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Venice
Venice was built on more than 100 small islands in an Adriatic lagoon. There are almost exclusively canals as transport routes, including the Grand Canal with its Renaissance and Gothic palaces. St Mark's Basilica with its Byzantine mosaics and the bell tower, from which you can enjoy a magnificent view over the red roofs of the city, is located on St Mark's Square in the centre.
Contents
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Sights
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St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica & Dogenpalast
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Canal Grande & Rialto Bridge
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Cannaregio- Quartier & Theater & Museums
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Restaurants
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Events
1. Sights
The sights of Venice are described in detail below. Here is more information on excursions to the islands near Venice.
The Lido di Venezia is a 4 km² large, offshore coastal strip that separates Venice from the open Adriatic Sea. As early as the 19th century, the strip developed into an elegant seaside resort with numerous luxury hotels.
Murano consists of seven islands, which are connected by bridges. Here, too, we find the typical Venetian appearance. Murano is particularly famous for its glass art. Many inhabitants of these islands work in one of the traditional glass-blowing workshops and export their wares all over the world. The only way to get here is by boat. Water buses run regularly from the centre of Venice to this island (journey time a few minutes). Many tourists travel to Murano and then on to the islands of Burano or Torcello, which are also worth a visit.
2. St. Mark's Square & St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace
St. Mark's Square, the most important and probably most famous square in Venice is 175 meters long and 82 meters wide. The image of St. Mark's Square, which was once called the salon of Europe, is characterized by the Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark's Church), which also gives the square its name. During the peak tourist season, St. Mark's Square is populated by countless tourists, photographers and pigeons.
St. Mark's Basilica, the Basilica di San Marco was the central state sanctuary of the former Republic of Venice. A special recognition feature of St. Mark's Basilica are its five domes. But not only from the outside, also from the inside the Byzantine-style church is full of sights: Numerous mosaics, paintings and altars, above all the imposing gold antependium of the high altar, the so-called Pala d'oro, decorate the church interior, which is divided into three naves.
The Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is one of the highlights in Venice. At the time of the Republic of Venice, the palace was a symbol of the power, art and culture of the empire. The highest official of the Republic, the Doge, ruled here. The Palazzo Ducale, founded in the 11th century, was originally a castle. Only in the 15th century did it get its Gothic design.
The Campanile di San Marco is part of St. Mark's Basilica. With a height of 98.6 meters, it is the tallest building in the entire city of Venice. In its original function, the spire served as a lighthouse for ships approaching the lagoon. From the campanile you can see the entire lagoon.
Bridge of Sighs, because the bridge connects the Doge's Palace to the Prigioni Nuove (New Prisons), prisoners before imprisonment could take their last glimpse of freedom from the bridge with a deep sigh, hence the name: Bridge of Sighs. The Bridge of Sighs is 11 meters long and clearly visible from the sea promenade. Access to the Bridge of Sighs is gained by visiting the Doge's Palace.
Link: http://www.basilicasanmarco.it/ - Basilica of San Marco
Link: https://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/home/ - Doge's Palace
Link: https://correr.visitmuve.it/en/home/ - Museo Correr
3. Canal Grande & Rialto bridge
The Grand Canal winds its way through the city for almost 4 kilometres. The width of the canal varies between 30 and 70 metres. The main waterway of the lagoon city separates the neighbourhoods (Sestieri) of San Marco, Cannaregio and Castello (on the left side) from the districts of Dorsoduro, San Polo & Santa Croce, which lie on the right side of the canal. The Grand Canal is lined with over 200 stately palaces that characterise the entire cityscape.
A gondola ride on the Grand Canal and the surrounding smaller canals is another highlight of a visit to Venice.
The Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge in the city, is one of the most famous buildings in the lagoon city and therefore a highlight of Venice. The name of the bridge comes from the Rialto neighbourhood in San Polo, which was one of the most important trading centres in Venice several centuries ago.
4. Cannaregio-Quartier & Theater & Museum
The Sestiere Cannaregio neighbourhood is located in the north of the city and is within easy walking distance of the train station. The following sights can be admired on a walk through this neighbourhood: Chiesa di San Simeon Piccolo - Chiesa degli scalzi - Santuario di Santa Lucia - Palazzo Labia (building realised in the 17th century. In the ballroom you can admire frescoes by Gianbattista Tiepolo) - Palazzo Savorgnan - Il ponte delle Guglie - Il Ghetto ebraico di Venezia (one of the most hystorical and culturally interesting areas of the city) - Museo Ebraico - Casa del Tintoretto (here you can admire the house of one of the protagonists of Venetian art: Tintoretto) - Chiesa della Madonna dell'Orto (one of the most important monuments of Venice. Prestigious architecture from the 13th century. )
The Gran Teatro La Fenice was opened in 1792 after the city's previously most important opera house was destroyed by fire. Towards the end of the 20th century, the opera house suffered the same fate as its predecessor. Using photos and film documents, the Teatro La Fenice was reconstructed down to the smallest detail and opera operations were resumed in 2004.
Link: https://www.teatrolafenice.it/en/ - Theatre La Fenice Venice
Peggy Guggenheim Collection - Another highlight of Venice, especially for art lovers, is the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. The collection of modern art is located in the beautiful Palazzo Venier dei Leoni on the Grand Canal and was opened as a museum in 1980. Here you can admire works of art by Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst, Wassily Kandinsky, Piet Mondrian and Hans Arp, among others.
Link: https://www.guggenheim-venice.it/ Peggy Guggenheim Museum
In the Republic of Venice, the term scuole was used to describe associations, guilds, guilds and other spiritual and charitable organisations. The best-preserved scuole in Venice to this day is the Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
Inside are wall and ceiling paintings by the famous Italian painter Tintoretto.
