Landmarks of venice italy. Fascinating Venice: its sights, videos, photos and descriptions

This article will guide you through the most interesting attractions in Venice, listing some of the popular Venetian monuments. Each place is described in detail in a separate article and indicated on the map. Venice is not just called the most romantic city world, a city of bridges, canals and magnificent old architecture. It is also one of the most visited cities in the world by tourists. Unfortunately, due to the too large flow of tourists and frequent floods, most of the historical monuments were under threat of destruction, since recently even the option of closing access to tourists has been discussed. So, perhaps you have a few more years to visit the city of love, but this selection will help you navigate and make a route.

Let's start with one of the most recognizable sights of Venice - Piazza San Marco. St. Mark's Square is probably the most famous place in the city. Since the medieval period, the piazza has always been regarded as the center of Venice and has been the location of all the important offices of the Venetian state and the archbishop since the 19th century. Many Venetian festivals also take place here.

Academy Gallery - famous Art Museum Venice. Here is one of the largest collections in the world, which includes works by Venetian artists of the XVIII century. The collection is arranged chronologically, thematic shows are held during the day. The Academy was founded in 1784 by Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo.

This building was built between 1806-1814 during the Napoleonic era, when Venice was part of the Kingdom of Italy (1806-1814) and Napoleon's stepson, Eugene de Beauharnais, was viceroy. The Venetian painter Giuseppe Borsato worked on the decoration of the interiors, reproducing a very careful interpretation of the Empire style. The Museo Correr takes its name from Teodoro Correr (1750-1830), an art collector who was a member of an old family of Venetian aristocracy.

In the list of recognizable sights of Venice, the Rialto Bridge occupied one of the leading places. Ponte di Rialto is considered as one of the most visited corners of the city on the water. This is the oldest bridge passing through the Grand Canal, the main transport artery of the city. During the rapid development of Venice, there was not a single bridge between the two sides of the canal, which was a big problem. A few of these bridges and now, Rialto is one of four of them.

5. Ca-d'oro, or Santa Sofia Palace.

Ca' d'oro, or Santa Sofia Palace

Ca' d'oro (Palazzo Santa Sofia) is one of the oldest and most beautiful palaces on the Grand Canal in Venice. It is known as the Golden House for the gold and chrome exterior decoration that once adorned its walls. The Palazzo was built between 1428 and 1430 for the Contarini family, to whom eight Venetian Doges descended between 1043 and 1676.

A very famous religious landmark in Venice, Santa Maria della Salute has a very interesting story. In the first half of the 17th century, a terrible plague broke out in Northern Italy. The Doge of Venice decided to take preventive measures to stop the infection. But all efforts were in vain, and the disease spread throughout the city. In a very short period of time, despite the restrictions imposed by the authorities, a significant part of the population was mowed down. The Doge and most of his family perished. The failure of medicine forced the government and the people to turn to religion for salvation.

A procession was organized in which 10,000 survivors took part. They constantly walked around Piazza San Marco for three days and nights, reciting prayers. It was decided that if the city escaped total devastation, they would build a temple of such size and beauty as the world had not yet seen. The disease receded, and the inhabitants decided to fulfill their promise - this is how the Cathedral of Santa Maria della Salute appeared.

Teatro La Fenice was planned from the very beginning as the official theater of the Venetian aristocracy. Its construction was entrusted to the architect Gianantonino Silva, and it was completed with approximate speed in April 1792.

Contarini del Bovolo is a small palace in Venice. It is tucked away in a small alley known as Calle della Vida and is owned by the Contarini family. The original structure was designed by Giovanni Candi in 1499. The main attraction of this palace is a graceful spiral staircase with many arches. The family hired a Second Architect, Giorgio Spavento, to add this staircase to the original structure.

The Venetian Arsenal (Arsenale di Venezia) is one of the most important places in Venice. This shipyard and naval depot played a leading role in the flourishing Venetian Empire. According to the myth, from the 8th century in Venice shipyards were scattered throughout the city. But at the beginning of the 12th century, the explosives in the buildings caused concern from the authorities, and in 1104 construction began on the centralized structure of the Arsenal. The Old Arsenal was built between 1100 and 1300 and the new complex between 1300 and 1400, while the Newest Arsenal was built between 1473 and 1573.

We conclude our review of the ten popular attractions of Venice, the Fondaco dei Turchi Palace. It is one of the oldest buildings in the city. At the beginning of the thirteenth century, Giacomo Palmieri, a wealthy Pesaro nobleman sought refuge in Venice. In 1225 he built this palace for his personal use. In 1381 the Republic of Venice took control and used the palace as the court of the Duke of Ferrara, Nicholas II.

Despite the fact that we are finishing this collection, in the future you will find many more articles about interesting places Venice.

Attractions of Venice: work schedule, ticket prices, photo

Spread across northern Italy beautiful city- Venice. This is a city founded during the collapse of the Roman Empire on 118 islands of the Venetian lagoon, where 160 large and many small canals serve as streets. The city is connected to the mainland by a huge bridge, 4 km long. There is no land transport do not even use bicycles. For those who come to Venice by car, an incredible multi-storey garage has been built on Piazza Roma. Everyone moves either on foot or by water on the famous gondolas or river buses. The feeling of medieval luxury does not leave travelers. Ancient architecture, gandoliers in national costumes, singing old barcarolle songs to the accompaniment of a guitar. This atmosphere fascinates and causes an irresistible desire to come here at least once.

Who has not dreamed of visiting? It will satisfy the interests of any traveler. After all, this is a country with a 3000-year history, unforgettable architecture, amazing cuisine. Sea, sun, mountains and always great weather. Isn't this a tourist's dream?

Sights of Venice and the cost of visiting them

Piazza San Marco

Piazza San Marco is the heart of Venice. Here are the most beautiful buildings. Cathedral of San Marco, in which the remains of St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice, rested for almost a millennium.

Working mode:

l UTB - from 09:30 to 17:30

winter - from 09:30 to 16:00

Sunday and holidays from 14:00 to 17:30

Ticket price 8 €

Piazza San Marco

Piazza San Marco

Doge's Palace

This is an incredible complex, built with such luxury, wealth and beauty to inspire awe and awe in foreign ambassadors before their greatness.

Vaporetto S. Zaccaria

Working mode:

summer— from Mon to Sun from 09:00 to 19:00 (the ticket office serves until 18:00)

winter - from Mon to Sun from 09:00 to 17:00 (the ticket office serves until 16:00)

Ticket price 11 € (includes the cost of visiting the museums of San Marco)

Doge's Palace

Campanile

Campanile is a 98.5 m high bell tower located on Piazza San Marco. The view of the city from here will never be forgotten.

Working mode:

summer — from 09:00 to 22:00

from May to July - from 09:30 to 20:00

from October to April - from 10:00 to 16:00

Campanile in Venice

Bridge of Sighs

Behind the Doge's Palace is the Bridge of Sighs. The first association that comes to mind is the sighing lovers who chose this bridge for dates. In fact, prisoners walked along this bridge from the Doge's Palace to the death penalty. The fact is sad, but you can not argue with history.

Bridge of Sighs in Venice

Rialto Bridge

One of the most famous symbols of Venice was and remains the Rialto Bridge. It was built in its present form in 1952. The Rialto Bridge connects the banks of the Grand Canal, the main street of the city. This place is always very crowded, there are many shops.

Rialto Bridge

Grand Canal

Without it, it is impossible to imagine the city. This wide water artery, framed picturesque palaces, divides Venice into two halves and unites all areas of the city. Its width reaches 70 m, the depth is about 5 m.

Grand Canal

Grand Canal

Grand Canal

Palace of Ca d'Oro

On the Grand Canal is the Ca' d'Oro Palace - the Golden House, which was built in the 15th century. The palace got this name because then its facade was decorated with gold, ultramarine, vermilion. Ca' d'Oro is the clearest example of the Venetian gothic architecture. Now the Franchetti Gallery is located here, with an amazing collection of sculpture and painting of the Middle Ages.

Working mode: from 08:15 to 19:15

Ticket price 12 €

Palace of Ca d'Oro

Saint Mark's Clock Tower (with Moors)

One of the eternal symbols of Venice is the clock tower with two bronze Moors, who have been striking the time every hour for almost 500 years by hitting the bell with hammers. The tower has an old clock showing the seasons, the phases of the moon, the signs of the zodiac, in which the sun passes.

Tower of the Moors

Santa Maria della Salute

It is one of the most popular renaissance churches in the city. In 1631, the Senate of the city decided to build it in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who saved Venice from a terrible plague.

Vaporetto Salute

Working mode: from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 17:30

Price: admission to the church is free, visiting the crypt - 1.50 €.

Santa Maria della Salute

Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

The second most important religious building after St. Mark's Cathedral. It can be called the most impressive cathedral in Venice. The construction of this church continued for almost a century by the Franciscan monks.

Vaporetto San Toma

Working mode: Mon-Sat from 09:00 to 18:00, Sun from 13:00 to 18:00

Ticket price €2.50

Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

If we talk about Venice, then the question "what to see?" Basically, he can't stand. Arriving here, a person finds himself in a fairy tale, where every building, every square, canals and has such a rich history, stunning architecture and stunning beauty that the impressions of what he saw in this city will remain for life and leave an irresistible desire to return here more than once. Have a nice rest and unforgettable impressions!

Venice - the city of lovers, the city of thousands historical monuments a place with its own unique history. But Venice is not only ancient sights. It is also one of the biggest European centers for film festivals, art exhibitions and other great events.

What to see in Venice on your own?

Beautiful places and main attractions: photos with descriptions in Russian.

St. Mark's Basilica

In the city center is the most visited attraction - St. Mark's Cathedral (in Italian: Basilica di San Marco). It was founded in 829, so the basilica is one of the oldest in Venice.

The modern basilica was built in 1063 by Domenico Contarini. The height of the vaults is 43 meters, and the area is about 4 thousand square meters. The facade is made in the Romanesque architectural style and lined with oriental marble. It is decorated with columns, bas-reliefs, sculptures and capitals in the Gothic style.

The interior decoration is represented by a delightful mosaic on the vaults and domes. The main altar is made of gilded silver and inlaid with 2,000 precious and semi-precious stones. More than 283 shrines are stored in the treasury of the cathedral, including a particle of the Life-Giving Cross.

• Opening hours: Mon - Sat 9:30 - 17:00, Sun 14:00 - 16:30 (October - May); Mon - Sat 9:45 - 17:00, Sun 14:00 - 17:00 (June - November)

Cathedral of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

In one of the districts of the city called San Polo, there is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (in Italian Basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari). It was founded in 1330, but all construction work was completed only 100 years later.

The building of the basilica is made in the form of a Latin cross. The facade is made in the Gothic architectural style, it is decorated with 12 large columns, bas-reliefs, pilasters and sculptures. At the end of the 14th century, a bell tower 70 meters high was added to the cathedral. Rich interior decoration big amount statues and paintings, the walls are decorated with stucco and stunning frescoes.

One of the famous Christian shrines is kept in the basilica - a crystal vase containing the "Holy Blood of Christ". According to legend, it was collected after the crucifixion of Christ by his follower Mary Magdalene.

• Address: San Polo, 3072, Venice, Italy
• Opening hours: Mon - Sat 9:00 - 18:00, Sun 13:00 - 18:00

Cathedral of Santa Maria della Salute

One of the most beautiful buildings in the city is the Cathedral of Santa Maria della Salute (in Italian Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute). It was founded in 1630 according to the project of Balthazar Longen in memory of the miraculous salvation of the city's inhabitants from the plague.

At that time, a merciless disease claimed over 100 thousand lives, and the inhabitants turned to the Mother of God with prayers. The Senate of the city promised to build a magnificent church in honor of the Virgin Mary in the event of an end to the plague. The requests were heard, and after a while the epidemic ended.

In the same year, the construction of the cathedral began. Its facade was made in the Baroque style and decorated with a huge number of decorative elements: pilasters, columns and sculptures. The interior decoration is striking in its luxury: the floor is lined with marble slabs, the walls are lined with icons, sculptures and paintings by famous artists.

• Address: Campo della Salute, 1, Venice, Italy
• Opening hours: Mon - Sun 9:00 - 12:00, 15:00 - 17:30

Cathedral of San Giorgio Maggiore

On a small island of the same name is the Cathedral of San Giorgio Maggiore (in Italian San Giorgio Maggiore) and almost completely occupies it. It was built in 1566 - 1610 on the site of an ancient Benedictine monastery, which was destroyed by a strong earthquake. The main facade of the basilica is made of white stone in the Renaissance style and is decorated with 4 columns, the rest of the walls are built of red brick. White stone was also used to decorate the interior space, which visually makes the cathedral more spacious and lighter.

The interiors are decorated with sculptures and busts of saints and local rulers, massive columns and paintings by the artist Tintoretto. At the end of the 18th century, a red brick belfry was added to the building of the basilica. observation deck on the tower.

• Address: Isola San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice, Italy
• Opening hours: Mon - Sun 9:30 - 12:50, 14:30 - 18:30
• Entrance fee: 6 euros (visiting the bell tower)

grand canal

The most famous water body of the city is the Grand Canal or the Grand Canal (in Italian Canal Grande). It covers almost the entire city and, in fact, is considered the most important "street" of Venice, along which gondolas and river trams. The total length of the canal is 3.8 km, and the width is from 50 to 70 meters.

Initially, it was a small channel between several islands, over time it was expanded and deepened to 5 meters, turning it into the main transport road cities.

On the banks of the Grand Canal are the most famous sights of Venice: more than 100 palaces (including Ca' d'Oro, Ca' Pesaro and others), 4 magnificent bridges (Academies, Constitutions, Rialto, Scalzi) and many other structures that are excellent examples of Italian architecture.

• Address: Venice, Italy

Doge's Palace

On St. Mark's Square is the former residence of the government of Venice or the Doge's Palace (in Italian Doge "s Palace). The first building, founded in the 9th century, was destroyed by a strong fire.

The construction of the modern palace began in 1309 and ended only in 1424. Its project was created by Filippo Calendario, and the architect Nicolo Barattieri supervised the work. The facade is made of marble in the Gothic architectural style, it is decorated with openwork arches, sculptures and other decorative elements.

A magnificent lancet arch or “Paper Door” (in Italian Porta della Carta) leads to the courtyard. The staircase of the Giants rises to the entrance to the palace, on the platform of which the rulers were once crowned. There are many rooms inside. The most famous is the Hall of the Great Council, whose area is more than 1350 square meters.

• Opening hours: Mon - Sun 8:30 - 19:00 (April - October); Mon - Sun 8:30 - 17:30 (November - March)
• Entrance ticket price: 19 euros

Ca' d'Oro Palace

On the banks of the Grand Canal is one of the most beautiful buildings in Venice - Ca' d'Oro Palace (in Italian Ca "d" Oro). He got his name from the name of gold leaf, which was used in the first decoration.

The construction of the palace was carried out from 1425 to 1440 according to the project of Giovanni and Bartolomeo Bona. During its history, the building was rebuilt many times, only at the end of the 19th century the owner returned it to its original appearance. The facade is made in the Venetian Gothic style, its left side is decorated with openwork arches and columns, and the right side is austere and monumental.

To get to the lobby of the palace, you need to go to the first floor through a magnificent loggia with columns. Above it is the balcony of the main hall, decorated with four-leaf windows.

