Venice, a city on water

Venice is the only city in the world built on a lagoon in constant fear of the sea. The foundations are solid but the city is sinking slowly into the water. A special dam system is being built keep Venice safe from the threatening tide. As a matter of fact it is important to know that in the early spring the city is partially flooded and some streets are inaccessible. Summer has no such dangers but the crowd is huge. Venice has two airports on the shore about 30 minutes from the old town. Take a bus or a taxi to the lagoon. Cars cannot be driven into the old town so you have to leave your car in the parking lot for a fee. Trains arrive at the Santa Lucia station in the middle of the old town. Venice has a huge port so this is the easiest way to approach the city. The only means of transport is boats and water taxis so be prepared for this.

The mysterious streets of Venice

The city’s main canal is the Canale Grande. It crosses the city with most waterbuses stopping here. Let’s have a look at the sights starting from the railway station. The ghetto has a special place in the history of the lagoon. It was the first example of creating a separate habitat for the Jewish population in the city. Most of the buildings are inhabited today and can be visited with guides. Get more information in the Venice Jewish Museum.

Most people look for the Rialto district when they come to Venice. Here you can see the famous Rialto Bridge that has a great panorama of the canal and the ships passing by. The small streets hide a lot of small canals, which are sometimes only 2 meters wide. Take a gondola to roam the canals. It is an expensive way of discovering the city but a lifetime experience.
Taste some of the greatest meals in the local restaurants. Venice offers a wide range of seafood and fresh fish. The spaghetti al vongolo is the famous pasta with mussels. Calamari is a must for everyone. The delicious wines of the Veneto region will accompany your meal. Tiramisu is the best option if you’re looking for a desert.

Continuing on you’ll arrive at the St. Mark’s square. Here stands the Doge’s Palace former residence of the lords of Venice. This is the place where the famous Venetian carnival is organized every year. The façade of the St. Mark’s Basilica offers a wonderful view. The clock in the tower has a special attraction for every hour. The St. Mark’s Campanile is almost 100 meters high and has a brilliant panorama of the city. Look around the square to see the lions of St. Mark, symbols of the city. Wandering around the streets of the waterfront you’ll spot the so called Bridge of Sighs. Prisoners were escorted to their cells through this bridge so it was the last time they saw the city. The main port of the gondolas is by the waterfront. Nearby shops offer a wide range of glassware of the finest quality. The former fleet of Venice was harbored in the Armada, hence the name. Visit the old port and see the galleys of the Venetian army. The islands around the city like Murano and Burano can be visited with a short waterbus ride. Venice is the finest of Italian holiday destinations so don’t hesitate to spend your holiday in the city of the lagoon.