Venice

The Rialto Bridge is an architectural marvel that for centuries has left everyone speechless for its size and beauty. Built at the end of the sixteenth century, it is a 7.5 meter long covered bridge.

Piazza San Marco is a square close to the lagoon and is the city lounge par excellence, where the most important appointments of the Carnival and other Venetian events take place. The square is overlooked by the two symbolic monuments of the city: the Basilica of San Marco, a monumental church with a Byzantine charm that is an unmissable visit, and the Campanile, the tallest building in Venice. Other famous attractions overlooking the square are the Clock Tower, the historic Caffè Florian and the Correr Museum. Many famous buildings are located along its banks, such as the Church of Santa Maria Della Salute, the Accademia Galleries.

The Basilica of San Marco is a jewel of Venice. This cathedral combines elements of Gothic, Byzantine, Romanesque and Renaissance architecture, testifying to the political and economic domination of the city that has spanned centuries. Topped by soaring domes and with an interior of striking golden mosaics, the church is so opulent that it is known as the"Golden Church". Construction began in the year 828, when the body of San Marco was brought back to Venice from Alexandria in Egypt; the church has been rebuilt, enlarged and delicately restored over the centuries.

The Doge's Palace is one of the greatest examples of Venetian Gothic and holds within it an artistic heritage of inestimable value and many secrets. The exterior is one of the best known views of Venice: splendid facades with two levels of monumental colonnades and an upper level decorated with geometric patterns in white and pink stone, on which ogival windows with Byzantine charm open. During the visit to the Doge's Palace you will be able to see from the inside the famous Bridge of Sighs, the covered bridge that once connected the Doge's palace and the prisons of the Serenissima.

Just under 4 km long, the Grand Canal is the main communication route in Venice: just follow its banks to get to the heart of the city and find all the other must-see attractions. With a ride by vaporetto or gondola, it is possible to admire the splendid buildings that overlook the canal.

The Grand Canal is the first thing you will see as soon as you get off the train and ends near Piazza San Marco. The Venice Casino, the oldest gambling house in the world, also overlooks the Grand Canal.

Another must-see cultural attraction in Venice is the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, a historic and elegant architectural complex, home to a brotherhood that still exists today. To decorate the walls of this illustrious venue, a competition was held in the 16th century in which the major artists of the time participated.

One of the most famous Venetian traditions in the world is the"murrina", an elaborate decoration in blown Murano glass. It will be exciting to see how glass is worked to produce objects that are real artistic creations. On the island of Murano it is possible to visit the Glass Museum. Objects made with Murano glass can be purchased throughout Venice. To reach the island just take a vaporetto.

The other island of Venice, whose name immediately evokes a centuries-old artisan tradition, is Burano. It is a smaller island than Murano and less visited because it is rather far from the historic center, and is therefore much quieter and perfect for those who want to catapult into a different, slow-paced Venice. In Burano the"house specialty" are lace, that is one particular processing of yarns to obtain a light, precious and ornate fabric. A historical museum is dedicated to these too, which is worth visiting.