Saint Mark's Basilica, Venice (Photo credit: jivedanson)

English: The Rialto Bridge over Venice's Grand Canal. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is a photograph of the Doge's Palace in Venice. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Entrance of Doge's Palace in Venice (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

5 Things You Must Do in Venice
By []Marie Ryan

How to Get Around the City

The city of Venice is a pedestrian city made up of canals and bridges. The best way to travel along the Grand Canal in Venice is by 'vaporetto' (water-bus) to the nearest pier and then on foot to your destination. There are no cars or buses in Venice. All transport is by water, in 'vaporettos' (public water-buses), 'traghettos' (small boats for crossing the Grand Canal), 'g�endolas' (traditional Venetian long-boats) or water-taxi for private hire.

1. Saint Mark's Square
Wander around the magnificent Saint Mark's Square and people watch. You can listen in to the chamber music being performed at the stylish caf�s on the square. The three different caf�s all have a chamber orchestra, but to avoid a cacophony of music, as would occur if they all played together, they each 'take turn' and respectfully wait until each is instrumental is finished.

2. Saint Mark's Basilica
If you don't mind joining the queue of hundreds of other tourists, you can enter the Basilica di San Marco at no charge. The exterior has beautiful frescoes above the main doorway and the interior is, naturally, packed with artwork, paintings, and colourful murals. If you are feeling energetic, you can ascend to the roof terrace and contemplate the Square from above. There is also a very informative museum/gallery where you can delve more into the history of the basilica.

3. Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs
The Doge's Palace is a vestige of medieval Venice and was for centuries the seat of power of Venice, during its 'Golden Age', when Venice was a hub for the silk, and spice trade from the East and a formidable political and military force in the area. The Bridge of Sighs was the bridge which prisoners would cross on their way from the courts at the Doge's palace, after sentence had been passed, to the dungeons of Venice.

4. The Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is one of four bridges crossing the canal and is one of the top tourist attractions in Venice. It is unusual in that it has two lines of shops on the bridge itself, in continuation of the Rialto Market nearby. Thousands of tourists flock there daily to view Venice from the steps of the bridge and to feel the excitement of being in one of the most beautiful cities of the world.

5. Relax with Vivaldi
Antonio Vivaldi was born in 1678 in Venice and as a tribute to him there are many performances of Vivaldi's music being held daily in the city. "The Four Seasons" concert is one of the most popular pieces offered but other works by Vivaldi and other composers such as Mozart are also popular.

Find out more about Venice and read about a four-day trip I made to this beautiful place. Then start planning your own holiday to Venice! Visit me on Hubpages at: http://hub.me/afynj

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Free Things to Do in Venice

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By Sarah Dudleymore


Venice is known to be expensive, but don't despair. I have created a list for you to enjoy Venice to the maximum without spending a fortune!
1) Piazza san marco is excellent place to stroll around the square. Do some window shopping, take amazing pictures of the great architecture and if you like pigeons, then join them in the middle of the square as they love to just stand on people.

7 Must See Attractions in Venice

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By Claire W Schembri


Venice is renowned as one of the most romantic and lovely destinations in the world. The city is built on 118 small islands and is connected by over 400 bridges of which only 3 cross the main canal.
The Republic of Venice dates back to 827, when a Byzantine Duke moved its seat to what is now known as the Rialto, and for almost ten centuries, prospered on trade and under the rule of a Roman-style Senate headed by the Doge. In 1797, the city was conquered by Napoleon and was soon merged into Austria-Hungary. For the following years, the city was ping-ponged back and forth between Austria and Italy. Venice became part of Italy in 1866 following the Seven Weeks War.

The Sestieri of Venice, Six Districts With Six Different Personalities

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Author: Albapp

Venice is divided into six districts or sestieri, three to the west of the Grand Canal and three to the east. Each of these districts has a personality of its own and hosts a part of the historical and cultural heritage of this city that is a work of art in itself.
Santa Croce is the first district the majority of tourists visit in Venice since the bus terminal where the majority of tour operators leave the tourists, Piazzale Roma, is located in this area. Santa Croce is one of the smallest districts and is the home of several significant churches like San Giacomo dell'Orio and San Stae, and of the International Gallery of Modern Art.

Venice Tourist Attractions - Most Visited Place Around The World

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Author: Jhon Napier

Incredible is the only word that rings in the minds of tourists visiting Venice tourist attractions. In addition, this city is famously known as "Bride of the sea" because of many canals that crisscrosses the entire city. Venice tourist attractions are one of the most romantic and lovely places where time has stood still. Moreover, this city is indeed a jewel of Italy. Furthermore, the stunning architecture, impressive museums, art galleries and miles of canals is perfect for an everlasting vacation.

Basilica di Santa Maria is the world's third largest church, and one of the major Venice tourist attractions. Moreover, this enormous building can be instantly recognized by its grand dome. In addition, this magnificent church is one of the most photographed buildings. Furthermore, this church was build to honor St. Mary to protect locals from diseases. And, many visitors believe that visiting this church would protect them from diseases due to which this church is most visited Venice tourist attractions.

