#triptovenice

There's no place on earth like Venice, Italy. This city built on the waters of the Adriatic Sea is dreamlike with its elaborate architecture, art-filled palaces, a tangible history that dates back over 1,000 years and, of course, its network of attractive canals. Perhaps the best way is to simply get lost for a few hours wandering through its enchanting little streets and passageways, strolling beside its canals, and finding its secret corners. At every turn, you'll see something worth remembering with a photo. No matter where this exploration takes you, it's easy to find your way back to Piazza San Marco and the Grand Canal. 

Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace) and Bridge of Sighs

Located next to Saint Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace was built in the 14th century and was the residence of the Doge of Venice. During the 1,000-year reign of the Republic of Venice, its headquarters—and the residence of its leader, "Duke" of Venice (or "the Doge")—was at the Palazzo Ducale. And now, it's a museum. Get a glimpse inside of the rooms occupied by Venice's executive, legislative, and judicial branches. It became a museum in 1923 and today it is one of the most important museums in Venice. Entering the museum allows you to walk across the famous Bridge of Sighs.

In addition to motivating many romantic gestures, the Bridge of Sighs also has inspired many architects, including American Henry Hobson Richardson, known for his "Richardson Romanesque" style.

Saint Mark’s Basilica

This superb example of Byzantine architecture architecture next to the Palazzo Ducale is dedicated to Venice’s Venice's patron, the apostle Saint Mark Certainly Venice's best-known church, and one of the most easily recognized in the world, St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) was originally the Doge's private sanctuary, decorated with Byzantine art treasures that are part of the booty brought back by Venetian ships after the fall of Constantinople. The gold-backed medley pictures above the doorways on the facade only hint at the mosaic artistry inside, where 4,240 square meters of gold mosaics cover the domes and walls. The interior is clad with 4,240 square meters of gold mosaics, mostly from the 12th and 13th centuries. Between 1500 and 1750, some of the old sections were replaced by "modern" mosaics designed by artists including Titian and Tintoretto. The mosaics, golden altar, beautiful chapels, and treasury make it one of Italy's best tourist attractions.

Grand Canal 

The Grand Canal is the main canal of the city and one of its most important passageways. Transportation through the 3.8 km (2.4 miles) canal is done using water buses and water taxis, or using the old fashion gondolas The Grand Canal not only connects most of Venice's top tourist attractions, it is one of its top attractions. Curving in a reverse S through the heart of the city, it is also Venice's Main Street, always busy with traffic that includes everything from gondolas to barges carrying produce to market. As the Grand Canal begins to straighten again, the familiar form of Rialto Bridge comes into view ahead, although it's hard to take your eyes off the palaces that continue to line either side.

Bucket List Idea: Visit Venice

Venice, one of the most beautiful city in Italy, is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea.