Venice-Tourism.net

Venice is a land of marvel due to the waterways and canals and the bridges and the historical monuments. You will be experiencing a unique feeling when you visit this famous city of Italy. Known for its exquisite canals and passages this city has yet another unique feature. No automobile pollution is allowed inside the city till today and the only mode of transportation is either by walk or by boat.

Although the gondolas would cost you more Euros it is worth paying for exploring the city of waters. However, most of the tourist attraction of the Venice can be explored by foot.


St. Mark’s Square
The first and foremost important tourist destination is the St. Mark’s Square. The largest Square in the city popularly called, “Piazza San Marco” was built during 9th century as a small square. It was further upgraded in 1174 as an enlarged square with adjoining canal and the Church of St. Basilica. It stands as the divine architectural heritage and pride of Venice. You can reach the magnificent Church of St. Mark’s Basilica which was commissioned in 10th century by Domenico Contarini. This is also called, “Church of Gold” due to its opulence. The Basilica also houses 323 feet Bell tower which is one of the city’s important landmark.

Piazza San Marco is very close to sea level and during seasons of flood, you can witness high waters rushing forward from the Adriatic Sea and all the waters would normally drain into the Grand Canal. Sometimes, the reverse happens, when water from the nearby lagoon would be surging the Square.

Doge’s Palace
You can walk across the canal from St. Mark’s Square to reach this ancient palace of Venice. Built during 14th century this palace had been the official residence of Venetian rulers. It is made up of exquisite Gothic architecture and style facing the Venetian Lagoon. A major fire destroyed most of the palace in 1577 however it was re-constructed maintaining the same Gothic style. This palace has been housing all the important events of politics. During the later half of the 16th century the palace was linked with the prison and Bridge of Sighs. The prisoners were taken through the bridge and it was the last thing they saw before facing lifetime imprisonment.

The Grand Canal
The Grand Canal is the beautiful passageway in Venice and is the main water traffic platform. Daily thousands of commuters travel across this canal through gondola (a hand made boat). The canal stretches along 3,800 meter in length covering all the major districts of Venice, and its depth is 5 meters. One end of the canal ends with Santa Lucia railway station and the other end leads you to Saint Mark Basin. The banks of the canal houses huge buildings which speak of the glory and richness of the Venetian royal family. Visit the Church of Santa Maria della Salute traveling along the cruise.

Historical Regatta is celebrated on the first Sunday of the September where the boats have racing sports along the canal. Thousands of people gather along the banks to watch this event and there is a procession of historical importance where the boatmen adore themselves in 16th century costumes.

You should discover the beauty of the canal by taking a cruise during night enjoying the canal in the glowing light and glittery water.