The biggest challenge for a tourist visiting Italy lies in choosing what to do and what to keep for another visit. For many first timers, Venezia (or Venice) is a natural option with its romantic gondolas & immense wealth of Renaissance and Gothic architecture.
As soon as you exit the train station, you will be completely awestruck by the beauty of the Venetian land at the first sight itself. The pedestrian paths are surrounded by water, instead of cars you will find boats that will take you around, curved walking bridges at every turn and no traffic signals. The beauty of Venice can be seen in its winding canals, the historic architecture, and the church domes. Almost at every corner you will find a café or a restaurant serving authentic Italian food.
The water transit network in Venice operates with nearly two dozen different lines. People can see different kinds of water craft like gondolas, water taxis, cargo barges and even police boats. It’s an elaborate dance of vessels that are coming and going, and you’ll see vibrant locals and tourists lining the canals as they go about their day.
A promenade by gondola that will take you along the canals of Venice is a must. Being one of the world’s greatest and most beautiful cities of art, Venice can be truly enjoyed by a cruise that takes you through its most secluded waterways passing under small bridges and along the Grand Canal. Gondola rides let you have the true taste of Venice. Discover the most charming canals, including the Grand Canal, Desdemona’s House and Mozart’s House, La Fenice Theatre, Salute Church, Punta della Dogana and Peggy Guggenheim Collection during the Gondola ride.
Even though you might have a perception that the gondoliers will sing while powering the boats by hand, that is not actually the case. Dressed in striped t-shirts, with a scarf tied around their necks and a hat, the gondoliers are a symbol of history, tradition and romance in the city on the lagoon.
Piazza San Marco (Saint Mark’s Square) is the heart of Venice and is equally popular amongst tourists and locals. The square is a good place not just to do some shopping, but also to have a drink and watch Venetians get by their lives. The square is dominated by St. Mark’s Basilica, located at the eastern end, which is the most celebrated Cathedral in Venice and is known for its Italo-Byzantine architecture. Tourists love seeing the street performers that fill the square as well as running after and getting themselves clicked with the thousands of pigeons that flock here.
And when in Venice do not forget to explore the timeless islands of Murano and Burano where one can discover traditional crafts that have survived the passage of time. You can reach these islands by a short boat trip where you can also admire the beautiful views.
Linked by bridges to the Venetian Lagoon, Murano is well-known for its glass making. It is said that once upon a time the glassblowers here were the only people in Europe who knew how to make mirrors and their skills were so valued that they were banned from leaving the city of Venice under threat of execution! Watch a craftsman in action as he goes about his daily business and browse the huge collection of glass art before strolling around the island.
From Murano one can visit the tiny picturesque island, Burano, that is famous for its coloured houses and centuries old tradition of lace-making. Huddled tightly together along streets and canals, each house is painted a different colour. It is said that this trend was started by the fishermen who painted their houses in bright shades so that they could distinguish it from a distance.
Burano is also famous for its lace making. Wandering through the streets on this island even today, you will come across small buildings where women sit and stitch laces just like their ancestors used to.
Stop and admire their dying art which they are still trying to keep alive even in the age of sewing machines. You can even examine the beautiful lace samples on display and buy beautiful dresses as a souvenir.
Also Read – Cinque Terre: The colourful city of Italy.
Italy’s tourism sector could reach pre-pandemic levels in 2023: WTTC.