A Visit to Venice, Italy

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By Warren Ward


Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world and the best time to visit it is in spring just before the weather becomes too hot and humid and the place is overrun with tourists.
Venice consists of one hundred and seventeen islands and the best way to explore all of them is by foot, as it provides you proximity with the culture of Venice.
The city is completely water locked and presents you with a unique mixture of modernism and ancient but thriving culture.

10 Must-See Sites in Venice

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By Candee Wilson


If you're planning a trip to Italy, you need to include Venice on your itinerary. It is a magical place considered to be one of the most romantic cities in the world. Venice can't be seen in a few hours. Do yourself a favor and allow a minimum of two days to explore and visit these must-see sites:
1. Basilica di San Marco (often referred to as St. Mark's Cathedral) - With architecture that blends the styles of East and West, it is one of the greatest buildings in Europe. The carvings, mosaics, bronzes and art are a feast for the eyes. Because there is so much to see, it is best to take a guided tour of the Basilica to make sure you see the most important features.

Most Romantic Destinations of World

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Author: jamescameron10000

Venice is one of the popular romantic destinations in the world. Honeymoon in Venice is a very special way to celebrate the occasion in a place that is romantic in its own way. The mesmerizing beauty of the city with its elegant architectural work attracts a number of couples from different places. The intricate network of the canals may be experienced with a ride of gondola. This would take you and your partner to a surreal world. A walk around the city with your partner is something you may also try out. The charming café, the charm and warmth of the place is what it takes to turn your honeymoon into a memorable experience.

Venice, Italy - Ca D'Oro

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By Harry Preston Goldleaf, ultramarine and vermillion were the most expensive pigments at the time, and the man who commissioned the palace, Procuratore Marino Contarini, was showing off his wealth. The Contarinis were one of Venice's most successful patrician families. Between 1043 and 1676 they provided eight doges for the Republic. Marino didn't manage to get himself elected so he set out to impress the city with his vast wealth. In 1421 the site had been prepared by demolishing the Palazzo Zeno, which was part of the dowry brought by Marino's wife. Between 1425 and 1434 Ca d'Oro was constructed in its place. The style is pure Gothic Venetian, described by some as "floral".
Other buildings in this style are Palazzo Barbaro and the Palazzo Giustinian, both nearby. In this case the architect was Bartolomeo Bon from Campione d'ltalla. Bon, working in partnership with his father, completed a number of important works in Venice including the Porta della Carta in Basilica di San Marco, with its monumental sculpture of the judgement of Solomon, the great marble door of Santa Maria dei Frari and the fine Foscari Arch of thePalazzo Ducale.
The wonderful airiness of the palace arises from its oriental pinnacles and the recessed colonnaded loggia which leads from the canal into a much more substantial entrance hall in front of a small inner courtyard into which Bon inserted an impressive well head (vera di pozzo). one of his signature features. The palazzo has been described, rightly, as a cross between a medieval church and a Moorish temple and yet for all its delicacy it is, and always was intended to be, asymmetrical. The palazzo changed hands many times over the following centuries and was owned by both the Marcello and Loredan families, but it remained in the hands of the aristocracy until the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797.
In the 19th century it was extensively altered by a series of new owners, including Prince Troubetzkoy who bought it for the dancer Maria Taglioni. Under her direction the Gothic stairway and the balconies overlooking the inner courtyard were removed and the well head sold off. John Ruskin, in The Stones of Venice, declared her interventions to be an act for which he could not forgive her.
In 1894 Baron Franchetti acquired the building. He rebuilt the stairway and balconies and restored Bartolomeo Bon's well head. He also compiled a rich art collection which he bequeathed to the state, along with this palazzo, after his death in 1922. Today, the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti is open to the public. It contains some rather routine Tintorettos and Titians but Mantegna's St Sebastian on the first floor is unmissable. Look out for Bartolo's Coronation of the Virgin, Lombardo's Young Couple and Antonio da Firenze's Story of Lucrezia.

For more information about Venice, Italy visit GuidedTourVenice.com.
For more information about Dubai, UAE visit GuidedTourDubai.com

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Venice, Italy - Basilica Di San Marco

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By Harry Preston
Venice's most visited sight was originally the doge's private chapel, but since 1807 it has been, deservedly, the city's cathedral church. Its makeup is an eclectic mix of cupolas, spires, sculpture and mosaics, leading Mark Twain to compare it to "a vast warty bug taking a meditative walk". The Quadriga, four horses that adorn the front, are copies of statues looted from the hippodrome in Constantinople. The originals are in the loggia of the cathedral. Its altar is said to house the body of St Mark, smuggled from Alexandria in AD 829 by two merchants and adopted as the city's patron.

The building itself is built on the plan of a Greek cross. While the structure of San Marco has altered little since 1063, its decoration has changed repeatedly as more and more treasures were brought back from the Orient. Columns, capitals and friezes were added on an ad hoc basis until the basilica's ancient brickwork disappeared under marble and carvings.