• Address: Cannaregio 3931-3932, Venice, Italy

Palace of Ca' Rezzonico

On the banks of the Grand Canal is the Ca 'Rezzonico Palace (in Italian Ca "Rezzonico). In 1649, its construction began for the Bon aristocratic family. The creation of the project was entrusted to the architect Baldassar Longen, who also supervised the initial stage of the construction of the palace.

In 1682, the Bon family went bankrupt, and Longen died without completing the construction. In 1751, the premises were bought by the Lombard Giambattista Rezzonico, who completed the palace in 4 years with the help of the architect Giorgio Massari. The facade of the building is made in the Venetian Baroque style, it is complemented by columns and arches.

Famous artists Pietro Visconti, Gaspare Diziani, Giambattista Croasto and many others had a hand in painting the interior of the palace. These frescoes have been perfectly preserved to this day. Since 1935, the building has housed the 18th-century Venice Museum of Art.

• Address: Dorsoduro 3136, Venice, Italy
• Opening hours: Wed - Mon 10:00 - 18:00 (April - October); Wed - Mon 10:00-17:00 (November - March)
• Entrance ticket price: 10 euros

Teatro La Fenice

The famous Piazza San Marco is Opera theatre La Fenice (in Italian Teatro La Fenice). It is considered one of the most popular in Venice. In 1792, a new theater called "La Fenice" was inaugurated, which translates from Italian as "phoenix".

This is very symbolic, since the building was completely destroyed by fire twice, but it was restored to its original form. The auditorium, made in the Baroque style, impresses with its splendor and luxury.

Many famous operas have been premiered here: Rigoletto and La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi, The Rake's Progress by composer Igor Stravinsky and many others. Now the theater not only hosts world-famous plays, but also hosts concerts by the best orchestras from different countries.

• Address: Campo San Fantin | San Marco 1965, Venice, Italy
• Working hours: Mon – Sun 10:00 – 17:00
• Entrance fee: 10 euros (excursion)

Bridge of Sighs

Currently, one of the most popular places for lovers is the Bridge of Sighs (in Italian Ponte dei Sospiri). According to legend, swimming under it is necessary to kiss a loved one, then the feelings will last a lifetime. However, the real story of this place is sadder.

The bridge was built in 1602 under the guidance of the famous architect Antonio Conti. It is made of white limestone in the Baroque style, has blind (except for a few small windows) walls and roof. It is decorated with intricate carvings. The bridge connects the famous Doge's Palace, in the building of which the court was located, and the city prison, where the convicts served their sentences. Prisoners were led along it, and through the barred windows they could see the city for the last time.

Few people left the prison, because there was a high mortality rate due to poor conditions. But scientists cannot confirm or refute this story. Some attribute it to the imagination of the poet Byron.

• Address: Piazza San Marco, 1, Venice, Italy
• Opening hours: Mon - Sun 8:30 - 19:00

Rialto Bridge

One of the famous symbols of the city is the Rialto Bridge (in Italian Ponte di Rialto). It is considered the first bridge built in Venice, and therefore the oldest.

In 1181, it was a ferry crossing, and 100 years later it was replaced by a wooden bridge, which was named Rialto, in honor of the city market located nearby. Over the course of several centuries, it repeatedly collapsed and was restored again.

Only at the end of the 16th century did a stone bridge appear, which can still be seen today. Its length is about 48 meters, width - 23 meters, and height - more than 7.3 meters. To hold the heavy bridge, a large number of piles were driven into the bottom of the Grand Canal - about 12 thousand. Now there are 24 souvenir shops in the internal galleries, where you can buy inexpensive jewelry, leather goods and, of course, souvenirs.

• Address: Rialto Vaporetto Stop, Venice, Italy

St. Mark's Campanile

Near the famous St. Mark's Cathedral there is a bell tower or campanile (in Italian Campanile di San Marco), which is part of it and has a height of more than 98 meters.

In the 9th century, a watchtower was located in this place, which also served as a beacon for ships entering the lagoon. In 1514 it was rebuilt and acquired a modern look.

In the 16th century, a weather vane made in the form of a golden angel was installed on the bell tower. There are 5 bells on the tower that perform different functions. Campanile consists of a tall shaft made of bricks. In the Middle Ages, it was used as a torture chamber for the townspeople.

In the 16th century, a logetta was erected in front of the bell tower, in which the guards of the Doge's Palace were located. In 1902, the tower collapsed, but 9 years later it was restored to its original form.

• Address: San Marco 328, Venice, Italy
• Opening hours: October - November Mon - Sun 9:00 - 19:00, December - April Mon - Sun 9:30 - 15:45, May - June Mon - Sun 9:00 - 19:00, July - September Mon - Sun 9:00 - 21:00
• Entrance ticket price: 8 euros

Palace of Contarini del Bovolo

In the lively district of San Marco, there is an unusual palace of Contarini del Bovolo (in Italian: Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo). It was erected in 1499 under the direction of Giovanni Candi for the aristocratic Contarini family.

Its uniqueness lies in the unusual spiral staircase, through which it is possible to climb to the upper platform and admire the picturesque views of the city. The facade of the palace is made in the Renaissance style, and the architecture of the stairs is more reminiscent of Gothic.

The building is decorated with columns and arches in large numbers, and the round tower is undoubtedly the main feature of this palace. Locals compare its spiral spans with snakeskin, which is why the palace is more often called the "Snake House" in recent times.

• Address: San Marco, 4299, Venice, Italy
• Opening hours: Mon - Sun 10:00 - 13:30, 14:00 - 18:00
• Entrance ticket price: 7 euros

Church of San Zaccaria

One of the most beautiful examples of local architecture during the early Renaissance is the Church of San Zaccaria (in Italian Chiesa di San Zaccaria). It was founded in the 9th century specifically to store the relics of St. Zacharias, who was the father of John the Baptist.

At the beginning of the 12th century, the church was almost completely destroyed in a fire, and its restoration began only at the end of the 15th century. Its facade combines Gothic and Renaissance features, as two architects were involved in the construction: first, Antonio Gambello erected the lower floors, then Mauro Coducci completed the upper part of the building.

The interior of the church is represented by frescoes of the 17th and 18th centuries, made by famous artists: Giuseppe Porta, Antonio Balestra, Palma Vecchio and many others. The most important decoration is the painting by Giovanni Bellini, which depicts the Madonna with Jesus and the saints.

• Address: Campo S. Zaccaria, 4693, Venice, Italy
• Opening hours: Mon - Sat 10:00 -12:00, 16:00 - 18:00; Sun 16:00 – 18:00
• Entrance ticket price: 1.5 euros

Academy Gallery

One of the most informative sights of Venice is the Accademia Gallery (in Italian: Gallerie dell "Accademia"). It is an art museum with a unique collection of paintings from the 14th - 18th centuries.

In 1750 it was a school visual arts, sculpture and architecture. In 1807, it was moved to the premises of the church of Santa Maria della Carita, built in the 15th century, and the unfinished monastery of the 16th century.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the school was closed, and its buildings were turned into a museum. Gradually, a large number of paintings accumulated in it, which can still be seen today. 24 halls display works by famous artists of Venice - Bellini, Giovanni Batista, Tiepolo and many others.

• Address: Campo della Carita | Dorsoduro 1050, Venice, Italy
• Opening hours: Mon 8:15 - 14:00, Tue - Sun 8:15 - 19:15
• Entrance ticket price: 15 euros

Piazza San Marco

by the most famous place of the city is the most beautiful Piazza San Marco (in Italian Piazza San Marco). It is considered the main one in Venice, which is formed by two parts: the piazzetta or a small platform between the Grand Canal and the Campanile and, directly, the square itself. It appeared in the 9th century as a small area in front of the cathedral of the same name.

In the 12th century, the area was significantly expanded to the size of the modern square. The pavement of San Marco was paved with light stone in the 13th century. There are many famous sights of the city here.

