be covered
in water when the acqua alta (high tide) arrives. The two
columns on the square are decorated with symbols of the city's
patron saints: the winged lion of St Mark and the figure
of St Theodore.
The Rialto Bridge was originally the only permanent
connection between the two banks of the Grand Canal . It
sounds strange but even now only 3 bridges cross Grand Canal
. The final stone version of the Rialto Bridge was built
in the period 1588-1591 by Antonio da Ponte.
The Doge's Palace is may be the most famous palace
in Venice . The palace was started in the ninth century,
several times rebuilt, and completed in the Renaissance period.
Murano, Burano and Torcello islands are very interesting.
These islands can be visited in one day! The island of Murano is
world famous for its glass production. To get to the "glass
island" you must go to Fondamenta Nuove where you can take
a motorboat that reaches the glass island in about 10 minutes.
Bustling Burano is famous for its fishing and lace
industries.
Near the southernmost tip of the Lido , Pellestrina is
a small island, also home to fishing villages. A walk along
the deserted ribbon of grey sand is the perfect antidote
to crowded Venetian alleyways.
Torcello has a magical atmosphere, with an overgrown
main square, abandoned buildings and monuments, and canal
side walks leading nowhere. It was once home to some 20,000
people, but today fewer than 80 call the ghost town home.
Gondolas are one of Venice 's most famous symbols worldwide.
This typical Venetian boat is extremely ancient. A gondola
is about 11 meters long and weighs 600 kilograms. A gondola
ride is the quintessence of romantic Venice !
Venice is a home to some world famous events. In February,
Venice Carnival takes place. It is the real show with the
magic atmosphere you'll never meet anywhere else.
Venice is a true paradise for shopping fans: you can find
everything in Venice , from souvenir shops with Carnival
masks and Murano glass items, to the most luxurious high
fashion boutiques.
Venice is the city of water. In the fall,
especially in October and November, it very often happens
the water overflows the banks of the canals, flooding the
city. The rising water is an unusual, exciting experience
for tourists as it is a unique event. Seeing Piazza San
Marco flooded by a still lake of water is most certainly
a magical moment!!! |
