La Fenice

Our Local Expert Says:

For many Venetians the Rialto Bridge means they’ve almost made it to San Marco square, as there are a few short cuts, known well by locals, from the Rialto straight through the winding alleyways to Campo San Marco.

Description:

Ponte di Rialto is Venice's most famous bridge arching over the Grande Canal, known as a commercial area of the city with the busy Rialto Market nearby, filled with bright colored fruits, vegetables and fish (only open in the morning), and souvenir shops lined up and down the bridge itself. After its construction in 1591, the Rialto Bridge remained as the only bridge connecting the two sides of "the fish" called Venice for almost 300 years. The Ponte di Rialto is perfect for shopping or strolling along with gelato in hand while gazing off the bridge at the passing gondoliers and boats, and postcard perfect shots of the orange buildings & green water against the pink sky at sunset.

Our Local Expert Says:

The real question is whether there are more people or pigeons in this lively square. Stands are available to buy feed for these overly friendly birds, which can be a fun experience for kid and adult alike. However, for the more romantic side of this charming piazza, come at night and listen to the bands and orchestra's lining the sides. You have the option to bring your own dance partner or find one there!

Description:

Encased in a trapezoidal shape by the Basilica di San Marco, the Palazzo Ducale , Museo Correr, and the Torre dell'Orologio, your first view of the breathtaking Piazza San Marco will never be forgotten. Popular with photo snapping tourists and children chasing and feeding the pigeons, Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark's Square, is the biggest (at 175 meters long) and liveliest square in the center of Venice. Expensive restaurants and shops line this square which hosts many of the city's festivals (Carnival in February, for one) and concerts. Also enclosed within the square is the San Marco Campanile with the Palazzo dei Prigioni and the Bridge of Sighs just a few steps away. As one of the main attractions of Venice, it is not to be missed! Basilica di San Marco

Our Local Expert Says:

The Basilica di San Marco is definitely the main event of Venice, so a complete tour is highly recommended to soak up all of the fun stories tied to the beautiful Basilica di San Marco.

Description:

Even before arriving in front of the Byzantine styled Basilica di San Marco, her many magnificent domes can be seen from afar announcing their presence and status in Venice. The story goes, that the remains of St. Mark were brought, or stolen – depending on your point of view, by the Venetians from Alexandria to rest in this elaborate burial place back in the 9th century. On closer observation, you will notice not all of the columns on the Basilica di San Marco are the same (some green marble, others not) due to trading with incoming merchants for the materials to build and decorate this amazing edifice. History throughout the centuries is woven into the world-wide known Basilica di San Marco, including the originally looted Bronze horses being stolen by Napoleon, and then returned again in 1815.

Our Local Expert Says:

A great moment to gain a higher perspective from winding through the maze of alleyways, climbing up the San Marco Campanile always brings a sense of freedom and new outlook on “the fish” that is Venice.

Description:

Located in the very same Piazza San Marco, for which it is named after, the San Marco Campanile, or St. Mark's Bell tower, soars 98.5 meters high with spectacular panoramic views of the orange rooftops of Venice and on a clear day, the snow-capped Alps seem at your very fingertips. After paying at the entrance, one of the biggest elevators you'll find in Italy (a normal sized elevator for Americans) swiftly brings you up the San Marco Campanile to the observatory area where wind speeds seem to increase exponentially. Originally constructed in 1173, the San Marco Campanile has had many varied functions throughout the years such as a lighthouse for incoming ships on the lagoon, a means of tying up prisoners for torture during Medieval times, and an observatory for Galileo to demonstrate his telescope in 1609. After suddenly collapsing in 1902, the San Marco Campanile was reconstructed from its remaining base, a collection of marble sculpted storyboards called La Loggetta, and has been firmly standing since its re-inauguration in 1912.

Description:

An authentic Venetian osteria near the city's main tourist attractions. The traditional décor includes a large bench, tables, and chairs. The menu features traditional dishes like sardines in (fried sardines in an onion, currant, and pine nut sauce) and Venetian-style liver.