On the square is the main basilica of the city in the name of St. Mark, the residence of the rulers - the Doge's Palace, the largest library of Venice, the Campanile (bell tower) and Orologio (clock tower) of the cathedral, the column of St. Mark, crowned with a statue of a winged lion made of bronze, and the column of the patron saint of the city of St. Theodore, which is crowned by his sculpture. The symbol of the square are pigeons, of which there are a large number.

• Address: Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy

Cathedral of Maria Assunta

On the island of Torcello is the magnificent Cathedral of Maria Assunta (in Italian Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta). It is one of the oldest in Venice and was founded in the 7th century.

The facade is unique in that it combines three styles at once: Gothic, Byzantine and Venetian. It is decorated with columns that are connected into arches. Until now, the first baptistery, which is adjacent to the cathedral building, has been preserved.

The interior decoration is made in light colors, which makes the room more spacious and airy. The floor is made of gray marble with a pink tint. Thanks to the columns inside, the space is divided into 3 naves. The main decoration of the cathedral is an ancient mosaic depicting the Virgin and Child.

• Address: Via Torcello, 30175, Venice, Italy
• Opening hours: Mon - Sun 10:00 - 12:00, 16:00 - 18:00

Museum of Naval History

One of the most interesting exhibits can be seen in the Museum of Naval History (in Italian Museo Storico Navale). Its building was built in the 17th century and was used to store grain. Only after a while it was handed over to the Venetian Arsenal and began to be used as a warehouse for ship models.

At the end of the 18th century, during the occupation by French troops, the museum was plundered, and all the exhibits were taken to France. Over time, the collection was returned, and the museum reopened. On the facade there is a large anchor, and inside there are 42 halls on 5 floors. They store more than 25 thousand different items that are related to shipbuilding.

Next to the main building of the museum there is an additional pavilion "Oars Workshop", with an area of ​​about 1250 square meters. Here you can see real ships and boats, including the famous Bucintoro.

• Opening hours: Mon - Thu 8:45 - 13:30, Fri 8:45 - 17:00, Sat - Sun 10:00 - 17:00
• Entrance ticket price: 5 euros

Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli

In one of the districts of the city called Cannaregio, there is the church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli (in Italian Santa Maria dei Miracoli). It was founded at the end of the 15th century under the design of two architects Pietro and Tullio Lombardo.

The church was intended to store the miraculous icon of the Holy Virgin Mary, which was painted by the famous painter Nicolo di Pietro. The façade is in early Renaissance style, with pilasters, a crescent-shaped pediment, intricate carvings and magnificent marble mosaics.

The interior of the church is made in white, pink and gray. The ceiling is decorated with magnificent frescoes, and several sculptures can be seen on the stairs leading to the main altar. The image of the Virgin Mary is in this church now.

• Address: Campo Dei Miracoli, Venice, Italy
• Opening hours: Mon - Sat 10:00 - 16:45, Sun 10:00 - 17:30
• Entrance ticket price: 3 euros

Venetian arsenal

In the eastern part of the city there is a large shipyard or the Venetian Arsenal (in Italian: Arsenale di Venezia). Its first building was erected in the 8th century and was intended for the construction and repair of military and merchant ships.

At the beginning of the 14th century, the New Arsenal was added to it, which received a monopoly on the construction of all ships for military needs. It was a huge industrial "city", in which more than 16 thousand people worked at the same time. The workers of this shipyard were among the first to start producing firearms - pistols and cannons.

In 1460, arched gates were built in front of the main entrance to the Arsenal. They are made in the Renaissance style and are decorated with pilasters and statues of winged lions. Since the end of the 19th century, the shipyard buildings have been used only partially as a naval base.

• Address: Campo San Biagio Castello 2148, Venice, Italy

Church of Santa Maria Formosa

In the eastern district of the city is the church of Santa Maria Formosa (in Italian: Chiesa di Santa Maria Formosa). It was founded in the 9th century, but the modern building appeared only in 1492.

Its construction was carried out by the architect Mauro Coducci. The church has an unusual name in honor of the Slender Virgin Mary, which appeared after her appearance to Bishop Magno. During its history, the building has been expanded and rebuilt several times. The façade is in the Baroque style and is decorated with cream-coloured apses.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the building was badly damaged by fire, but the most valuable masterpieces of painting survived. These are paintings by Palma il Vecchio called "Saint Barbara with Saints" and a triptych by the artist Bartolomeo Vivarini called "Madonna Misercordia". After the restoration work carried out inside the church, these works can be seen now.

• Address: Castello, 5263, Venice, Italy
• Entrance ticket price: 3 euros

Museum Correr

On St. Mark's Square is the Correr Art Museum (in Italian Museo Correr). It was opened in 1830, when Teodoro Correr donated his personal collection of paintings to the city.

At the end of the 19th century, the museum became the most visited due to its rich exposition. The collection was moved several times in the early 20th century until it was housed in a modern building in 1922. It was built on the site of a destroyed church, its original purpose was to become the residence of Napoleon, but the building was completed after the end of the occupation.

Its interior decoration is striking in its luxury. Now the Correr Museum combines several expositions: masterpieces of painting and ancient weapons are in the Risorgimento Museum, ancient objects from Egypt, Rome, Greece - in the Archaeological Museum, rare books - in the Marciana Library.

• Address: Piazza San Marco San Marco 52, Venice, Italy
• Opening hours: Mon - Sun 10:00 - 19:00 (April - October); Mon - Sun 10:00 - 17:00 (November - March)
• Entrance ticket price: 6 euros

Academy Bridge

One of the 4 bridges located on the Grand Canal is the Academy Bridge (in Italian Ponte dell "Accademia). It was erected in 1854 according to the project of Alfred Neville, who made it entirely of metal. This caused a lot of controversy, because it did not fit into the surrounding architecture and, according to local residents, was too "modern". Mussolini later ordered it to be dismantled.

In 1934, a temporary wooden bridge was erected on this site, which can still be seen today. His project was developed by Eugenio Miozzi, but it was assumed that the wooden bridge would soon replace the stone one, which would organically fit into the surrounding landscape. But this never happened, although local authorities have repeatedly raised the issue of building a permanent stone bridge.

In 1985, the wooden structures had to be replaced due to heavy wear, but the historical appearance was preserved - this is an arched bridge, which has a length of 48 meters.

• Address: Venice, Italy

Burano Island

One of the most colorful places in Venice is the island of Burano (in Italian Burano). It looks like a fairy-tale city thanks to the bright facades of houses. On the island, for several centuries, there has been a strict rule according to which each house must be painted in a certain color. If the owner wants to change the shade, he must obtain special permission from the island authorities.

According to legend, before all the locals were engaged in fishing. After a successful catch was celebrated with heavy drinking, some men often dropped in on beautiful lonely neighbors by mistake. Wives quickly figured out what needs to be done so that their husbands do not get confused. Soon all the houses were painted in different colors. By official versions some researchers - each shade symbolizes a certain family, others - that the bright facades helped the fishermen find their homes in thick fog.

The main pride of the island is the luxurious handmade lace, which is made by local craftswomen.

• Address: Burano, Venice, Italy

Lace Museum

On the island of Burano there is a lace museum (in Italian Museo del Merletto), which contains the most unique masterpieces of lace weaving. It was opened in 1981, this collection features real works of local needlewomen.

In addition to magnificent napkins, the museum has a lace wedding dress. extraordinary beauty. The oldest laces date back to the 16th century, which are so light and graceful that they are very similar to a weightless cobweb.

The museum building used to house the School of Lace Weaving, where experienced craftswomen taught young girls from all over the country. The technique of needlework was kept in the strictest confidence, so it was possible to learn only on the island.

