Venice

Venice

 

Editor's Rating - 5 Stars

One of the most beautiful cities built by man, Venice ranks among the best tourist destinations in the whole world.  Constructed completely on islands and linked to the mainland only by a long thin causeway, Venice is a similar to a patchwork quilt where the ancient buildings are delineated by narrow streets and picturesque canals, crossed by ancient stone foot bridges. The characterful city is dotted with a whole series of gems, magnificent churches, quiest piazzas, soaring bridges, and gorgeoous palaces.

  

Editor's Top Tip

The streets and alleyways of Venice are so narrow and convoluted, that as you walk around the city, navigaton can be a real challenge. So before you go, brush up on the geography and landmarks of the city, and acquire a large, easy-to-read map.

 

Venice's Top Attractions on a Map

 

 

Things To See

 

Basilica di San Marco

 St Mark's Basilica was built to glorify the bones of St Mark, originally stolen in AD820 from Alexandria by Venetian sailors. The magnificent interior, the sumptuous Pala d'Oro, the exquisite mosaics of the Northex and the riches of the Treasury give some indication of how Venice was trying to prove itself as a worthy successor of Constantinople.

 

Ponte di Rialto

In the early 1580s the wooden bridge that spanned the Grand Canal collapsed, and a design competition was held for the replacement. The winner was Antonia da Ponte, who beat off architectural heavy-weights like Palladio and Michelangelo.  The result is a graceful curved brdige, topped with a series of fine arches - surely a worth winner of the contest.. 

 

Gallerie del'Accademia

The Gallerie del'Accademia is home to a fabulous collection of Venetian artworks.  The paintings span works created between the 14th and 18th centuries, arranged chroniclogically over 24 rooms. Highlights include works by Bellini, Georgione, Veronese, Tintoretto, Titian and Tiepolo, to name but  a few.

 

Cruise Information

 

Cruise selection guide Venice Cruises