A tour of the paintings in chronological order begins in the Sala dell'Albergo, where works by Tintoretto created between 1564 and 1567 are exhibited. The tour then continues with further works in the Sala Superior and Sala Terrana.
Museo Ca Pesaro highly recommended for lovers of 20th century modern art.
The sculpture collection is overwhelmingly good. The paintings are also well selected and harmonised.
Link: https://capesaro.visitmuve.it/de/home/ - Museum Ca Pesaro
5. Restaurants
Estro
The modern wine bar with kitchen is located away from the tourist hustle and bustle of Venice. For lunch and dinner, Mediterranean and regional dishes are served with organic wines. Warm welcome, super friendly and experienced service.
Address Calle Crosera, sestiere Dorsoduro 3778, Venezia
Phone +39 041 476 49 14
Rest day Tuesday
Wistèria
Perfect service. Fish restaurant with outstanding food. good wines. Super nice location.
Address Fondamenta del Forner, sestiere San Polo 2908, Venezia
Phone +39 041 524 33 73
Rest day Wednesday
Ai Gondolieri
Located behind the Guggenheim Museum, this rustic establishment presents an imaginative menu (without fish dishes) of classic and Venetian tradition.
Address Fondamenta de l'Ospedaleto, sestiere Dorsoduro 366, beim Ponte del Formager, Venezia
Phone +39 041 528 63 96
Antinoo's Lounge & Restaurant
The designer restaurant in the luxury hotel Centurion Palace right on the Grand Canal spoils its guests with colourful, modern and creative dishes.
Address Calle del Bastion, sestiere Dorsoduro 173, Venezia
Phone +39 390 413 42 81
Vini da Gigio
In the district of Cannaregio, rustic atmosphere and informal service in a restaurant with visible kitchen that offers meat and fish dishes. Absolutely perfect friendly service. Extensive menu and daily recommendations
Address Calle Stua Cannaregio, sestiere Cannaregio 3628, Venezia
Phone +39 041 528 51 40
Rest day Tuesday
La Colombina
Small trattoria. Traditional cuisine with a modern touch. Authentic atmosphere. Away from tourism, you can sit outside and enjoy great food, that's what you'll find here.
Address Campiello del Pegoloto, sestiere Cannaregio 1828, Venezia
Phone +39 041 522 26 16
Rest day Wednesday
Ai Mercanti
Tucked away in a small courtyard in the center you will find this family run restaurant. Contemporary imaginative and appealing cuisine. Interesting value for money.
Address Corte Coppo, sestiere San Marco 4346/a, Venezia
Phone +39 041 523 82 69
Rest day Sunday and Monday
Bistrot De Venise
Cozy atmosphere, in a typical local. Great restaurant with excellent food
Address Calle dei Fabbri, sestiere San Marco 4685, Venezia
Phone +39 041 523 66 51
L'Osteria di Santa Marina
Osteria with many good fish dishes. Traditional, innovative and creative. Great service, very attentive and friendly.
Address Campo Santa Marina, sestiere di Castello 5911, Venezia
Phone +39 041 528 52 39
Rest day Sunday
Local
Excellent food and very friendly and attentive service. Successful compositions from Venetian, Canarian and Asian influences.
Address Salizzada dei Greci, sestiere Castello 3303, Venezia
Phone +39 041 241 11 28
Rest day Monday and Tuesday
Hostaria da Franz
The restaurant is small but cosy. The food and the service are good. The fish dishes, based on the catch of the day, are announced verbally.
Address Salizada Sant'Antonin, sestiere Castello 3499, Venezia
Phone +39 041 522 08 61
Trattoria Corte Sconta
Nice trattoria with a centuries-old vine in the vine arbor in the inner courtyard, which is open in the summer. Good typical cuisine from Venice and the sea.
Address Calle del Pestrin, sestiere Castello 3886, Venezia
Phone +39 041 522 70 24
Rest day Sunday and Monday
Locanda Cipriani
The detour from Venice to Torcello is one of the highlights, it is a wonderful balance to the hustle and bustle in Venice. The restaurant is extremely well-kept, dignified and relies on understatement. The enchanting, lovingly tended garden with pomegranate trees, flowers and herbs invites you to linger. Good food and service.
Address Piazza Santa Fosca 29, Torcello
Phone +39 041 73 01 50
Rest day Tuesday
Oniga
Good Italian food with traditional dishes. Exceptionally attentive and friendly staff. Restaurant is located at Piazza "Campo San Barnaba", vaporetto stop at Canal Grande "Cà Rezzonico".
Address Dorsoduro 2855, Venezia
Phone +39 041 522 44 10
La Bitta
Delicious food at good prices. Friendly staff.
Address C. Lunga S. Barnaba 2753/A, Venezia
Phone +39 041 523 05 31
Rest day Sunday
Trattoria Pizzeria Pan e Vino
Small trattoria with good, typical Italian food. Friendly staff. Delicious food at average prices.
Address C. Lunga S. Barnaba 2861, Venezia
Phone +39 041 312 00 45
6. Events
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Alongside the film festival, the Venice Carnival is one of the annual highlights. The world-famous masks and impressive fireworks make the Venetian form of the Christian festival something very special. The origins of the carnival in Venice date back to the 12th century and thus deep into the past. The renaissance of the Venetian carnival was initiated by the film Casanova at the 1979 Biennale. The carnival takes place every year at the end of January and beginning of February.
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Venice Film Festival
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Biennale Arte di Venezia (International Art Exhibition in Venice, from May to November)
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