• Address: Piazza Galuppi 187, Burano, Italy
• Opening hours: Tue - Sun 10:00 - 18:00 (April - October); Tue – Sun 10:00 – 17:00 (November – March)

Cafe Florian

On Piazza San Marco is the first cafe in Venice called "Florian" (in Italian Caffe Florian Venezia). It was discovered in 1640 and was called "Arab". Here, for the first time, they began to serve coffee, which was brought from Turkey.

Over time, it became popular among the locals. People came here to drink a coffee drink, make interesting acquaintances, learn last news and just relax.

Floriano Francesco bought it in 1720, and very soon visitors began to call the cafe after the owner. It could be visited by both men and women, which was rare in the 18th century.

In the middle of the 19th century, the cafe was restored, and its premises were divided into 5 halls, each of which has an individual design. The most visited here famous people of his time: Ernest Hemingway, Byron, Igor Stravinsky, Casanova and many others. A special atmosphere of the institution is given by a mini-orchestra, which plays under a small canopy.

• Address: Piazza San Marco 57, Venice, Italy
• Working hours: Mon – Sun 10:00 – 0:00

Church of Il Redentore

On one of the islands of Venice is the Church of Il Redentore (in Italian Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore). It was founded in 1577 and named after Christ the Savior. The construction work was carried out by the famous architect Andrea Palladio. The church was built a year after the miraculous divine deliverance of the city from the terrible plague that raged at that time and claimed the lives of more than a third of the city's inhabitants.

In 1592 it was completely finished and consecrated. The church is a large snow-white building, which is crowned with a dome with a sculpture of Christ the Savior. The interior decoration is characterized by gray marble and magnificent white stucco. Paintings by famous artists Tintoretto, Giacomo Palma, Francesco Bassano, Paolo Veronese, Lazzaro Bastiani and others hang on the walls.

• Address: Campo Santissimo Redentore 1 | Giudecca, Venice, Italy
• Opening hours: Mon - Sat 10:00 - 17:00
• Entrance ticket price: 3 euros

The Riva degli Schiavoni

the most beautiful tourist place the city is the promenade of Riva degli Schiavoni (in Italian Riva Degli Schiavoni). It was founded in the 9th century on muddy soil taken from the bottom of the Grand Canal.

It got its name from the names of merchants who supplied fish and meat to the city's piers. The waterfront offers stunning views of famous architecture, including the Thatched Bridge, the famous Bridge of Sighs and the Church of Santa Maria della Visitazione. It contains a large number of bronze sculptures created by the sculptor Ettore Ferrari.

Now the promenade is one of the centers of tourism in Venice: there are many different shops and small souvenir shops.

• Address: Riva degli Schiavoni | Between Doge's Palace and the Arsenale, Venice, Italy

Palace of Ca' Pesaro

On the Grand Canal is the palace of Ca 'Pesaro (in Italian Ca "Pesaro). It was founded in the 17th century for the Pesaro family and designed by the architect Baldassar Longhena. Its construction lasted about 60 years and was completed in 1710.

The facade is made of baroque marble and decorated with columns and arches. Inside the palace, fragments of paintings remained on the walls, and oil paintings on the ceiling. The building was later sold to the Gradenigo family and then to Duchess Felicita Bevilacqua La Maza. It was she who, at the end of the 19th century, transferred the palace to the ownership of the local authorities in order to create a Museum of Modern Art in it.

Now there is a large exhibition of paintings and sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries, and the top floor is occupied by the Museum of Oriental Art, which houses rare items from Japan, Indonesia and China.

• Address: Santa Croce 2076, Venice, Italy
• Working hours: Tue – Sun 10:00 – 17:00
• Entrance ticket price: 10 euros

Cathedral of Santa Maria and San Donato

by the most interesting building on the island of Murano is the Cathedral of Santa Maria and San Donato (in Italian Basilica di Santa Maria e San Donato). It was founded in the 7th century, later the building was destroyed, and the modern cathedral was built only in the 12th century.

It got its double name due to the fact that the first basilica was named in honor of the Mother of God, and then it was renamed in honor of St. Donatus. The façade is made of red brick in the Veneto-Byzantine style. Inside the basilica, the mosaic floor of the 12th century is perfectly preserved; on it you can see floral ornaments and animals from myths.

The relics of St. Donat are kept in the cathedral, which are in a marble sarcophagus. Behind the altar there are 4 large bones, the length of which is about a meter. By local legend they belonged to the dragon that the saint had killed. However, scientists are sure that these bones belong to an extinct mammal that lived in the Pleistocene era.

• Address: Calle San Donato 11, Murano, Venice, Italy
• Opening hours: Mon - Sat 09:00 - 18:00, Sun 12:30 - 18:00

Church of San Pietro Martire

On the island of Murano is the church of San Pietro Martire (in Italian: Chiesa di San Pietro Martire). It was erected in 1348, but due to a big fire in the second half of the 15th century, it was completely destroyed.

A new church was built here in 1511. It is she who has survived to this day. The façade is made of brick in the Renaissance style, it is decorated with columns and arcades, as well as a large rose window. Inside the space of the church is divided into 3 naves, which are separated by massive columns.

Here you can see beautiful paintings by local artists. Among them are the most famous paintings by Giovanni Bellini, Tintoretto, Paolo Veronese and Giuseppe Porta. Not far from the church building is a bell tower, which was erected at the end of the 15th century.

• Address: Campiello Marco Michieli 3, Murano, Italy
• Opening hours: Mon - Sat 09:00 - 12:00, 15:00 - 18:00; Sun 15:00 – 18:00

Church of San Francesco della Vigna

One of the most beautiful buildings of the Renaissance is the Church of San Francesco della Vigna (in Italian Chiesa di San Francesco della Vigna). It was erected on the site of a small dilapidated basilica, which was located on the territory of the monastery. The construction of the modern building began in 1534, designed by the architect Jacopo Sansovino.

The façade of the church is made in the Renaissance style; its main features are the sculptures of St. Paul and Moses. Inside, the walls are decorated in light colors and made of marble. The main decorations are the statue of Saint Louis of Toulouse and paintings with the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which were painted by the famous painters of the 15th century Antonio da Negroponte and Giovanni Bellini. In addition, other painters took part in the design of the interior of the church.

• Address: Campo San Francesco Castello 2786, Venice, Italy
• Working hours: Mon - Fri 08:30 - 12:30, 15:00 - 18:00

Church of Santa Maria del Rosario

In one of the districts of the city is the Church of Santa Maria del Rosario (in Italian: Chiesa dei Gesuati o Santa Maria del Rosario). This is a fine example of Italian Baroque architecture. It was erected in 1725-1743 according to the project of Giorgio Massari specifically for the Dominican order.

The facade of the building is very heavy; 270 piles were driven into the ground to support it. It is decorated with huge columns and 4 sculptures that symbolize justice, prudence, courage and moderation. Light walls visually expand the interior space of the church. The ceilings are decorated with magnificent frescoes by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.

The oldest painting was painted in 1560 by the famous artist Tintoretto and is called "Crucifixion". In addition to paintings, the interior is complemented by a large number of sculptures of the 18th century.

• Address: Zattere - Dorsoduro | See above, Venice, Italy

Palace of the Casa dei Tre Oci

In the Dorsoduro district there is a building that stands out for its decoration from the rest. This is the Casa dei Tre Oci (in Italian Casa dei Tre Oci), which was built in 1913 by the painter Mario de Maria. It was originally used as an artist's studio.

The façade is designed in Art Nouveau style, complemented by Gothic decorative elements. The history of the creation of this house is connected with the tragedy in the Mario family - the death of his daughter. In memory of her, a palace was built, which has a very unusual view. Three large windows with small balconies symbolize the artist, his wife and son, and the upper window with Gothic elements symbolizes his late daughter. Now the building is used for exhibitions dedicated to the art of the 20th century.

