The Serenissima. A name that comes from a tradition of prosperity, tolerance towards foreigners and political vanguard, a guarantee of peace and serenity for its inhabitants.
The Serenissima
Venezia: art and water
Venezia:
art and water
TRADITIONAL FOOD SPECIALTIES: baccalà mantecato (creamed cod), Venetian liver, polenta, bigoli in sauce, Gò risotto, rice and peas, sarde in saòr, moeche, cicheti, black cuttlefish with polenta
WINES: Glera, Garganega, Corvina, Rondinella, Friulano, Corvinone, Raboso Piave, Verduzzo Trevigiano
MUST DO’S: Venice’s Carnival, a Spritz cocktail in Piazza San Marco, a gondola ride under the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge’s Palace, watch the glass masters at work in Murano furnaces.
RECOMMENDED READS:
- The Merchant of Venice, by William Shakespeare
- The Flame, by Gabriele d’Annunzio
- Death in Venice, by Thomas Mann
Venice: an amazing city
Made of 118 islands joined by over 400 bridges and canals that act as maritime roads crossed by gondolas and boats, Venice is one of the world’s most requested romantic destinations, but off the most touristy areas you can walk in silent and uncrowded areas.
Venice a chest of contemporary art
Venice is home to some of the most beautiful and famous museums, sites and monuments of the world: Piazza San Marco with its golden basilica covered with mosaics that tell Venice’s story, the four bronze horses from the imperial palace in Constantinople, Palazzo Ducale, seat of the Serenissima’s government built in the fifteenth century using magnificent marbles from Istria, the Arsenale, the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, the Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, the Peggy Guggenheim museum with works of artists such as Modigliani, Picasso, Mirò, Pollock and Kandinsky.
Ancient traditions
Venice is also famous for its historic cafés. During the 1600s, many cafés spread throughout the city, in 1720 the celebrated Caffè Florian opened in Piazza San Marco and you can still take a seat at one of its outdoor tables for a coffee or an “aperitivo“.
Other unmissable tourist destinations are the lagoon islands: Murano, renowned for the glassmaking tradition, Burano, known for the typical coloured houses and for its needle lace craftsmanship and Torcello.
International events in Venice
Venice hosts legendary international events such as the Biennale, the Venice Film Festival, the Venice Carnival.
A magical background for any experience, from a sunrise or a sunset over the lagoon to a candlelight dinner, from a walk along its canals to a cicchetto (small plate) in a typical Venetian bacaro (wine bar).
BEST TIME TO GO: June, July and August should be avoided when Venice is overcrowded, the climate is humid and the heat can be oppressive. The best time to visit Venice is from late March to May, or October, when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists. High water can occur in November and December, and the winter months can be very cold.
HOW TO GET THERE: By plane (Venice Marco Polo Airport), by car via the A4 Turin-Milan motorway, or by train. Venice is connected to the mainland (Venezia Mestre) by Ponte della Libertà bridge, which is used by trains and cars heading to the lagoon. The bridge leads to the terminals, Piazzale Roma and the railway station, beyond which vehicles cannot pass. Those arriving by car must necessarily park.
HOW TO GET AROUND: In Venice either you walk or you take the public transport boats (vaporettos, motorboats, ferry boats) which connect all the main areas of the city.
WHERE TO STAY: Venice offers endless types of accommodations. If you are looking for a romantic experience and aren’t on a limited budget you should stay in the city centre where you’ll be immersed in the magic of the city, enjoy a walk late at night or in the early morning. As an alternative, Mestre is a great option offering accommodations for any budget and being just 10 minutes away by train or 20 minutes by bus from Piazzale Roma.
HOW LONG SHOULD I STAY: At least two or three days are necessary to appreciate the many extraordinary beauties of Venice.
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