The interior is dark and dense with 4,OOOsq m (4,3056sq feet) of mosaics, including bronze and gold tiles. In candlelight, the nave has an other-worldly feel but beware the uneven floors, the result of centuries of flooding and subsidence. The mosaics of the narthex (above the central doorway) show Old Testament scenes including the Creation, while the interiors of the main domes show Pentecost, the Ascension, and Christ Pantocrator. The Baptistry (usually closed to the public) is richly decorated with mosaic scenes from the life of St John the Baptist.

The multiple choir lofts were the inspiration for the early development of a Venetian style of "polychoral" music in which different groups of singers answer each other. As a result, the post of maestro di cappella at San Marco was much sought-after in the music world. The Gabrielis, Andrea and Giovanni, ran San Marco in the 16th century; one of the earliest opera composers Pietro Cavalli (1602-1676) was both chorister and organist and Tommaso Albinoni (1671-1751) is said to be buried somewhere inside the basilica.

The whole complex has been referred to as the world's biggest display of stolen property. Among the plundered Byzantine silver and gold is the Pala d'Oro, a jewel- encrusted altarpiece covered with over 3,000 precious stones. The Tetrarchy, a porphyry statue of three emperors on the south side of the building, was taken from Constantinople in 1204 and presented to San Marco. The foot missing from one of the emperors was discovered recently in Istanbul - but is being kept there. Visit early to avoid the crowds and follow the signs to Loggia dei Cavalli. From here, even if you don't visit the horses and loggia, you can look down into the basilica and get a clear idea of its shape.

For an online guided tour of Venice, Italy, or for more information about the city of Venice, visit http://www.GuidedTourVenice.com. For an online guided tour of Dubai, UAE, or for more information about the city of Dubai, visit http://www.GuidedTourDubai.com.

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Tips for Exploring Italian Cities Like Venice and Rome

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When making plans to travel to another country it is always a good idea to do some research on your destination. Attempts to understand and respect other cultures and their traditions will always be appreciated and make your holiday more enjoyable.

There are many things to consider when you go to Italy. Besides the eating and drinking habits of the Italians, you should also look into dress codes. I am not talking about having to wear designer clothing but more what kind of clothing. If you like to visit churches then you should know that in most churches dress codes and rules are mandatory. If you have bare shoulders or knees, some churches will not let you enter, especially in Rome at St. Peter's and the Vatican Museums and at the Basilica di San Marco in Venice. If it is to hot outside then just bring something to cover up with you.

Italy is a magnificent country to visit, offering distinct scenery, extraordinary ruins, museums, churches, food and wine. Most people have heard of Rome, Venice, Pisa, Florence and Milan, along with these beautiful cities are the lesser well-known destinations of the Lake District in the North of Italy, Tuscany & Umbria, the Amalfi Coast or the stunning islands of Capri and Sicily.

If you are leaving some of your family members behind and you would like to call them once in a while just to let them know what a good time you’re having, it might be a good idea to or buy a telephone card and use public phones. If you are bringing your mobile with you, you can also buy an Italian pre-paid card + top-up and call your family via the Italian Mobile network. Italy’s country code is 39. Some of you might even bring the laptop along. Skype is one of the easiest ways to call people from all over the world for very little amount and if you call someone on their laptop it is for free.

As with any city, be wary of bag snatchers and pickpockets. Put your money safely in a money belt or a purse on a string around your neck and conceal them under your clothes. There are many ‘gypsy’ children in Rome who are accomplished at picking pockets so be careful.

The weather in Italy in the summer months can be very hot so choose light clothing to take with you. Do not forget your sunglasses, hat and sun cream as it is easy to get sunburn if you are walking around all day sightseeing. Short thunderstorms in the afternoon are frequent in Rome and inland cities, so it might be wise to have an umbrella with you.

Many types of accommodation in Rome are available, from hotels and hostels to bed and breakfasts, apartments and guesthouses. Italy also has a type of accommodation known as Agriturismo, the word is a combination of the words agriculture and tourism in Italian and are farmhouse resorts and particularly suited for families. Meals supplied will usually be prepared from freshly grown produce from the farm. Some farmhouses let you get involved in the working activities such as taking care of the livestock and crops. Regardless of the rustic surroundings, the accommodation is not always basic, many Agriturismo offer a high standard of lodging, and some even have swimming pools.

Whether you are intending to visit a popular Italian city such as Rome, Venice, Milan or Venice or heading to the country, like Tuscany, for a quieter break you will meet the friendly people of Italy and a belissima experience.

Hotels are the most popular type of accommodation in the cities of Italy, like Venice, their ranking is from one to five stars but is slightly different from other countries. Mostly, the accommodation in Venice like a one-star hotel is very basic with a bed in a private room but you will have to share a bathroom and breakfast will not be included. Two-star hotels generally give the option of a private or shared bathroom, will provide a TV and breakfast, but do not expect anything overgenerous. Facilities and services depend entirely on the hotel. Three-star hotels should provide satellite TV, a telephone and a bathroom with bidet. Again, it depends on the hotel; some might have minimal facilities, whilst others will have large airy rooms, tasteful furnishings and a full breakfast. Rooms in four-star hotels should be quite large and include facilities such as a telephone, satellite TV and bathroom. Expect plenty of choice at breakfast and on site facilities such as a bar and free ADSL.
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