Venice

Venice is a wonderful city, full of art, history and beauty. There are many things to see and do, but with a little organization you can enjoy the best of the city in a few days. Here are some suggestions:

- If you have only one day in Venice, you can focus on the most famous and iconic places, such as St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge and Rialto Market. You can also take a gondola ride on the canals or a cruise on the Grand Canal. - If you have two days in Venice, you can add to your visit some less crowded but equally charming places, such as Frari Church, Accademia Museum, Dorsoduro district and the islands of the lagoon, such as Murano, Burano and Torcello. - If you have more than two days in Venice, you can deepen your knowledge of the city and its traditions, visiting some interesting museums, such as Correr Museum, Glass Museum, Lace Museum and Jewish Museum.

St. Mark’s Square

St. Mark’s Square is the main square of Venice and one of the most famous in the world. It is surrounded by magnificent buildings, such as St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Procuratie Vecchie and Nuove, and the Campanile. It is also home to some important museums, such as Correr Museum, Archaeological Museum and Marciana Library. St. Mark’s Square is a symbol of Venice and its history, culture and art. It is also a place where many events and celebrations take place, such as the Carnival, the Regata Storica and the Festa della Sensa.

St. Mark’s Basilica

St. Mark’s Basilica is the cathedral church of the Catholic Patriarchate of Venice and one of the most famous and visited landmarks in the city. It is located in St. Mark’s Square, next to the Doge’s Palace. It is dedicated to St. Mark the Evangelist, whose relics are kept inside the basilica. It was built in the 11th century and has been embellished and renovated over the centuries with Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance elements. Some of the things you can do and see in St. Mark’s Basilica are: - Visit the interior of the basilica, which is covered with golden mosaics that depict scenes from the Old and New Testament, as well as the life and miracles of St. Mark. You can also admire the marble floors, the altars, the paintings and the sculptures that decorate the nave, the aisles and the chapels. - Visit the Treasury, which contains a collection of precious objects and relics from various origins and periods, such as Byzantine, Islamic, Roman and Gothic. You can see silverware, chalices, reliquaries, crosses, icons and jewels that testify to the wealth and power of Venice. - isit the Pala d’Oro, which is a magnificent altarpiece made of gold, enamel and gems that stands behind the main altar. It was commissioned by the Doge Ordelaffo Falier in 1105 and completed by Venetian craftsmen in 1345. It depicts Christ, Mary, St. Mark and other saints and angels in 250 panels. - Visit the Museum of St. Mark’s Basilica, which is located on the upper floor of the basilica. It displays some original sculptures, mosaics and artworks that were removed from the basilica for conservation reasons. You can also access the balcony that overlooks St. Mark’s Square and enjoy a panoramic view of Venice. - Visit the Campanile (bell tower), which is a separate structure from the basilica but stands in front of it. It is 98 meter(322feethighandwabuilin151toreplaceaearlietower that collapsed in 1902. It has five bells thatringaccordingtodifferentoccasionsandceremonies.Youcantakeanelevator to thtopand admireaspectacularview ofVeniceand its lagoon.

St. Mark’s Basilica is open every day from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (last admission at 4:45 pm). The entrance is free but donations are welcome. You can also book a skip-the-line ticket online for 3 euros or join a guided tour for an extra fee.

Doge’s Palace

Doge’s Palace is one of the most impressive and iconic buildings in Venice. It was the residence of the Doge, the supreme authority of the Venetian Republic, and the seat of the government and the judiciary. It is a splendid example of Venetian Gothic architecture, with a pink and white marble facade, elegant arches and columns, and a large courtyard. It also contains many artistic masterpieces, such as the paintings by Tintoretto, Veronese and Tiepolo, the golden staircase and the giant’s staircase. A visit to Doge’s Palace allows you to discover the history and the secrets of Venice, as well as to cross the famous Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to the prison.

The Doge’s Palace is open every day from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm (last admission at 4:30 pm). The entrance fee is 25 euros for adults and 13 euros for students and seniors.

The Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs is a famous and romantic bridge in Venice. It is a covered bridge that connects Doge’s Palace to the prison. It is made of white limestone and has two small windows with stone bars. It was built in the 17th century by Antonio Contino. The name of the bridge comes from the legend that the prisoners who crossed it would sigh at their last view of Venice before being locked up. The bridge also inspired many writers and poets, such as Lord Byron, who mentioned it in his poem Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage. The bridge is best seen from the outside, from the Ponte della Paglia or from a gondola on the canal.

The Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is the oldest and most famous bridge in Venice. It spans the Grand Canal and connects the districts of San Marco and San Polo. It was built in the 16th century by Antonio da Ponte, after several wooden bridges collapsed. It is a single arch bridge, with a central portico and two inclined ramps. It is also lined with shops on both sides, selling souvenirs, jewelry and leather goods. The Rialto Bridge is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, who enjoy the view of the Grand Canal and the lively atmosphere. It is also a landmark of Venice’s history and culture, as it was the center of trade and commerce for centuries.

The Rialto market

The Rialto market is a lively and colorful market in the heart of Venice. It is located near the Rialto bridge, on the banks of the Grand Canal. It is divided into two sections: the fruit and vegetable market (Erberia) and the fish market (Pescheria). The market dates back to the 11th century and was the main trading place of the Venetian Republic. Today, it is still a popular place for locals and tourists to buy fresh produce, seafood, meat and cheese. The market is also surrounded by many small shops, bars and restaurants, where you can taste some typical Venetian dishes and snacks. The Rialto market is open from Monday to Saturday, from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. It is closed on Sundays and public holidays. The best time to visit the market is in the morning, when it is more lively and less crowded. You can also enjoy a nice view of the market from the Rialto bridge or from a vaporetto (water bus) on the Grand Canal.

The Frari's church

The Frari is a magnificent church in Venice, built by the Franciscan order in the 14th and 15th centuries. It is one of the largest and most important churches in the city, and it has the status of a minor basilica. It is located in the Campo dei Frari, in the San Polo district. The Frari is a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture, with a brick facade, a rose window, three naves and seven chapels. It also has a tall bell tower that offers a panoramic view of Venice. The Frari is famous for its rich collection of art, especially from the Renaissance period. It contains many works by renowned artists, such as Titian, Bellini, Donatello, Sansovino and Canova. Some of the highlights are: - The Assumption of the Virgin by Titian, a monumental altarpiece that dominates the main altar. It depicts Mary ascending to heaven surrounded by angels and apostles. It is considered one of Titian’s masterpieces and one of the most influential paintings in Western art. - The Pesaro Madonna by Titian, another altarpiece that shows Mary and Jesus enthroned with saints and members of the Pesaro family. It is notable for its dynamic composition, perspective and use of light and color. - The Triptych of St. Mark by Giovanni Bellini, a triptych that portrays St. Mark with saints and donors. It is one of Bellini’s finest works and shows his mastery of realism and expression. - The Monument to Canova by Luigi Zandomeneghi, a pyramid-shaped tomb that honors the famous sculptor Antonio Canova. It is inspired by Canova’s own design for Titian’s tomb, which was never realized. - The Monument to Titian by Antonio Bosa, a neo-Gothic tomb that commemorates the great painter Titian, who died during the plague of 1576.It features statue of Titian holding a paint brush and a palette.

The Frari is open from Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and on Sunday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The entrance fee is 3 euros for adults and 1.50 euros for students and seniors.

The Gallerie dell'Accademia

The Accademia is a museum gallery of pre-19th-century art in Venice. It is housed in the Scuola della Carità, a former religious and charitable institution, on the south bank of the Grand Canal. It is one of the most important and visited museums in Venice, as it contains a rich collection of Venetian paintings from the 14th to the 18th century. Some of the artists represented are Bellini, Carpaccio, Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese and Canaletto. Some of the masterpieces are: - The Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci, a famous drawing that illustrates the ideal proportions of the human body according to the ancient architect Vitruvius. It is usually not on display for conservation reasons, but it can be seen on special occasions or by appointment. - The Feast in the House of Levi by Paolo Veronese, a large canvas that depicts a banquet scene with Jesus and his disciples. It was originally painted as a Last Supper for a convent, but it was accused of heresy by the Inquisition for including inappropriate elements, such as dogs, dwarfs and drunkards. Veronese defended himself by changing the title of the painting and claiming artistic license. - The Tempest by Giorgione, a mysterious landscape with a stormy sky and two figures: a soldier and a woman with a baby. It is considered one of the first examples of modern landscape painting and one of Giorgione’s most enigmatic works. The meaning and symbolism of the scene are still debated by scholars and critics. - The Miracle of the Slave by Tintoretto, a dramatic painting that shows a miracle performed by St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice. A slave who was about to be tortured for venerating St. Mark’s relics was saved by the intervention of the saint, who broke his chains and crushed his tormentors. The painting is remarkable for its dynamic composition, perspective and use of light and shadow. - The Cycle of St. Ursula by Vittore Carpaccio, a series of nine canvases that narrate the legend of St.Ursula, a Christian princess who was martyre with her companion by the Huns. The paintings are rich in details and show various scenes of Venetian life and architecture in the late 15th century.

