Venice or the City of Canals has immense beauty and cultural significance to the Venetians, but it is also one of the most visited cities in Europe. It is home to hundreds of canals, a wealth of art, and rich history, and it is no surprise that there are plenty of things to do and see in Venice.
In this article, we have selected just a few things unmissable things to do in the Veneto capital.
Things you must do when you visit Venice, Italy
Visit St. Mark’s Basilica
Standing out as the most visible building in the city of Venice, Saint Mark’s Basilica features sleek architecture that has so far endured the test of time having been constructed in 1092. Despite its age, this building remains one of the most essential religious structures in Veneto.
Everything about this church is excellent – from intricate artwork, ornate detail, and sculptures decorating the front façade, to the stunningly created frescos and Byzantine artworks on the interior of the domed-shaped ceiling.
The church is found in the Piazza San Marco and therefore it is easy to access from the grand canal.
If you want to see what ancient Byzantine architecture used to look like, St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice is a must-visit.
Canal Grande
Ever wondered why Venice was nicknamed the City of Canals? Because of its hundreds of canals running through the city – and the most famous and largest is the Grand Canal or Canal Grande.
This canal is so massive that it seems like a river and cuts through Venice city center in a huge S shape. Lining the banks of the canals are almost 200 buildings, some from the 13th century. Canal Grande has been an essential waterway in Venice for centuries.
Despite its colossal size, the canal only has four bridges crossing over since the majority of people usually travel along the canal rather than over it.
St. Mark’s Square
St. Mark’s Square is known for being the most popular and well-known piazza in Venice. Located opposite San Giorgio Maggiore Island on the Grand Canal, this square is very important to the people of Venice.
It is surrounded by a series of beautifully decorated buildings with arched passageways that frame it nicely.
Some of the city’s important buildings are also located around the square, including Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Campanile, as well as Torre dell Orologio.
I recommend starting your Venice tour from this square since you can easily tick off a number of impressive sights without leaving the square.
Gallerie dell’Accademia
This museum is located on the Canal Grande and houses a collection of pre-19 century artifacts including pieces by artists such as Titian, Bellini, and Canaletto.
Visit this building to learn the history of Renaissance art as well as some of the most iconic masterpieces.
Initially, the building was a convent and was converted in the late 1700s to a museum. Today the most well-known piece of art is Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man which depicts the ideal proportions of the male body. But other works include Virgin and the Child by Titian, the Resurrection by Tintoretto, as well as the Battle of Lepanto by Veronese.
Teatro La Fenice
Teatro La Fenice translates to The Phoenix and is one of the most renowned buildings and opera houses. The name referred to the fact that the building has risen from the ashes three times, especially after two arsonists burned to the ground in 1996. Bust since then, the house has been renovated and refurbished back to its former glory, fully complete with red-velvet chairs and rows of balconies.
Bridge of Sighs
While this is a comparatively small bridge in the grand scheme of things in the city, the Bridge of Sighs is an unmissable landmark in Venice. It is one of the most visited structures in Veneto, spanning over Rio di Palazzo, linking the Prigioni Nuove to the iconic Doge’s Palace.
It is believed that criminals used to be taken from the Doge’s Palace over the canal, allowing them to have a once last glimpse at the city and sigh, bearing in mind their impending punishment and imprisonment.
If you are still around St. Mark’s Square, it is worth it to take a glance – and even snap – at this legendary bridge.
Venice Lido
For a relaxing getaway from the tourist-heavy Venice, Lido is your ideal destination. It is a standalone island that separates the Adriatic Sea and Venice and features an extensive stretch of picturesque beach to relax and enjoy.
Lido is home to around 20,000 people and has plenty of shops, hotels, restaurants, and residential areas.
With a much more serene, relaxed, and laid-back vibe compared to central Venice. This island is an ideal escape that offers a glaring contrast to the crowded streets and canals surrounding and linking the Canal Grande.
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