by Nancy Pitman
St Mark’s Square and Doges Palace
There is no other city in the world quite like Venice. The word “Romantic” must have been invented here and not just from young lover’s strolling hand in hand along a gondola lined canal at sunset. Romance abounds in the island itself, the medieval walkways arching over sparkling canals with reflections of brightly painted buildings and contrasting shuttered windows. Or the surprise as you find your way through a labyrinth of alleys coming face to face with a green oxidized bronze statue adorning the entry of a Palazzo.
Golden Mosaics along Grand Canal
Originally Venice was a small island about 3 miles away from the mainland of Italy. As a small village of huts around the 5th century A.D. the people were isolated from the rest of the world by the shallow waters and comprised of 118 small islands. In the year 639 it was the island of Torcello that put Venice on the map when they built the splendorous Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. As the years past by and people began to take notice of the island of Venice and it began a very profitable business of trade. Venice became one of the richest cities of the new world with traders bringing goods from Europe, Africa and Asia. As the island became more populated they started to build up and restructure the island to keep it from sinking. The population was so very rich that it showed in their construction. The Basilica San Marco was Venice’s Masterpiece along with Doge’s Palace. The original Basilica was lost in a terrible fire, as they rebuilt the church they crowned it in gold mosaics, precious jewels and the bones of St. Mark himself. As crusaders went off to war they brought their plunder back to store in the treasury. You can still view some of the treasures to this day like the original 4 Horses of St. Marks inside the Basilica, outside on the rooftop facade are exact replicas in bronze.
Entrance to St Marks Basilica
Venice has also brought us some very distinguishing personalities. Marco Polo the adventurer and successful Venetian merchant gave us stories still told to our children today. Of course who has not heard of the infamous romantic and the breaker of many women’s hearts, Casanova.
Around 400 bridges connect the little islands that make up the city of Venice. The residents naturally have a love for the water and gladly make their livelihoods around it. Wake up early one morning on your visit, take a vaparetto down the Grand Canal, you will find it busting with small boats filled with vibrant red apples, green leafy lettuce, purple eggplant, oranges, and large yellow bananas. Every color of the rainbow drifts by along with expressive chatter between boats from the workers. As the sun appears on the horizon the canal glistens, shadows fade away to reveal gold mosaic’s shimmering in the light. To see the canal from end to end, hop on Vaparetto 1 or 82 for just a few Euro.
One of the many footbridges over a Venetian Canal
Meandering the tiny streets of Venice will give you insight into the charms of life in Italy. You won’t find any vehicles other than bicycles or boats in Venice, which makes for quiet nights and restful sleep. Great bars with very inexpensive tapa’s (happy hour treats) can be found with a lively crowd and camaraderie. Nighttime brings dueling bands and music between platforms set up in San Marco Square. You can sit at one of the many outdoor table and chairs for the price of a very expensive cup of coffee or sit for free on the steps along the walkways. You can still find good deals for a romantic gondola ride through the Internet, hotel or information center. If you are willing to find your way back towards the Rail Station you can literally save yourselves up to 50% off the normal price.
If you are Classical Music enthusiast you might want to book a Vivaldi Concert. Born in Venice Antonio Vivaldi taught music at the local orphanage and encouraged his young proteges to pursue a better life.
When it comes to shopping Venice is littered with tiny shops with items you won’t find anywhere else. The Venetians have a knack with glass and no visit is complete without a trip to the nearby island of Murano where artisan glassworks basically got its start. You can purchase the famous Murano Glass in Venice but it’s a special treat to pop in and see how the masters themselves make the glass. You can book a tour through your hotel, tourist information office or just take the short Vaparetto ride from Venice. It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon. You will find everything from exquisitely etched designer glass vases to small creative animals. One of our favorites is of a perfectly made Bumble Bee then pick up a realistic glass rose to put into a tall vase. You will get compliments from all that see it. Murano glass jewelry is very popular, with so many designs it’s hard to choose which one to bring home.
Walking along the tiny streets you will find everything from touristy trinket shops to upscale boutiques. Local artisans take artwork to a whole new dimension with their crafts. Colorful paintings of charming Venice, cafes, walking bridges, and gondola’s are reasonably priced souvenirs. Venice shopping will also introduce you to beautiful ornate masks, and delicate Burano lace, and Italian leather products.
One of the many mask shops of Venice
Exploring other islands is a nice change of pace from hectic Venice. We have already mentioned Murano famous for its glassworks. Stop off at Torcello to see the oldest building of all the islands. The Santa Maria dell’Assunta contains some well-preserved mosaics almost 1400 years old. While in Torcello you will also want to visit the Byzantine church of Santa Fosca unique with a pentagonal apse. A little further out is the fun little island of Burano. Burano is full of color and charm, you will quickly notice brightly painted homes along the canals, some with matching fishing boats. Walking along the waterways you will often see the fishermen coming in from a days work and tending to their nets. There are plenty of shops and cafes to keep you busy. The lace makers of Burano are currently reviving their historic school of making lace.
The best way to get to these islands is to take the Vaparetto that leaves from Fondamente Nuove station, about a 5 minute walk east from Ca d’ Oro.
One of Burano’s colorful buildings Burano Square
Its easy to see how visitors fall in love with Venice, it one of a kind. Romantic? Of course! But, you will have to go there and find out for yourselves the hidden treasures that are around every corner in Bella Venezia. (Bella means beautiful in Italian)
Photo's by John Pitman