The Accademia is open from Monday to Sunday, from 8:15 am to 7:15 pm (last admission at 6:30 pm). The entrance fee is 15 euros for adults and 7.50 euros for students and seniors.

Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro is one of the six main districts (sestieri) of Venice. It is located on the south bank of the Grand Canal, opposite San Marco. It is known as one of the most authentic and charming areas of the city, with less tourists and lower prices. It also has some of the best sights that Venice has to offer, such as: The Gallerie dell’Accademia, a museum gallery that houses the largest collection of Venetian paintings in the world, from the 14th to the 18th century. Some of the artists represented are Bellini, Carpaccio, Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese. Some of the masterpieces are The Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci, The Feast in the House of Levi by Paolo Veronese and The Tempest by Giorgione. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a museum that displays the personal collection of modern art of Peggy Guggenheim, an American heiress and patron of the arts. The museum is housed in a beautiful palazzo on the Grand Canal and contains works by Picasso, Dalí, Kandinsky, Pollock and many others. The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, a stunning baroque church that dominates the entrance of the Grand Canal. It was built in the 17th century as a votive offering for the end of a plague outbreak that killed a third of Venice’s population. It has a majestic dome, a richly decorated facade and a splendid interior with paintings by Titian and Tintoretto. The Zattere, a long and sunny promenade along the Giudecca Canal, where you can enjoy a nice walk or a relaxing break at one of the many cafes and restaurants. It offers a beautiful view of the island of Giudecca and its churches, such as Il Redentore and Le Zitelle. The Ca’ Rezzonico, a magnificent palace that showcases the splendor and elegance of 18th century Venice. It contains frescoes by Tiepolo, paintings by Canaletto and Guardi, furniture, costumes and porcelain. Dorsoduro is also a lively and vibrant area, with many bars, restaurants, shops and cultural events. You can visit the Campo Santa Margherita, a popular meeting place for locals and students; the Campo San Barnaba, where you can see the floating market boat; or the Campo dei Frari, where you can admire the Frari church and its artworks by Bellini, Titian and Donatello. Dorsoduro is also home to some prestigious institutions, such as Ca’ Foscari University and Venice International University.

Murano

Murano is a group of seven islands in the Venetian Lagoon, about 1.5 km (1 mi) north-east of Venice. It is part of the municipality of Venice-Murano-Burano and has a population of about 4,000 inhabitants. It is world-famous for its glass making, which dates back to the 13th century. Some of the things you can do and see in Murano are: - Visit the glass factories and watch the artisans create beautiful objects with different techniques and styles. You can also buy some souvenirs or take a glass-making workshop. - Visit the Murano Glass Museum, which displays a rich collection of glassware from different periods and origins, including ancient Roman, Byzantine and Islamic glass. You can also admire some masterpieces by famous Murano glass artists, such as Barovier, Ballarin and Venini. - Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria e San Donato, a Romanesque church that houses the relics of St. Donatus and a dragon he allegedly killed. You can also admire the stunning mosaic floor and the marble columns. - Visit the Church of San Pietro Martire, a Gothic church that contains paintings by Bellini, Tintoretto and Veronese. You can also see the tomb of Simone Ballarin, a Murano glass master who died in 1506. - Walk along the Fondamenta dei Vetrai, the main street of Murano, where you can see many shops, cafes and restaurants. You can also enjoy the view of the canal and the bridges.

Murano is easily reachable by vaporetto (water bus) from Venice. The lines 3, 4.1, 4.2 and 12 stop at various points on the island. You can also take a private water taxi or join a guided tour that includes Murano and other islands, such as Burano and Torcello.

