Italy Part 7: Venice

Venice is a city in northern Italy, the capital of the region Veneto. It has been known as the “La Dominante”, “Serenissima”, “Queen of the Adriatic”, “City of Water”, “City of Bridges”, and “The City of Light”. It is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

It took a pleasant 30 minute cruise from the mainland to get here and it was well worth it.

The Riva degli Schiavoni in Venice is a promenade on the waterfront of Saint Mark's Basin, that welcomes crowds to the many market stalls as well as hotels, bars, restaurants along the historic walk.

A monument to the first king of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II on the Riva degli Schiavoni.

Riva degli Schiavoni is filled with people and souvenir vendors.

Venice is like no other place on earth. No cars are allowed in the city and the fastest way to go between places has to be by boat on the canals that are obviously the blood veins of Venice. No wonder it is often called "City of Canals".

Masks of all colors and forms. They are hand painted and in some cases handmade and are traditionally used for the Carnival of Venice but are also a great attraction for visitors.

Venice is highly targeted to foreign visitors. Numerous stalls with traditional theater masks and other more traditional tourist memorabilia.

St Mark's Basilica, the cathedral of Venice, is the most famous of the city's churches and one of the best known examples of Byzantine architecture. It lies on St Mark's Square (in the San Marco sestiere or district) adjacent and connected to the Doge's Palace

Facade of St Mark's Basilica

Also known as "The Church Of Gold". The cathedral takes its names because it houses a golden altar measuring 40 square feet and set with thousands upon thousands of jewels. Hundreds of other treasures culled from centuries of wealth and privilege also remain inside.

The most important Byzantine lunette in Venice, at the entrance to the Basilica di San Marco.

St Mark's Campanile is the bell tower of St Mark's Basilica, located in the square (piazza) of the same name. It is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city.

Piazza San Marco and its famous pigeons.

Venice is world-famous for its canals.

I don’t think a trip to Venice would be complete if you did not indulge in a gondola ride!

Gondolas on the canals of Venice.

The gondola ride was really enjoyable, the aesthetic pleasures outweigh the practicalities!

All gondolas in Venice, Italy must be painted black, unless they belong to a high official.

Gondola is now mostly used for tourists, or for weddings, funerals, or other ceremonies.

We took a tour of the amazing Laguna Murano Glass.

Glass blowing demonstration which was pretty cool. The man was blowing a horse!

Beautiful Murano glass lamp

Vendor selling popcorn and snacks

Oh Venice is just beautiful! It was truly a charming city. Peaceful, classical and magical.

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