Venice

Inimitable, unique, evocative and engaging - these are just some of the adjectives that come to mind about Venice. The 'Serene Republic' is a dynamic and constantly evolving cultural centre. Modern and contemporary art galleries, museums and masterpieces of the Venetian tradition, architecture and magnificent exhibition sites will accompany you along an enchanting journey of art and culture. This tour includes five museums to reveal the immense artistic heritage of Venice.

The date to mark in your diary is 4 September, when the Grand Canal becomes the stage for the famous Venice Historical Regatta, an event not to be missed, for enjoying the city at one of the liveliest times of the year. Here are all the places to get a front row seat to watch the race.

Everyone should visit Venice at least once in their lifetime. Certain aspects are well-known, such as the fact that it is a floating city, yet there are also curiosities and details that perhaps not everyone knows about that make Venice an even more unique and precious Italian jewel. Leaning towers, architectural oddities, ancient quarters, local traditions and festivals are very special features of this city. Venice holds endless and amazing surprises in store so that every new visit is always unique.

It was here that famous figures of the Commedia dell'Arte, from Arlecchino to Colombina, came to life and it was against this sensual, mysterious scenario that Casanova wooed his way to fame. Why not let yourself go as well and find out all the many opportunities for pleasure Venice holds in store during its Carnival.

When it comes to historical Italian coffee, you can not help but talk of Venice. It is in this lagoon city that the tradition of coffee was born, that due to its position and its trade relations with the Arab world, which then spread to the rest of Italy. The first "botega da caffè" in Piazza San Marco existed already at the end of the seventeenth century and even the master of the Venetian theater, Carlo Goldoni, dedicated one of his works the coffee shop. But the real explosion of the phenomenon took place in 1700, with the emergence of numerous cafes and bars. Among these, one of the best known and oldest is undoubtedly the Florian, even now the symbol of the city. A journey through the best known, historic Venetian coffee starts right here, right under the arcades of the Procuratie Nuove in Piazza San Marco.

Unique and bewitching, celebrated the world over for their unparalleled beauty, Venice and its lagoon are a wonder that is impossible to resist, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, and with good reason.

The government and tourist center of Venice Originally called Rivoalto, San Marco has always been home to the most important government and monumental buildings. The heart of the sestiere is the square of the same name, the only one in Venice to be called piazza; all other urban spaces in the city are called campi. It is overlooked by St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice's cathedral and one of the best known examples of Italian-Byzantine architecture. Built in the shape of a Greek cross with domes and turrets, the interior is richly decorated, with entire walls of golden mosaics. Next to the Basilica is the 98.6-meter-high Bell Tower, one of the city's most recognizable monuments. Symbolizing the city’s power the splendid Doge’s Palace, seat of the elected ruler of Venice during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, has white and pink brick walls and is accessed through the 'Porta di Carta'. At the far side of the square there is the Correr Museum, which is connected to the National Archaeological Museum, and the oldest café in Italy, Caffè Florian, can be found under the porticos of the Procuratie Nuove. Don’t miss the Rialto Bridge, the Clock Tower, the Royal Gardens of Venice and Teatro La Fenice.

Piazza San Marco is the beating heart of the city of Venice and the only “square” in Venice, while the other similar urban spaces are called Campi. This square has always hosted the most important city events and Napoleon Bonaparte called it the most beautiful living room in Europe. The square dedicated to the Evangelist, Mark, patron saint of Venice, is home to the most impressive buildings of the city, such as the Doge's Palace, the Basilica and the Saint Mark’s bell tower. It is trapezoidal in shape, 175 meters long and 72 meters wide and it is located in front of the Basilica of San Marco and 57 meters from the Correr Museum. The square is the lowest area of Venice and is easily flooded on days of high tide St. Mark's Square surprises visitors with its beauty and charm full of art, culture, cafes, stores and live music!

The Rialto Bridge, symbol of the greatness of Venice during the Serenissima period, is the oldest and most famous of the four bridges that cross the Grand Canal. Known across the world for its beauty, architecture and history, it was for years the hub of Venice's economy. In the early 1500s people began to talk about replacing the previous wooden bridge, which burned and was destroyed several times. After rejecting the projects of the famous architects Michelangelo, Palladio and Sansovino, the project was entrusted to Antonio da Ponte, one of the most talented Venetian engineers of the time. Construction began in 1588 and was completed in 1591. This bridge was the only connection between the two banks of the Grand Canal until 1854. A single archway spanning over 28 meters and richly decorated, twelve thousand wooden poles to support the foundations, and 24 stores, distributed on both sides of the structure initially hosted mostly goldsmiths, jewelers and craftsmen. You must cross the bridge and take a picture from the top to enjoy a unique and magnificent view of the Grand Canal.

