Venice
The image people have of Venice is that of a city submerged by tourists, a denatured city that has lost its authenticity, its romanticism.
To discover a Venice without tourists, a Venice unknown to the rest of the world, like the invisible island that appeared sometimes in the Chukchi of Siberia when the haze and the arctic refraction of the ocean went away, that would undoubtedly be an incredible experience. But if tourists flock there from the 4 corners of the planet it is for a reason.
Venice is a dream, a city built on the water as if by magic.
It is a must-see destination that you have to make at least once in your life.
What to see in Venice ?
Saint Marc basilica
This basilica is to be seen at all costs for its mosaics, its domes, its statues and the altar which would contain the bones of Saint Mark in person. One of the most beautiful mixes of architectural styles in the world (Byzantine, Islamic, Renaissance, Gothic ...). The shape of the church, in Greek cross, recalls that of the Eastern churches. This basilica built in the middle of 11th century illustrates the links that have united, throughout history, Venice and Constantinople the golden lion with wings on its facade is a symbol of Venice.
Entrance is free, but inside you will have to pay € 3 to see "the treasure room" which despite its name has little to show, and € 3 to see the "pala oro" A Veneto-Gothic piece of goldsmith's work, a major example of Byzantine enamels. This work of art includes 1927 precious stones, it can be interesting to see it but know that you won’t be allowed to take pictures of it, photos are prohibited inside the basilica
Saint Marc place
Saint Mark's Square is as monumental as it is beautiful, bordered by some of the most beautiful monuments of Venice and by the Procuraties, 16th century buildings where the prosecutors of Venice lived and worked. Under the arcades are many shops and cafes, the most famous of which is the Florian café. This square is the heart of Venice, the place where locals and tourists meet, the permanent theater of all of Venice's public life with its markets and processions. It’s the hub of the city: you’ll have to go there to visit St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, but also the Campanile of St. Mark’s and other must-see monuments.
The Campanile
Erected on the famous Saint Mark's Square, the Campanile is the emblematic tower of Venice. From the top you will have a breathtaking view of the city, its visit also allows you to discover the five bell towers which had an important function during the Republic: the "Marangona", the largest, which sounded the beginning and the end of the working day, the "Malefico", which announced the death sentences, the "Nona" which sounded at 9 am, the "Trottiera" which instructed the members of the "Maggior Consiglio" to go to the Council Chamber and the " Mezza terza, ”which announced the start of the Senate session.
Rialto bridge
The most famous and oldest bridge in Venice, the first bridge to cross the canal.
It took its name from the Rivo Alto district (high bank. Built of wood towards the end of the 12th century, it was destroyed several times due to collapses or fires, At the beginning of the 16th century it was rebuilt it in stone.
This colorful bridge, is 48 meters long and 22 meters wide, it rests on more than 6000 stilts and consists of 3 pedestrian staircases and a double row of shops.
The library Acqua Alta
The most famous and oldest bridge in Venice, the first bridge to cross the canal.
It took its name from the Rivo Alto district (high bank. Built of wood towards the end of the 12th century, it was destroyed several times due to collapses or fires, At the beginning of the 16th century it was rebuilt it in stone.
This colorful bridge, is 48 meters long and 22 meters wide, it rests on more than 6000 stilts and consists of 3 pedestrian staircases and a double row of shops.
Chiesa dei Frari church
The Church of the Friars Minor, the Franciscans, built in 1338 in a late Gothic style with red brick and white Istrian stone. Its bell tower measures 70 meters, the second tallest in Venice. Inside, the Assumption, masterpiece of Titian and the Virgin and Child by Vivarini, there are also many beautifully decorated tombs: those of the Doges Faoscari, Niccolo Tron, or Giovani Pesaro or the famous painter Titian.
Doge's Palace
The Doge's Palace, also the Ducal Palace, symbol of the power of the Venician Republic, a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic. Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, it was the residence of the Doges who ruled the Republic, it housed political, administrative and judicial bodies. The visit of the Palace includes the Doge's apartments and the richly decorated institutional rooms.
The palace contains works by Veronese, Bellini, Titian, Tintoretto but also the prison in which Casanova was locked up which is accessed by the famous Bridge of Sighs.
Santa Maria Della Salute church
This unique church erected in the middle of the 18th century is located at the southern end of the Grand Canal.
It stands on a very narrow piece of land between the Grand Canal and the Bacino di San Marco and rests on more than 1 million stilts. The originality of this church is the use of orecchioni (large ears), a sort of spiral scrollwork crowned with statues. Inside the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute you will find a large central space surrounded by six chapels. The marble floor forms splendid geometric figures. In the sacristy, you can admire the weddings of Cana by Tintoret.
Venice Islands
Punta Della Dogana
Next to the church of Santa Maria della Salute, this building, visible from Saint Mark's square juts out into the sea with its weather vane in the shape of a golden globe surmounted by fortune and supported by two Atlanteans. In the 15th century, Venetian customs were there to inspect all goods entering Venice. The building now houses a contemporary art center of 4300m² dreamed up and produced by François Pinault.
Venise compte 118 iles, Murano, Burano, Lido et Torcello sont les plus célèbres, une fois que vous avez choisi lesquelles organiser vous pourrez aller de l’une à l’autre en vaporetto.
Murano
Murano is well known for its glassware art, in its glass museum you can see magnificent pieces of glass and glassblowers at work. I had already seen these processes on TV and was not fascinated by the manufacture nor by the glass artwork so i did not stop on this island. You are free however to make a detour there to learn about a craft dating from the 5th century.
The island of Burano
Murano is well known for its glassware art, in its glass museum you can see magnificent pieces of glass and glassblowers at work. I had already seen these processes on TV and was not fascinated by the manufacture nor by the glass artwork so i did not stop on this island. You are free however to make a detour there to learn about a craft dating from the 5th century.
Lido island
All in length, this 12km long island is located in the south of Venice. At the end of the 14th century, it became one of the first seaside resorts. Its fine sandy beaches and clear calm waters make it the perfect place to end your trip, being able to swim in Venice is unexpected and exciting.
I spent the last of my 3 days in Venice spending the morning in Burano and the afternoon on Lido Island.