Water is a major feature of this romantic city. Water that in winter will often cover the beautiful San Marco Square, on which the gondolas glide along all year round and which surrounds every magnificent building in the city.
Venice is a city of a multitude of moods and faces: lively and affectionate to the inhabitants that fill her streets with their chatter; Discover the narrow alleyways and secret corners of this historic city, such as the quiet district around Sacca della Misericordia or the unhurried Campo di Gheto Novo; join the locals at the colourful fish market near the Rialto bridge; enjoy a glass of wine or a cappuccino in one of the many backstreet cafès; admire the Gothic architecture of the palazzi along the Grand Canal or the splendid Renaissance paintings rity as a tourist destination, Venice cannot be likened either to an amusement park or to a museum; it is a living city, whose fragile beauty and romantic history succeeds in transporting the visitor back in time.
TRAVELLER's TIPS
Bring binoculars as some of Venice's best sights are on ceilings or at the top of columns. Don't wear sleeveless tops, or short skirts, as you won't be able to enter the city's many churches.
HOW TO GET THERE
The "Marco Polo" airport is 12 km from Venice by land and 10 km by sea. You can get to Venice by coach, taxi or by boat.
From Treviso airport there is a half hour train journey that leaves every half an hour. Other ways include taxi or hire car.
VENICE TOURIST BOARD
Castello 5050 - 30122 Venezia Tel: 041 5298711 www.turismovenezia.it
NOT TO BE MISSED
Piazza San Marco - with the Basilica, Clocktower and the Doge's Palace
La Fenice Opera House
Gallerie dell'Accademia
I Frari
Scuola Grande di San Rocco
Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni
A vaporetto tour up and down the Canal Grande - Ponte di Rialto e Ponte dei Sospiri.
Whilst in Venice we also advise you to visit, the Murano island - capital of the world's blown glass art; the Burano island - famous for lace production, visit the museum "Museo del Merletto"; Torcello whose historical centre hosts the basilica of Santa Maria Assunta.
ENTERTAINMENT
Music and theatre have always formed an intrinsic part of the spirit of Venice. As well as the three major theatres, concerts and plays are also held in numerous churches such as the Pietà, the Frari, S. Stefano, all ideal concert halls. See the Gazzettino for all information on concerts and shows in the city.
- Gran Teatro La Fenice - 041 78 65 11
- Teatro Malibran - 041 78 65 11
- Teatro Goldoni - 041 24 020 011
- Teatro a l'Avogaria - 041 520 61 30
WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK
Lunch or dinner in one of the trattorias is one of the pleasures of Venetian life. High up the list of things to try are the fish and seafood ( in particular the squid, cuttlefish, eels and mussels), as well as fegato alla veneziana ( calf's liver fried with onions).
There are some excellent local wines to accompany these dishes including Valpolicella, Bardolino and Amarone ( red ) along with Soave and Prosecco (white)
FESTIVALS
Carnevale di Venezia (Venice Carnival): for further information browse www.carnevale.venezia.it
