When in Venice
Venice is often described as one of the most romantic cities in the world and it is with good reason.
The canals which cover this amazing city provide the perfect opportunity for couples to get away from it all and enjoy a relaxing, quiet and peaceful gondola ride.
But that is not to say that this city is only for lovers. One of the most historic cities in Italy, it has much to offer any traveller and there is always plenty to see and do here. For example, visit Venice between December and Lent and you can enjoy the sumptuous Venetian Feast, which is marked by local delicacies being promoted in restaurants and the wearing of masks from around the world.
One of the most famous parts of Venice is Doge's Palace, which was first established in the ninth century and represents an ideal starting point for travellers looking to get an insight into the history of the city. It has been home to many Doges down the centuries and also acted as the seat of power for a number of political and social institutions. Outside, the building's arches are a symbol of Venetian opulence in the 12th century, when the building was revamped, and that beauty and elegance gives visitors a glimpse into what thy can expect when inside.
On the second floor of the Palace, visitors will find the Grand Chamber and also the Doge's apartments, which serve to highlight the grand lifestyle which was enjoyed by the region's royalty in centuries gone by.
Perhaps one of the most iconic images of Venice is its bell tower, which stands guard over the city and its people. The huge and beautiful tower which belongs to St Mark's Church can be seen from across the city.
The tower looks down on St Mark's Square, one of the best-known features of Venice and one that is often full of tourists during the summer months. But despite the large number of people which flock to the site every year, it remains well worth the visit, because it is one of the prettiest squares travellers are ever likely to come across. Admiring the Square, you will be in good company, as Napoleon himself once described St Mark's Square as "the finest drawing room in Europe".
Unlike the squares of other famous cities, like London's Trafalgar or New York's Times, St Mark's Square has not been forced into incorporating motor vehicles into its features. As such, the site has remained unharmed be vehicles and has been able to retain the beauty and elegance that its creators envisaged.
Bordered by historic buildings, St Mark's Square is also the centre of Venice's amazing canal network. The famous canals of Venice stretch into almost every part of the city and offer a truly unique experience for travellers, with no other place on earth appearing to be built quite so entirely on water. While in the past the city's canals acted as large sewers, often with the unfortunate result that the streets gave off an unpleasant stench, that problem has largely been cured and the city's authorities have thankfully recognised that to attract modern travellers it needs to have a modern infrastructure. Therefore, taking a boat ride along the Grand Canal, under the Bridge of Sighs, is now a memorable experience because of the views and tranquillity it offers, not because of the smells emanating from under the boat.
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Introduction