The Jews arrived in Venice in the year 1000, but only since 1516 they were confined in the Sestiere Cannareggio where in the past stood the foundries of the city, "geti" in Venetian. The Ghetto area was connected to the rest of the city by two bridges that were closed at night for security reasons. In 1797, after the fall of the Serenissima, Napoleon decreed the end of segregation and the equalization of Jews with other citizens; this provision became final when Venice was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy. The tour of the Jewish Ghetto is one of the most interesting itineraries in Venice. You will discover unique places in a journey through Jewish traditions and gastronomy, during a visit to the synagogues, the Jewish Museum and the famous Banco Rosso, the pawn shop that remains one of the landmarks of the city. In the many bars and restaurants you can try kosher cuisine, such as sardines in saor, perhaps the most famous Venetian dish, strictly kosher!

One of the most beautiful legends and bridges in Venice The Bridge of Sighs is one of the most famous and photographed symbols of Venice. Located a few steps away from Piazza San Marco, the bridge connects the Doge's Palace to the Prigioni Nuove. Known today as the bridge of love, it was originally the bridge that prisoners crossed before being locked up in the Venetian prisons and from which, sighing, they could see the sunlight for the last time. According to a popular legend, the name Bridge of Sighs was first used by the English poet Lord Byron. It was built in the early 1600s, by the architect Antonio Contin, when Doge Marino Grimani ordered it be built to connect the prison with the Court halls. The Bridge of Sighs is made entirely of white Istrian stone in perfect Baroque style and at its center it is possible to admire the coat of arms of the family of Doge Grimani. Entirely enclosed, it consists of two narrow and separated corridors designed as best as possible to prevent any possible prisoner escape. Thanks to the guided tour, when touring the Doge’s Palace and the Prisons, it is also possible to visit the interior of the bridge, finding yourself in the year 1600 for a moment.

The most important theater in Venice, reborn twice from its ashes The Teatro La Fenice is the most important theater in Venice and today, it is still one of the world’s top destinations for opera and classical music shows. The theater has hosted some of the greatest artists and musicians in history. It is located in the Sestiere of San Marco, in campo San Fantin, near Piazza San Marco. Built between 1790 and 1792, it was destroyed by a fire in 1836 and restored with an adaptation of the original design. In 1996, another fire destroyed it completely and it was reopened to the public on December 14, 2003. Since January 1, 2004, to celebrate the rebuilding of the theater, La Fenice hosts the New Year's Concert.

Giudecca, called Spinalonga by the Venetians for its elongated shape, is an island located south of the historic center of Venice. It is a mostly residential area with a limited tourist population. It enjoys a beautiful view of San Marco and can be reached with just one stop by vaporetto, crossing the Giudecca canal. The most beautiful churches on the island lie along the foundations facing the Giudecca Canal. In fact, the Chiesa del Redentore, the Chiesa delle Zitelle, and the Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore, all designed by Andrea Palladio, were built there in the sixteenth century. Every year, Giudecca becomes the protagonist of the celebrations honoring the feast of the Redeemer, the most popular, heartfelt festival for the Venetians. It is famous for the spectacular fireworks that light up the lagoon of Venice every year on July 14. To end the day, it's worth having an aperitif at the Rooftop bar of the Molino Stucky, a wonderful example of industrial archeology, converted into a hotel, where guests can enjoy a breathtaking view of the island and the San Marco bay.

Overlooking the San Marco Basin, the head office of La Biennale di Venezia is an historical palace among the most representative of the Venetian late Gothic style. The palace, originally called "dei Giustinian", was built around 1471 and is the result of the union of two different buildings: Giustinian and Badoer-Tiepolo. It has been the subject of important renovations between 2008 and 2009. The interiors of the palace are accessible on request and are characterized by essential lines and neutral colors combined with decorative shapes and colors typical of contemporary design. The rooms have been completed with selected artistic works of Art, placed in order to enhance the relationship between Art and space. Light is the other characterizing element of the location.