• Address: Fondamenta de Le Zitelle Giudecca 43 | Giudecca Island, Venice, Italy
• Working hours: Wed – Mon 10:00 – 18:00

Murano Glass Museum

One of the most fascinating places in the city is the glass museum, which is located on the island of Murano (in Italian Museo del Vetro). It was opened in 1923 in the Palazzo Justiniana. The building was built in the Gothic style and decorated with decorative elements.

Initially, only one room was allocated for the needs of the museum, but over time, the number of exhibits grew, and the exhibition occupied the entire palace. From the ancient interior, only the paintings on the ceiling of the main hall, which were created by Francesco Zugno, remained. In the museum you can see unique masterpieces of glass production, including famous masters from Murano. Their products are still very popular today.

• Address: Fondamenta Marco Giustinian 8, Murano, Italy
• Opening hours: Mon - Sun 10:00 - 18:00 (April - October), Mon - Sun 10:00 - 17:00 (November - March)
• Entrance ticket price: 12 euros

Palazzo Labia

One of the most recent palaces built in Venice is Palazzo Labia (in Italian: Palazzo Labia). It was built at the beginning of the 18th century for the Labia family, designed by two architects Cominelli and Tremignon.

The main facade is made in the Baroque style, and the palazzo itself consists of 5 floors. The upper floors are decorated with pilasters, small balconies and balustrades. One of the facades is built in the Gothic style, so it contrasts sharply with the rest. The most beautiful room of the palazzo is the Salone delle Feste or the dance hall. Its walls and ceiling are completely decorated with paintings by the artists Girolamo Mengozzi Colonna and Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.

The frescoes depict the dates of Queen Cleopatra with her husband Mark Antony in a romantic setting. Other rooms cannot boast such luxurious decoration, but some interior details deserve attention.

• Address: Campo San Geremia | Sede RAI, Venice, Italy
• Working hours: Wed – Fri 15:00 – 16:00

Church of the Madonna del Orto

In the northern district of Venice called Cannaregio, there is the Church of the Madonna del Orto (in Italian: Chiesa della Madonna dell "Orto). It was founded in the 14th century and consecrated in honor of the patron saint of travelers, St. Christopher.

The name of the church changed due to an unexpected discovery in a nearby garden. There they found a sculpture of the Mother of God with a baby, which has miraculous powers. She was transferred for storage to the church, which began to be called in honor of the Virgin Mary. The facade of the building is made in the Gothic style and is divided by columns into 3 parts. It is decorated with vaulted windows, arches, bas-reliefs and a rose window.

In the upper part of the facade there are 12 niches with sculptures of the apostles and 5 statues, symbolizing faith, justice, hope, nobility and moderation. The interior space is divided by columns. The apse is decorated with paintings by the famous artist Tintoretto, and the 19th century organ creates an amazing atmosphere.

• Address: Cannaregio 3512, Venice, Italy
• Opening hours: Mon - Sat 10:00 - 16:45
• Entrance ticket price: 2.5 euros

Church of the Holy Apostles

On the site of the very first settlements of the inhabitants of the city, there is the Church of the Holy Apostles (in Italian: Chiesa dei Santi Apostoli). It was founded in 1021 by the architect Alessandro Vittoria, but the building has been rebuilt several times throughout its history.

The church received its present appearance in 1575. The facade is made in the Renaissance style, it is not burdened with additional decorative elements, so it is characterized by rigor and minimalism in architecture. Nearby are the bell tower of the middle of the 17th century and the chapel, designed and built by Mauro Coducci.

The bell tower is considered one of the highest in Venice, it is decorated with columns and elements of white stone. Behind the main altar of the church you can see a painting by the famous artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo called "Communion of Saint Lucia".

• Address: Cannaregio 4542 | Campo Santi Apostoli, Venice, Italy
• Opening hours: Mon - Sat 8:30 - 12:00, 17:00 - 19:00; Sun 16:00 – 19:00

Basilica of San Pietro di Castello

In the urban area called Castello is the Basilica of San Pietro di Castello (in Italian: Basilica Concattedrale di San Pietro di Castello), which occupies a small island. It was founded in the 7th century, but during its history the basilica was rebuilt several times and was destroyed by fire in the 12th century.

The modern building was built on the site of a burned-out basilica and eventually received the status of the main cathedral, which he owned until 1807. In the 16th century, a major restoration was carried out according to the design of Andrea Palladio. The facade of the building is made in the Renaissance style, and the main decoration is a large dome. Its interior space is divided into 3 parts.

The main altar is decorated with paintings by Luca Giordano, and the walls of the main nave are decorated with works by the artist Paolo Veronese. Special attention attract an 18th century chair, which is carved from a funerary stone, called the "Throne of St. Peter" and an old organ.

• Address: Castello 70, Venice, Italy
• Entrance ticket price: 3 euros

Church of Scalzi

In the northern district of the city is the Scalzi Church (in Italian: Chiesa degli Scalzi) or the Church of Santa Maria di Nazareth (in Italian: Chiesa di Santa Maria di Nazareth). It was founded in 1672 by followers of the Carmelite order, for whom walking barefoot was a prerequisite.

The church takes its name from the Italian word "scalzi", which translates as "barefoot". The facade of the building is made in the Baroque style, it is decorated with a large number of various elements: columns, niches, sculptures, porticos and others.

Inside the church you can see numerous frescoes, paintings and statues. Initially, the murals were the creation of the artist Tiepolo, but after the bombing in the early 20th century, they were completely destroyed. In 1934, they were restored by Ettore Tito, at present these frescoes are in excellent condition.

• Address: Cannaregio, 54, Venice, Italy
• Opening hours: Mon - Sun 07:30 - 11:50, 16:00-19:00

Serene - that's what they call Venice! And you should definitely visit it in order to plunge headlong into this tranquility and romance of one of most beautiful cities peace.

What can you "see-do" in the itinerary for one day in Venice?

Ride along the Grand Canal;
admire the works of Titian, Vivarini, Bellini, Alvise… for only 3 €;
see the largest artistic canvas in the world;
take a walk through the old market, where local residents shop until eight o'clock in the morning;
visit one of the most beautiful churches in Europe;
we will be surprised by the prices in the oldest cafe in Italy;
look at Venice from top to bottom;
let's evaluate The Last Supper ... no, not Leonardo da Vinci, but Tintoretto;
see how gondolas are made at one of the oldest shipyards in Venice;
try the famous Venetian cicchetti at reasonable prices;
we will take many beautiful photos;
Let's get positive energy.

Choose travel insurance conveniently, cheaply, quickly through.

If you have not bought tickets to Venice yet, then we remind you that flights will be cheaper if you fly with a transfer. For example, you can buy, a Moscow-Venice-Moscow ticket can be bought for a direct flight for 7700 rubles:

Venice - the city of canals

So, Venice is a city of canals. Therefore, the first of the sights that cannot be missed is the streets of Venice - its canals and, of course, the main "avenue" - the Grand Canal or Canalazzo, as the indigenous people call it.

The city is a must see from the water. How much does it cost? It all depends on "your wallet". If you buy a ticket for a single trip on local "buses" -vaporetto (vaporetto), then pay 7.5 € (ticket covers 75 minutes). You can buy a day pass for 20 € and ride all day. If you want romance, then use the services of boatmen. Forty minutes on the gondola will cost you 80 € for a boat that can accommodate up to six people. in advance for 35 € per person.

You can explore the vaporetto routes and buy tickets on the website veneziaunica.it. Here you can also book in advance (recommended) a place to park your car if you arrive.

First, we will describe our itinerary, and below we will present a map with the attractions offered for a one-day trip to Venice.

Venice in 1 day Itinerary for solo travelers. Top best attractions

If you are traveling in Italy by public transport, your Venice itinerary will start at Santa Lucia train station. The first sight on your way will be Church of Scalzi(Chiesa di Santa Maria di Nazareth) 17th century.

