Venetian Attractions You Should Visit
For decades, Venice has won the hearts of tourists from all over the world, and there is no end in sight to this trend. If you have ever talked to someone who has been there for even one day, you have realized that this is a special city - a city of romance, cultural heritage, and unsurpassed charm.
Although we can freely say that the final list of the best attractions in Venice does not exist, we can still separate some that deserve a place on the list of those that should not be missed.
St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco)
This is the main square in Venice, in addition to the gondola ride, one of its biggest attractions. For centuries, the Basilica of St. Mark has stood proudly on it, successfully resisting the ravages of time. Not only is this church the most important religious building in Northern Italy, but it is also one of the most monumental architectural achievements of its time, since the time when it was built in 1092.
The Byzantine style is present in every figurine, sculpture, and ornament, and the interior is adorned with numerous frescoes and artifacts. St. Mark's Square is home to several other magnificent buildings not to be missed, including the Doge’s Palace and the Clock Tower (Torre dell Orologio).
Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)
The Rialto Bridge is so magnificent and unrepeatable that it reaches from one end of the Grand Canal to the other. It connects two Venetian districts - San Polo and San Marco, and because of that, it is a very important pedestrian route. Although it was initially made of wood, that construction collapsed back in 1524, and it was replaced by a strong stone bridge that still stands there today. The bridge is perfectly symmetrical and is adorned with various ornaments, while on the bridge itself there are stalls with souvenirs and jewelry.
Lido de Venezia
Although the whole of Venice is made for enjoyment and relaxation, no vacation is complete unless you relax at least once with the soothing sounds of the waves and the smell of the sea. Fortunately, Venice outshines in that field as well. The Lido of Venice, otherwise known only as of the Lido, is one of the largest summer resorts in this part of Italy, and the most beautiful beaches in Venice are also hidden on this island.
The island stretches for 12 kilometers and provides everything you need for maximum enjoyment - velvety sand, deck chairs, cafes, restaurants, playgrounds, and much more. While some parts of the island belong to hotels and resorts where you have to rent deck chairs to enjoy, other parts are completely free, and you can bring your own parasol and towel and stay as you please. Every 15 minutes, boats come and go from the city that can take you to this enchanting island.
Scuola Grande di San Rocco
If we say that the Sistine Chapel is the pride of Rome, the Scuola Grande di San Rocco is definitely its Venetian counterpart. It is one of the most important buildings in Venice because it houses the largest collection of works by the famous artist, Jacob Tintoretto, while its most impressive part is the magnificent ceiling, painted with scenes from the Old and New Testaments - hence the comparison with the Sistine Chapel.
This grandiose marble building is certainly an unavoidable part of Venice because in a unique way it represents a tragic period in its history, followed by the suffering of the locals before the plague epidemic.
San Giorgio Maggiore
On this island not far from the town itself, there is a church of the same name, which can be reached by boat or water taxi. Its history goes far back in time, some claim as far back as the 8th century. Of course, the look it has today is very different from its initial outlines.
Traces of classicism are widely present on the facade of the church, which looks especially fairytale when it is illuminated by the setting sun. What brings Dan Giorgio Maggiore to this list is precisely its bell tower, which you can climb and from it, you can see the whole of Venice. The Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Square are especially magnificent.
Castello
This Venetian district is perfect for those who want to escape from the crowds of tourists that are usually found in most of the above-mentioned places. On top of that, it is only a 15-minute walk from the main square. In this peaceful and quiet neighborhood, you will be able to enjoy the true spirit of Venice, and great restaurants, shops, and cafes are usually visited only by locals.
There are also fantastic shopping opportunities at prices incomparably lower than those you will find downtown making this neighborhood ideal for anyone looking to keep an eye on the budget.
By: Deya - Gossip Whispers