Burano

Burano Explore Burano is a small island in the Venetian Lagoon, about 7 km (4 mi) from Venice. It is part of the municipality of Venice-Murano-Burano and has a population of about 4,000 inhabitants. It is famous for its lace making and its colorful houses that are reflected in the canals. It is one of the most picturesque and charming places in Venice and a popular tourist destination. Some of the things you can do and see in Burano are: - Visit the Lace Museum, which displays a rich collection of lace from different periods and origins, including ancient Venetian, Flemish and French lace. You can also admire some masterpieces by famous Burano lace makers, such as Lucia Zaggia, Emma Vidal and Caterina Dolfin. - Visit the Church of San Martino, which has a leaning bell tower that is visible from a distance. It was built in the 16th century and contains paintings by Tiepolo and Zanchi. - Visit the House of Bepi Suà, which is one of the most colorful and decorated houses in Burano. It belongs to Giuseppe Toselli, a local painter who covered his house with geometric patterns and bright colors. - Walk along the canals and streets that cross the island, surrounded by nature and silence. You can see many shops, cafes and restaurants that offer local specialties, such as fish dishes, risotto de gò (rice with goby fish) and bussolà (ring-shaped cookies). - Take photos of the colorful houses that make Burano a unique and cheerful place. Each house has a different color that was assigned by the government to avoid confusion among fishermen. The colors range from red, yellow, green, blue, pink and purple

Burano is easily reachable by vaporetto (water bus) from Venice or Murano. The line 12 stops at Burano every 30 minutes from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Torcello

Torcello is a small island in the northern part of the Venetian Lagoon, about 5 km (3 mi) from Venice. It is one of the oldest settlements in the lagoon, dating back to the 5th century. It was once a prosperous and populous island, with more than 20,000 inhabitants, but it declined due to malaria, silting and competition from Venice. Today, it has only about 10 permanent residents and a few buildings, but it preserves a unique atmosphere of tranquility and history. Some of the things you can do and see in Torcello are: - Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the oldest building in the Venetian Lagoon. It was founded in 639 and has a beautiful Byzantine mosaic of the Last Judgement on the west wall. You can also climb the bell tower for a panoramic view of the lagoon. - Visit the Church of Santa Fosca, a 12th-century church with a pentagonal portico and a Greek cross plan. It contains the relics of St. Fosca and St. Maura, two martyrs who were killed by the Romans in Torcello. - Visit the Torcello Museum, which displays archaeological finds from the island and its surroundings, such as Roman coins, pottery and jewelry. It also has a collection of medieval art and sculptures. - Visit the Casa Museo Andrich-Florio, which was the home and studio of two artists who lived on Torcello in the 20th century. It exhibits their paintings, sculptures and ceramics, as well as their personal belongings and furniture. - Walk along the canals and paths that cross the island, surrounded by nature and silence. You can see some remains of ancient buildings, such as palaces, monasteries and bridges. You can also admire some sculptures and artworks that are scattered around the island. - Sit on Attila’s Throne, a large stone chair that is located in front of the museum. It is said that it was used by Attila, the king of the Huns, when he invaded Italy in the 5th century. However, it is more likely that it was a seat for judges or magistrates.

Torcello is easily reachable by vaporetto (water bus) from Venice or Burano. The line 12 stops at Torcello every 30 minutes from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. You can also take a private water taxi or join a guided tour that includes Torcello and other islands

Correr Museum

The Correr Museum is one of the most important museums in Venice. It is located in St. Mark’s Square, in the Procuratie Nuove building. It was founded in 1830 by Teodoro Correr, a Venetian nobleman and collector, who donated his collections and his palace to the city. The museum covers both the art and history of Venice, from its origins to the 19th century. Some of the things you can do and see in the Correr Museum are: - Visit the Neoclassical Rooms, which display the collection of works by Antonio Canova, the famous sculptor of the 18th century. You can admire his statues, busts, reliefs and plaster models, as well as his personal belongings and tools. - Visit the Venetian Way of Life section, which shows the aspects of daily life, culture and institutions of the Venetian Republic. You can see paintings, costumes, weapons, coins, maps and documents that illustrate the political, social and economic life of Venice. - Visit the Art Collections section, which exhibits paintings, sculptures and decorative arts from various periods and schools. You can see works by Bellini, Carpaccio, Cosmè Tura, Lorenzo Lotto and many others. - Visit the temporary exhibitions, which are organized regularly on various themes and topics related to Venice and its artistic heritage. You can check the current and upcoming exhibitions on the museum’s website.

