What to do in Venice

Geplaatst op 22-09-2022

In the northeast of Italy lies the city of Venice, which is popular among tourists, or as the Italians call the city Venezia. The city has become world famous for the historic center of Venice which is teeming with the many canals that branch off from the Grand Canal and the surrounding lagoon. Venice is actually built on a total of 118 islands and the city has more than 400 bridges, of which the Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal is the most famous Venice landmark.

Places to visit around St. Mark's Square

The most famous buildings in Venice are located around Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark's Square. Here is the Basilica of San Marco, a church from 1060 built in Byzantine architectural style, which is richly decorated both inside and out. Opposite the Basilica of Venice is the Campanile, the basilica's 12th century bell tower. Next to the basilica is the Palazzo Ducale, or the Doge's Palace. The influential 'doge' used to live in this Doge's Palace, which is reflected in the many art treasures of the Palazzo Ducale di Venezia. You will also find the Museum Correr on St. Mark's Square and from the square near the Doge's Palace you can see the island of San Giorgio Maggiore beautifully situated on the other side of the lagoon.

Museums in Venice

If you want to visit museums during your Venice city trip, it is wise to visit the Dorsoduro district. This Venetian quarter is the cultural and student district of the city. The art academy, the Galleria dell'Accademia, the Ca' Rezzonico palace and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the Peggy Guggenheim Venice museum of Venice, are located here. In the Punta della Dogana, the extreme tip of Dorsoduro, you will find exhibitions of modern art. You can also visit the Punta della Dogana for a nice view of the Grand Canal.

More Attractions in Venice

Of course, a visit with a gondola should not be missed during your city trip to Venice. Experience the city at its best from the water of the Grand Canal; sail under the Rialto Bridge and view the Mercato di Rialto fresh market from your gondola. The Bridge of Sighs, the bridge over which the prisoners were taken from the Doge's Palace, is also best viewed by gondola. Other Venice sights are the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and the adjacent Basilica di Santa Maria dei Frari, a church with beautiful paintings by Titian, among others.

If you are staying longer in Venice, it is also nice to take a walk through the Cannaregio district where you will find the Jewish ghetto with the Jewish museum and the synagogues. Or take a boat trip to one of the many islands outside the historic center. Visit the beach on Lido di Venezia or enjoy the many picturesque and colorful houses on the islands of Murano and Burano. Lover of theater and opera? Then a visit to Teatro La Fenice in the historic center of Venice should not be missed. Finally, there are two typical Venetian events that can make your city trip unforgettable. Firstly, the Carnaval di Venezia, the carnival of which the Venetian masks are the ultimate souvenir. Second, the Biennale, an art exhibition held every two years in the Italian city. In short, Venice has all the facets to provide you with a successful Venice city trip!