Far from the crowds of tourists the sestiere of Cannaregio is the northernmost district of Venice and one of the most popular residential areas for the Venetians. Lesser known but no less fascinating, it is full of quiet, secluded views overlooking the Lagoon, Gothic and Renaissance churches and a very lively city life. Towards evening on the calli the bacàri open along the canals, small taverns where the Venetians meet for an aperitif or the classic cichéto. Many famous characters lived here, such as Tintoretto, whose ancient red house is still standing, Titian, and Marco Polo. The Jewish quarter is also an interesting place to visit. The oldest in Europe, it houses several synagogues, some hidden in the upper floors of buildings. The most important monuments include the Church of Madonna dell'Orto an example of Gothic-Venetian architecture that contains paintings by Tintoretto. Another church not to be missed is Santa Maria dei Miracoli, a Renaissance style building with a beautiful view of a small canal. Inside, it houses the famous painting of the Madonna dei Miracoli depicted on a flowery meadow with baby Jesus in her arms. The Grand Canal on the other hand, is overlooked by Ca' d'Oro, a well-known Venetian palace which today is home to the Franchetti Gallery. Its characteristic facade with gold trim, which is now white and pink, is an excellent example of Venetian floral Gothic style.

The home of glassblowing Along the Marani canal in the Venetian Lagoon lies Murano. It consists of seven islands, divided by canals and connected by bridges: Isola dei Conventi, San Donato, Navagero, San Pietro, San Stefano, Sacca Serenella and Sacca Mattia. Located north-east of Venice and accessible by water from Fondamenta Nove, Murano is world-famous for its artisanal glass production. In 1291, the Serenissima decreed that the city's glassworks be moved here to contain the consequences of the disastrous fires generated by the workshops' furnaces. The Glass Museum in Palazzo Giustinian traces its history. Before the advent of Napoleon, there were 18 parishes, monasteries and convents. Today, only three churches remain active: the Romanesque-style Cathedral of Santi Maria e Donato, the Church of Santa Maria Degli Angeli with its 16th-century bell tower and the Church of San Pietro Martire, which houses many works of art rescued from French plundering by other churches on the island, such as Madonna and Child Enthroned with Angels and Saints by Giovanni Bellini and St Jerome in the Desert by Paolo Veronese. The Palazzo da Mula, a 12th-century building in Venetian-Byzantine style, is well worth a visit. Today, it houses the Town Hall, which organises exhibitions and meetings there.

The Venice Biennale, where world art has its home Among the most prestigious art institutions in the world, the Venice Biennale has been bringing an International Exhibition of Contemporary Art to the Lagoon for more than a century, the first dating back to the late 19th century. Over the years, exhibitions and festivals of music, cinema, theatre and architecture have been alternated. The level and quality of its events make Venice one of the world capital of creativity. The Bienniale in Art and Architecture The Biennale in Art and the Biennale in Architecture take place in alternate years from April/May until November. Both exhibitions are divided into three areas: the International Exhibition, curated by the Director, appointed for each edition, the Exhibitions at the National Pavilions, set up by the curator appointed by the Pavilion Commissioner, and the side events, approved by the curator. There is no sestiere [Venetian district] in Venice that is not in some way involved in the numerous encounters at the Biennale. The first International Art Exhibition of 1895 was held in the Art Nouveau-style Palazzo delle Esposizioni in the Gardens of Venice. Given the success of the initiative, it was necessary to create additional exhibition spaces. The National Pavilions were created in 1907, now numbering 29 in total. Not to be missed at the Giardini is the optical café designed by German artist Tobias Rehberger, which won him the Golden Lion for Best Artist at the 2009 Art Biennale. The heart of the exhibitions has for some decades been in the spaces of the Arsenale, first used in 1981 for the Biennale of Architecture directed by Paolo Portoghesi. The Arsenal was the Venetian shipyard where the ships with which the Venetians dominated the Mediterranean trade for centuries were built and launched. An extraordinary space of industrial archaeology open for visits (the northern part) even when there are no Biennale exhibitions. Cinema, theatre, music and dance The Venice International Film Festival takes place on the Venice Lido. The first edition dates back to 1932 and within a few years it became the social event par excellence in Venice, attended by international film stars. With screenings, presentations and meetings with actors and directors, the Festival is a paradise for film buffs, guests of the great hall of the Palazzo del Cinemathe new Sala Giardino or the other halls, not far from the mythical beach of the Lido in front of theHotel Excelsior. There are also festivals dedicated to music, dance and theatre, all of which have an international appeal. The Biennale venue The institutional headquarters of the Biennale is located in Ca' Giustinian, a late-Gothic palace from 1471 overlooking St Mark's Basin, which can be visited on request. The Portego on the ground floor is a space for exhibitions of a historical-retrospective nature, set up with materials from the Biennale's Historical Archives of Contemporary Arts. There is also a Children's Space on the ground floor, where younger visitors can play, leaf through picture books or engage in creative activities. For coffee or lunch with a view of the Punta della Dogana and the island of San Giorgio, know that Ca' Giustinian has a café-restaurant with a terrace on the Grand Canal.

