Venice
Author: Donna Barton
The magical floating city of Venice is an absolutely immeasurable experience. Travelling by land to Paizzale Roma by road or rail the city appears to rise out of the sea like a fairy tale. Even the most seasoned of travellers cannot deny the breathtaking beauty of Venice.
Daily flights from Bristol Airport to Marco Polo have made the pleasure of a city break in Venice easily accessible; it is now a highly popular long weekend destination. For those who wish to explore Italy for longer there is the option of flying into Venice and returning to Bristol from Rome, perhaps visiting Florence and Pisa en route. On arrival at Marco Polo Airport one can take a private or a shared water taxi transfer to your chosen hotel, most of the exclusive hotels have their own private launch, although any hotel is no more than a few minutes walk from the public ACTV vaporetto stops.
The magnificent city of Venice is built on an archipelago of more than 100 islands, navigated by 200 canals spanned by over 400 bridges. The only way to get around Venice is by foot or boat – sensible walking shoes are imperative! Wandering through the tiny cobbled passageways is completely enchanting, each corner one turns is a beautiful picture, the majestic splendour of the buildings and bridges merging with the sunshine on the water.
The legendary Grand Canal winds around Venice Island and out into the lagoon. The famous Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge) was the only way to cross the Grand Canal on foot until the Accademia Bridge was built in 1854. The Rialto has three walkways; two along the outer balustrades, and a wider central walkway leading between two rows of small shops that sell jewellery, linens, leather goods and Murano glass.
Without doubt one of the most spectacular sights to be found in Venice is the Piazza S. Marco (St. Mark’s Square), the elegance and architecture is stunning. St. Mark’s is the only true square (piazza) in Venice, the other open spaces are campi or campielli. It has been the scene of some of the most important religious and political activities in the city and equally the centre of Venetian social life for almost a millennium. The awe-inspiring Basilica, the cathedral church of Venice, heads St. Mark’s Square. At the entrance to St. Mark’s Square stands the prevailing Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), the seat of law and administration in centuries past. The maze of dungeons underneath the Doge’s Palace are spookily eerie, one can picture the prisoners being lead to their ultimate fate across the Bridge of Sighs.
Venice and her islands inspire romance and culture. Sitting together in a gondola is unquestionably the finest way to move about the canals of Venice on a starry-eyed moonlit night. Picturesque churches and spires dominate every aspect of the Venetian skyline. The choice of hotels available in Venice is diverse, from the ultimate luxury of the most famous Cipriani, Gritti Palace, Luna Baglioni or the Danieli to small family run traditional establishments. Evidence of the chic Italian style is found in the lovely boutique shops hidden the passageways and it goes without saying that food and wine is taken very seriously indeed!
There are other islands too in the Venetian lagoon, Venice Lido, Murano, Burano, Torcello, and the Giudecca. Venice Lido is a cosmopolitan resort with beach side hotels, ideal for a relaxing holiday during the summer. The islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello deserve a visit to see the renowned Murano glass being hand blown by craftsmen as it has for centuries.
Venice is wonderfully unique. There is no other city in the world as distinctive or captivating, no matter how many times one arrives in Venice the ability to amaze and delight will always be there.
For information about holidays to Venice, please contact Paul.
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