Let's move on bridge Skaltsy to the other side. Enjoying the views of grand canal. We go to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari / Basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. The path from the Skaltsy church is 750 meters.

Why do we suggest visiting this cathedral? Inside are masterpieces of the Renaissance - works by Titian, Vivarini, Bellini, Alvise. Admission ticket costs only 3 €.

View this post on Instagram

The city of Venice is located in Northern Italy, on the Adriatic Sea. In addition to world-famous sights, Venice is famous for its numerous buildings on 118 islands, separated by 150 canals. On the popular seaside resort which attracts a lot of tourists, various international festivals and exhibitions are often held.

Climate and weather in Venice

The most acute heat of the southern sea ​​city felt in July, when the temperature rises to +25..+28C, sometimes up to +40C, although this rarely happens. Due to the high humidity, at which the heat is felt more strongly, crowded lines in museums and other attractions of Venice make it less comfortable to relax in the summer.

Thunderstorms and heavy rains are frequent in April-May and September-October, although the amount of precipitation is fairly even throughout the year.

Fog is not uncommon in winter, snowfalls and frosts sometimes occur, average monthly temperature in January it is +3C.

What is the best time of year to visit Venice?

It is much more preferable to see the sights of Venice in late spring or in September-October. At this time, it is quite warm and sunny.

From June to August, the air temperature rises, mosquitoes appear, it becomes stuffy and hot, there are a lot of tourists on the streets, and an unpleasant smell comes from the canals.

Starting in October, the risk of floods, the so-called acqua alta (“high water”), in which some islands are flooded, increases. In November, unpleasant piercing bora winds begin to blow, which makes it damp and uncomfortable. The weather begins to improve by March.

By the evening in spring and autumn it becomes cool, so it will be useful to grab warm clothes.

In winter, there are fewer tourists, so you can save money due to more low prices. But with the beginning of the Venice Carnival, which runs for 10 days in January or February, until the last Sunday before Lent, the city becomes crowded, carnival masks begin to be sold, which causes prices to rise.

Venetian floods

During the holidays from October to February, floods are possible. At a relatively low water level of 70 cm, the Piazza San Marco is flooded, at a level slightly above a meter, the streets are flooded.

Forecasts about the upcoming flood are quite accurate and are made two days in advance. Appropriate announcements are posted at the waterbus stations of the vaporetto.

If the siren is heard and the red light on the bell tower of San Marco (Campanile) lights up, the streets will begin to flood no later than 4 hours. As a rule, river trams, except for a few routes, stop running, high water levels prevent them from passing under bridges.

History of Venice

Even the first inhabitants noticed that the city was constantly sinking into the water. It was rebuilt twice, erecting buildings for more than high islands. The modern intensive water intake from artesian wells for the needs of industry has contributed to even greater flooding, due to which the water level has risen by 23cm. After the shutdown of wells, the process slowed down, but did not stop. Increasing floods contribute to the sinking of the city's buildings.

Initially, the city center was located on the islands of Malamocco and Torcello, which in 727. By order of the Byzantine emperor, they were united by the power of the elected ruler of the doge (doge). The name of the title is derived from the Latin dux (dux) - leader.

Representatives of respected and noble Venetian families were elected to the post of ruler. Before 1802 120 doges were replaced in the Venetian Republic. The modern structure of the city was formed by the 9th century.

City buildings were erected on special foundations that could withstand their weight on the muddy bottom. Wooden piles are made of larch, its wood does not rot in water. The walls of the houses rest on stone foundations. Instead of sidewalks, the buildings are lined with fondamenta, narrow embankments connected by high footbridges so that small boats can pass under them even during floods.

It is believed that the reason for the rise of the Venetian Republic was the capture in 1204 by the Crusader Knights of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade organized by Venice. This allowed Venice to enrich itself by exporting Greek cultural values ​​from Byzantium, as well as to spread its economic influence further to the East. The defeat of the Republic of Genoa in the War of Chioggia at the end of the 14th century contributed to the strengthening of trade influence in the Mediterranean.

Subsequently, Venice had to take the place of the fallen Byzantium and resist the spread of Turkish influence in the Eastern Mediterranean. After the capture of Constantinople in 1453 by the Ottoman Turks under the leadership of Sultan Mehmed II, European states were forced to look for other trade routes from Europe to Asia, which caused a weakening of the economic power of the Venetian Republic. In addition, the naval power of Spain, Holland and England increased.

After the Turkish siege of Cyprus in 1571, Venice, Spain and the Papal States in the Gulf of Corinth defeated the Turkish fleet. But two years later, the Turks managed to capture Cyprus, and a century later, the island of Crete. The economic and military power of Venice and the Ottoman Empire by that time had been significantly undermined.

After the capture of Venice in 1796 by Napoleon, its territory was ceded to Austria. Only in 1866 did Venice become one of the Italian provinces.

The main Venetian attraction is the Grand Canal

The Grand Canal (Canal Grande) is not an artificial, but a natural structure, it meanders like the number "2", following the old riverbed. Its length is almost 4 km, width up to 70 m, depth 5 m.

The Grand Canal is crossed by four bridges:

• Bridge of the Constitution (Ponte della Costituzione);
• Scalzi Bridge (Ponte degli Scalzi);
• Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto);
• Academy Bridge (Ponte dell'Accademia).

To cross to the other side in other places, you need to use the vaporetto water tram or the traghetti gondola crossing.

Rialto Bridge

is the oldest bridge Venice. Initially, it was made of wood, only in the 16th century it was decided to make it in stone.

The competition was attended by Michelangelo, Sansovino, Vingola, Palladio. The project of Antonio da Ponte won, who proposed to recreate the original appearance of a wooden bridge, when two straight parts are connected in the center, and shopping arcades are located on the sides.

Piazza San Marco

Piazza San Marco has long been considered the main square of Venice. Here is the Cathedral of San Marco, the patron saint of Venice. The building is rare Western Europe example of Byzantine architecture. According to legend, the relics of St. Mark were secretly taken out of Alexandria, where the Turks ruled, by two Byzantine merchants.

Opposite the cathedral is another Venetian landmark - Campanile di San Marco. The bell tower served as a beacon for ships entering the lagoon. It collapsed in 1902 due to the general wear and tear of the building, no one was hurt. The restored bell tower has been open since April 25, 1912.

Near the National Library of St. Mark (Marciana) the symbolic gates of the city are installed - the columns of St. Mark and St. Theodore (Colonne di San Marco e San Todaro).

The Column of Saint Mark is crowned by a winged lion. Famous historical fact that Napoleon ordered him to be transported to Paris and installed in front of Les Invalides. After Napoleon's abdication from the throne by decision of the Vienna Congress of 1814-15. decided to return the lion to Venice.

Another column is crowned with a statue of St. Theodore, its original is in the Doge's Palace.

Doge's Palace

The Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is considered a characteristic example of Venice architecture and at the same time an interesting attraction. The lower floor of the building rests on 36 columns. During the construction of the second floor, columns were also used, but thinner and narrower. The balcony built on the third floor was a kind of festive tribune, on which the doge went out.

Hall Grand Council striking in size - 54x25m, the ceiling is 12m high, this attraction of Venice is of constant interest to tourists:

• a huge canvas by Tintoretto "Paradise" measuring 7.65x24.65m occupies almost the entire western wall;
• on the ceiling is a plafond by Veronese "The Apotheosis of Venice";
• the next ceiling “Venice, surrounded by sea deities, presents an olive branch to the Doge Nicolo da Ponte” belongs to Tintoretto.

Houses and palaces of Venice

A famous and interesting place to visit is Ca'd'Oro, the so-called Golden House, located on the banks of the Grand Canal in the Cannaregio area. Once its facade was trimmed with gold, hence the name.

The Gothic style building was designed by the architect Giovanni Bona in the 15th century. The building currently houses art Gallery Franchetti.