For many centuries, it was the most important shipbuilding factory in the world. The Arsenal is the symbol of the illustrious history of the Serenissima Republic of Venice, occupying an area of 48 hectares, in the eastern edge of the Ancient City. Here the ships of the Serenissima were built as an expression of the economic, political and military power of the city. You can visit some of the North Arsenal buildings, which are open to the public. The South Arsenal, instead, hosts the Venice Biennale. Do not miss a visit to the Naval History Museum of the Navy, the most important in Italy. APT della Provincia di Venezia San Marco 2637, 30124, Venezia(VE) CONTACT CENTER: Tel. 041.5298711 E-mail. info@turismovenezia.it

We are talking about Venice, of course: a great little jewel of architecture and tradition that harbours some of the most photographed views in Italy. The secret to experiencing the most authentic aspect of this metropolis on the water, however, lies in moving away from St. Mark's Square and venturing further afield, through the most out-of-the-way streets, or landing on one of the 118 islands that make up the Lagoon. This is true for tourists, and it is also true for those who are in Venice for work and decide to treat themselves to a little free time away from the more conventional tourist routes. The Venice Lagoon encompasses art and history, with ancient palaces, splendid works of art and a landscape that is unique in the world. With a vaporetto, or better still, a taxi with Hollywood glamour, the smaller islands of Venice can be reached very quickly, turning them into places of choice where one can take a trip or, even better, decide to stay in an unrivalled setting. Tours of the islands of Venice to visit at least once in a lifetime

You can visit them on foot or by bike, discovering small villages and evocative places still upholding ancient traditions. Well away from the crowds in St. Mark's Square, there is another, unusual Venice to be explored at a "slow" pace. From the lagoon islands, dominated by peace and quiet discovered by sailing aboard the bragozzi (the colourful lagoon fishing boats), to walks in the parks not far from the city itself. Well away from the crowds in St. Mark's Square, there is another, unusual Venice to be explored at a "slow" pace. From the lagoon islands, dominated by peace and quiet discovered by sailing aboard the bragozzi (the colourful lagoon fishing boats), to walks in the parks not far from the city itself.

Beyond gondolas and waterbuses, the Venice Lagoon harbours places and experiences that allow you to discover its soul and experience all its wonder.

A romantic landscape dotted with aristocratic residences, historic gardens and monumental parks is what you will discover when you visit the Riviera del Brenta, which stretches along the banks of the Naviglio del Brenta river, between the provinces of Padua and Venice.

There is a long cycle route that joins together the Trentino and Veneto tracks and, following the banks of the rivers Adige, Bacchiglione and Brenta, passes through the cities of Verona, Vicenza, Padua and Venice. Are you ready? It starts at Lake Garda, with a route that meanders along mostly asphalted roads alternating with pleasant dirt tracks, and offers plenty of potential excursions, steeped in history and tradition.

Venice and a skiing holiday: here's why it's a yes When you think of Venice, the many architectural and natural wonders that the city and its lagoon have to offer come to mind, but not everyone knows that in less than two hours from the city you can reach some of the most fascinating ski resorts in the Dolomites. Those who only want to spend a weekend in the snow can also choose closer resorts such as Nevegal and the Asiago Plateau. If you are planning a visit to Venice in winter and do not want to miss out on a snowshoe hike with friends or a downhill run, including at night, you really are spoilt for choice. Here, ordered by distance from the city, are the 5 unmissable destinations for skiing near Venice and experiencing the essence of winter in northern Italy.