Travel Guides > Venice, Italy

Venice Travel

What avid traveler hasn't dreamed of floating down one of Venice's canals with their most beloved, serenaded by a red stripe-shirted gondolier as they pass the sites of this most charming Italian city? Venice has long been considered the perfect destination for travelers to Europe who are seeking a bit of romance along with their historical sightseeing.

Venice is so rich in history and culture that you'll have a hard time deciding where to start your sightseeing adventures. One of the most fun (and unusual) things about Venice is that it is automobile-free. Every form of transportation in this magnificent city floats, so you can't help but to spend plenty of time on the canals. Grab a vaporetti (water taxi) for sights that are far from your accommodations, or explore on foot, an excellent way to see fascinating back alleys and meet interesting locals.

To get a good overview of the city and a feel to its elegance, start with a cruise down the Grand Canal. You'll be treated to views of some of the cities most amazing structures, including ornate churches, opulent palaces, and many historic sites.

One church that is certainly a must-see and included on just about every guided tour is St. Mark's Basilica. Built to honor Venice's patron saint, this Byzantine basilica was constructed mostly during the 11th century. While everything inside is just magnificent, the showpiece is certainly the Golden Altarpiece, the Pala d'Oro. This Gothic masterpiece is encrusted with nearly 2,000 precious gems and 255 enameled panels. It is believed to have been created as early as the 10th century, and embellished by master Venetian and Byzantine artisans between the 12th and 14th centuries.

Another site that is literally full of treasures is the Ducal Palace. The finest Venetian artists decorated this palace, which was the residence of the Doges (dukes elected for life) for more than 1,000 years. This pink-and-white marble Gothic-Renaissance structure is one of the most visited attractions in the city.

From the palace, you can access the famous Bridge of Sighs. Visitors who exit through the Great Council Hall will wind up on the bridge, heading for the old prison. It was here that many doomed prisoners breathed their last sigh... thus the name.

There are two excellent places to see some of the world's finest artistic masterpieces. The Academy Gallery is home to great Venetian works created between the 13th and 18th centuries, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, assembled by the American expatriate and situated in an 18th century palace, is home to one of the world's best and most extensive collections of modern art. Visitors will be treated to examples of art from many 20th century movements, including Cubism, Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism, and European Abstraction.

Unlike some large European cities, when the sun goes down in Venice, the activity slows down. However, if you've still got energy left to burn, catch one of the many concerts that are always happening around the city or grab a vaporetto and head to a small café, where you'll be treated to a traditional Italian meal, good conversation, and perhaps some folk music as well.