The Correr Museum is open every day from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm (last admission at 4:30 pm). The entrance fee is 25 euros for adults and 13 euros for students and seniors.

The Glass Museum

The Glass Museum is a museum dedicated to the history and art of glass making, especially the famous Murano glass. It is located on the island of Murano, north of Venice, in the former residence of the bishops of Torcello. It is one of the 11 civic museums run by the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia. Some of the things you can do and see in the Glass Museum are: - Visit the permanent exhibition, which displays a rich collection of glassware from different periods and origins, including ancient Roman, Byzantine and Islamic glass. You can also admire some masterpieces by famous Murano glass artists, such as Barovier, Ballarin and Venini. - Visit the temporary exhibitions, which are organized regularly on various themes and topics related to glass and its techniques. You can check the current and upcoming exhibitions on the museum’s website. - Visit the library and the photographic archive, which contain books, documents and images related to glass and its history. They are open to researchers and scholars by appointment. - Visit the educational area, which offers workshops, courses and activities for children, adults and families. You can learn about glass making and create your own glass objects with the help of experts. - Visit the museum shop, where you can buy souvenirs, books and original Murano glass products.

The Glass Museum is open every day from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm (last admission at 4:30 pm). The entrance fee is 10 euros for adults and 7.50 euros for students and seniors.

The Lace Museum

The Lace Museum is a museum dedicated to the history and art of lace making, especially the famous Burano lace. It is located on the island of Burano, north of Venice, in the former palace of the Podestà of Torcello. It is one of the 11 civic museums run by the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia. Some of the things you can do and see in the Lace Museum are: - Visit the permanent exhibition, which displays a rich collection of lace from different periods and origins, including ancient Venetian, Flemish and French lace. You can also admire some masterpieces by famous Burano lace makers, such as Lucia Zaggia, Emma Vidal and Caterina Dolfin. - Visit the temporary exhibitions, which are organized regularly on various themes and topics related to lace and its techniques. You can check the current and upcoming exhibitions on the museum’s website. - Visit the library and the archive, which contain books, documents and patterns related to lace and its history. They are open to researchers and scholars by appointment. - Visit the educational area, which offers workshops, courses and activities for children, adults and families. You can learn about lace making and create your own lace objects with the help of experts. - Visit the museum shop, where you can buy souvenirs, books and original Burano lace products.

The Lace Museum is open every day from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm (last admission at 4:30 pm). The entrance fee is 10 euros for adults and 7.50 euros for students and seniors.

The Jewish Museum

The Jewish Museum of Venice is a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Jewish community in Venice and its ghetto. It is located in the Campo del Ghetto Nuovo, in the Cannaregio district. It is one of the oldest Jewish museums in Europe, founded in 1954 by the Jewish Community of Venice. Some of the things you can do and see in the Jewish Museum of Venice are: - Visit the permanent exhibition, which displays a rich collection of objects and documents related to the Jewish religion, traditions and customs. You can see silverware, textiles, books, prints and paintings that illustrate the festivals, rites and ceremonies of the Jewish year and life cycle. You can also learn about the history and identity of the Venetian Jews, their origins, migrations, occupations and contributions to the city. - Visit the temporary exhibitions, which are organized regularly on various themes and topics related to Jewish art, history and culture. You can check the current and upcoming exhibitions on the museum’s website. - Visit the synagogues, which are part of the museum tour. You can see five historic synagogues that reflect the diversity and richness of the Venetian Jewish community. They are named after their ethnic origin: German, Italian, Spanish, Levantine and Canton. They are decorated with precious furniture, paintings and ornaments that testify to their artistic and spiritual value. - Visit the library and the archive, which contain books, manuscripts, documents and photographs related to Jewish studies and Venetian Jewish history. They are open to researchers and scholars by appointment. - Visit the museum shop, where you can buy souvenirs, books and Judaica products.

The Jewish Museum of Venice is open every day from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm (last admission at 4:30 pm). The entrance fee is 12 euros for adults and 10 euros for students and seniors. The ticket also includes access to the synagogues.