Another Venetian attraction, the Ca'Dario Palace (Palazzo Dario), in the Dorsoduro district, has been infamous for centuries. Its facade is finished with colored marble. The owners of the palace repeatedly ended their lives by violence or suicide.

Fans of palace architecture should also visit the Fondaco dei Turchi, the Rezzonico Ca'da'Mosto palazzo.

Venetian art galleries, museums, churches

The 24 rooms of the Gallerie dell'Accademia (Gallerie dell'Accademia), or the Academy Museum, display an extensive collection of Venetian painters of the 14th-18th centuries. Among the authors are Bellini, Carpaccio, Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto.

The exposition of the Venetian City Museum Correr (Museo Civico Correr) allows you to get an idea of ​​​​the various aspects of life and life of the last period of the Venetian Republic. The museum is located in Piazza San Marco.

The Church of Santa Maria della Salute (Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute) was built in the 17th century by Baldassare Longhena to commemorate the deliverance of the city from the plague. It is located on the other side of the Grand Canal, not far from Piazza San Marco.

The church was built in the form of an octahedron topped with a dome-hemisphere. The dome is supported by a cylinder whose bases are pentagons. On each side of the cylinder are paired arched windows. There are 6 chapels around the building, each of the eight facades is decorated with pilasters and tympanums.

More modest appearance at the church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari). Interesting fact- it was built of brick by Franciscan monks in the 15th century.

Inside, tourists can enjoy the view of the famous sights of Venice: the altar, decorated with the painting "Assumption of the Virgin Mary" by Titian, as well as the triptych "Madonna Enthroned with Saints" by Giovanni Bellini, located in the apse arch.

Description of the islands of Venice

In addition to the city, it is worth seeing the sights of the islands. Tourists are offered to visit the famous island of Murano, where the famous Venetian glass and mirrors were produced, in the amalgam of which gold was added.

Murano Island

Glassblowers carefully guarded the secrets of craftsmanship, so the life of the island is distinguished by autonomy. There is a church, various city services, and its own Grand Canal.

Tourists are happy to visit the Museum of Glass, as well as the glass factory, to see how glassblowers work. It is worth noting that the proposed glass souvenirs will cost a lot.

Burano Island

An interesting place to visit is the Lace Museum. They are skillfully woven by local women, the traditions of craftsmanship date back to the 16th century. At the School of Lace Weaving, you can watch the craftswomen and see the result of real handiwork. On the street, fakes made by machine are often offered.

Public transport - how to get around Venice

Along the banks of the Grand Canal there are six historically established administrative regions:

• San Marco;
• Cannaregio;
• Castello;
• Dorsoduro with the islands of Giudecca and Sacca Fizola;
• San Polo;
• Santa Croce.

ground public transport presented shuttle buses and taxi.

In the Cannaregio area is Train Station Santa Lucia. Having passed from it through the embankment and across the bridge of the Constitution to the Roman Square (Piazzale Roma), you can find yourself at the city bus station.

Gondolas

This type of transport is considered a city landmark and is intended mainly for tourists, local residents practically do not use it.

A trip on an eleven-meter black boat for six allows you to enjoy the spectacle of medieval architecture.

The rental price increases in the evening, the duration of the trip cannot be less than 50 minutes.

Traghetti boats

more popular and affordable way cross from one coast to the other. Passengers are standing, gondoliers are at the bow and stern.

The places of the crossing and the time of their work are usually indicated on city maps and guidebooks.

Vaporetto water trams

are small flat-bottomed boats. A narrower and faster version of water trams is called motoskafi. This is a modern, affordable means of transportation along the canals and to the nearest islands of the lagoon.

When visiting Venice, you should be prepared for the fact that the numbering of routes changes quite often. Up-to-date information can be obtained from the operator's offices passenger traffic ACTV. To save money, it is better to buy tickets for a day or three days. They are sold at the marina and other places where the ACTV sign is displayed.

Water taxis

allow you to move comfortably along the canal. These are beautiful lacquered motor boats, a trip on which the average tourist cannot afford.

Popular Venetian shops

Most often, tourists buy for various souvenirs - straw hats, vests, gondoliers' velvet slippers with canvas soles, miniature gondolas with a musical mechanism.

Jewellery, fabrics, lace and glass of excellent quality can be bought in the shops in Piazza San Marco. These are expensive quality products that are worth the money spent.

Leather, knitwear and silk products should be chosen in stores located on the streets of Vallaresso, Frezzeria, Larga XXII Marzo. More affordable boutiques are located on the streets between Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge. On the first floors of the buildings there are shops, above - housing. The whole area is called Mercerie.

In the arcades of the Rialto Bridge you can buy cheap leather and silk accessories, angora wool and sheepskin, various Venetian souvenirs.

Early in the morning it is worth admiring the colorful spectacle and buying something at the Rialto market, which starts on the right bank of the Grand Canal. These are fresh fruits and vegetables, usually brought from the island of Sant Erasmo: strawberries, peaches, figs, cherries, lemons, watermelons, peppers, zucchini, tomatoes.

Cuisine of Venice - food in restaurants and cafes

The specificity of Venetian cuisine and its distinctive attraction is the use of natural products with little or no use of seasonings. As a rule, fish dishes and pasta are prepared, meat is almost never used.

Traditional Venetian lunch

For starters, you can order fish soup (zuppa di pesce) or seafood risotto (risotto di mare). Bigoli pasta is also popular, thicker than spaghetti. Spaghetti with cuttlefish ink is the most popular among the Venetians.

The second course is also fish, and the freshest fish is served in restaurants and cafes located near the water. As a rule, these are trout, eel, halibut, flounder. You can also try swordfish (pesce spada), sea bass (branzino), sea bream (orata). Polenta porridge is served with the fish.

An interesting fact is that locals prefer to eat sgroppino dessert at home, this is a kind of low-alcohol milkshake with lemon. Despite the fact that there is a dessert on the menu, in popular tourist places you can get its not quite high-quality execution.

As a dessert, you should look for ice cream, it is delicious, especially Boutique del Gelato, which is sold near Piazza Santa Maria Formosa or Gelateria Il Doge in Piazza Santa Margherita. Ice cream is sold exclusively for takeaway.

You can eat ice cream at the table in Gelateria Nico, on the Zattere promenade, as well as in the old Gelateria Paolin cafe on Campo San Stefano.

Wines and snacks

Venetian cuisine is best paired with homemade white wines. Of the red wines, the most popular are Bardolino, Valpolicella, Amarone and Recioto, it is sweet.

A bellini cocktail is made from fizzy Prosecco and peach juice, as well as a spritze - a mixture of soda, white wine and bitter liquor.

Of the snacks, cuttlefish, mussels, shrimp, octopus, sardines in a white marinade are popular.

If a restaurant dish - squid or shrimp - is made from frozen products, it is marked with an asterisk on the menu.

Where to eat quickly in Venice

It is worth looking for a sandwich bar that offers panini, Italian sandwiches. The filling can be the most diverse - chicken, ham, seafood, vegetables, cheese.

You can take a chance and buy fast food prepared at McDonald's, as well as products from Spizzico, an Italian chain of fast food pizzerias. The quality of the food is such that there is no need to worry about possible unpleasant consequences for the stomach and intestines.

Of course, you should look into the pizzeria, where there is not only pizza. Prices are quite moderate.

An interesting fact is that in Venice it is difficult to find a cafe where you can sit and drink a cup of coffee. The legendary Florian is located on Piazza San Marco, the establishment opened in 1720. There were Rousseau, Byron, Casanova. Tables are located right on the square, but the prices are quite impressive.

How to call from Venice

GSM-900 or GSM-1800 telephones work in the city. If international roaming is connected, you can call home, the cost of a minute of conversation is 1-2 euros.

Modified: 26.10.2016