Things to do in Venice
Visitors to Venice will find that this undeniably beautiful and unusual city has a whole host of things to do throughout the year.
Once one of the most powerful cities in the world, the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Cathedral remain as a testament to its naval and religious past. Dominating one end of St Mark's Square, the cathedral is a spectacular building. Romanesque and gothic carvings as well as numerous mosaics contribute to make this one of Europe's most exotic cathedrals. Rising high to the side of the cathedral is the Campanile; at 99 metres the view from the top of the tower provides a spectacular panorama of the city with virtually every building able to be identified.
Right next door to St Mark's and one of the attractions in Venice that should certainly not be missed is the Doge's Palace, or Palazzo Ducale. Grand apartments and governing rooms of Venice's governing councils are open throughout the year to the public with a beautiful interior and artwork, including paintings by Tintoretto.
Although many tourists mistakenly think the Bridge of Sighs is so named due to people sighing at the beauty of the bridge, it is actually named after the sighs of prisoners who were taken across it to the city's prisons. Although gloomy, the prisons provide an insight into Venice's past.
Travelling from place to place in the city is often best on foot, but for those who can afford it, taking a tour on a gondola is one of the most decadent and romantic ways to explore the city's winding canals. Grouping together with other people can make the ride more affordable, as can haggling with the gondolier for a cheaper price.
Numerous galleries and museums are located throughout the city, with perhaps the most famous of these being the Guggenheim and the Galleria dell'Accademia.
One of Venice's islands, Murano, is famous for its glass making and still produces some beautiful glasswork, including chandeliers, glasses and ornaments. Visits to the island can easily be made, with traditional glassmaking techniques displayed.
Although there are enough places to visit throughout the entire year, certain spectacular events take place which make the city even more appealing to visit.
One of the most important events in Venice must be the historical Boat Race, which takes place every year and involves boats from around the world. In many ways it has become more of a procession of amazing vessels than a race in the usual sense and past attractions have included traditional Chinese boats, complete with oarsmen. The bowl of St Mark and the Canal Grand are usually filled with boats on the day of the historical boat race, with people using their own vessels as vantage points from which to see some of the actual races that take place.
Venice's carnival has its roots in medieval origins and sees the city become awash with spectacular masks from all over the world and dances, concerts and performances are organised in theatres throughout the city.
With so much going on visitors are advised to take advantage of all that is on offer in the city, from wandering around the beautiful streets to taking in the festival atmosphere of the carnival.
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Things to do