Our Local Expert Says:

Well known glass blower, Cenedese, constructed a life sized Christmas tree made entirely of glass for the island of Murano. Each branch of the tree is done in different colors, as opposed to solid green, to represent the colored houses of Murano. The tree is on display most of the year in Murano, and during Christmas time near Piazza San Marco in Venice.

Description:

The skilled Glass Blowers are the founders of this fair sized island called Murano. In 1291, the furnaces were moved off of the main island to Murano in case they ever caught fire, making sure the main city of Venice would still be preserved. To this day, Murano is still known for the beautiful glass works of art, with many stores allowing tours and on-looking crowds to watch the intense production of these delicate pieces. Many quaint restaurants and shops line the quiet streets of Murano, located just a short 15 minute boat ride from Venice.

Description:

From milky opalescent to crystal clear, all kinds of glass, including chandeliers, vases, glasses and mirrors, in various styles and forms are displayed at this museum. Visitors can also watch a glassworker in action. Be sure to visit the glass workshops and famous glass factories in Murano and buy a piece of authentic Murano glass. It is expensive, but it is also worth a lot, as the work of a master glassworker is extremely difficult. Admission to this museum is free.

Description:

Barovier is the name of the Venetian family which founded the business in the 14th Century and which still owns it today. Among the beautiful creations are enchanting Venetian chandeliers, vases and glasses-all either from the historical back catalogue or in contemporary designs, and all crafted by famous designers. Some of the reissued pieces are still extremely up to date; many come out as limited editions.

Our Local Expert Says:

Basilica di San Donato is a typical Byzantine structure so wonderfully quaint and out of the way, it’s a great place for your camera to have a heyday! Plus the incredible mosaic floor of the Basilica di San Donato is not to be missed.

Description:

Off the beaten path of most tourist-packed sites, located in a quiet corner of Murano, the Basilica di San Donato is a charming 12th century church. Rich in columns and arches, the intricate brick work and Byzantine mosaics on the walls and floors make the trip to the Basilica di San Donato a soothing experience for all the senses. Plus, its rumored that the relics of San Donato and the dragon slain by him are laid to rest in this tribute to San Donato from Arezzo.

Description:

The speciality here is 'murrine', glass jewels that are typical of Murano. The technique for making these consists of putting together slivers of multi-coloured glass, melting them down and then cutting them widthways in order to obtain the characteristic concentric circle design. The glass is then used to create extremely beautiful and precious pendants, table ornaments and more.

Our Local Expert Says:

The "rule of thumb" is that if it's hard to find, it's usually good, because only the locals can find it. Which is true for this tucked away eatery. Worth finding!

Description:

This restaurant is in one of Venice's more hidden-away streets - if tourists happen to come here it is usually because they are lost. It is very small, and has a welcoming atmosphere. The cuisine is traditional Venetian food, this means fish, vegetables, pasta with fish, and excellent desserts such as tiramisu, and biscuits with wine.

Description:

Elegantly restored and furnished in complete Venetian style near Rialto Bridge and Saint Mark's Square, this small hotel is just a short walk from the Accademia Gallery, the Fenice Theatre, Palazzo Grassi, as well as other major Venice attractions and principal monuments. Amenities include a charming breakfast room, laundry service, currency exchange, and baby-sitting service on request, as well as special rates at the Saint Mark's Square car park. Even if its worldwide repute brings with it many tourists, Venice is still a very magical destination. Moreover, the intimate atmosphere of the nearby areas and of the hotel itself will make you feel at home.

Description:

A Guide in Venice helps you discover, explore and delve into the details of the histories and mysteries of this paradise on water. All three tour guides, each one a through professional and a true Venetian at heart, can help you know Venice beyond your personal exploration and borrowed knowledge. Although the guides prefer lone tourists or groups of about fifteen or so - tours for larger groups can also be arranged. First-timers to Venice can acquaint themselves with important landmarks and local culture and delights. While obsessed lovers of the city are sure to find great company in the tour guides as fellow travelers with whom you can analyze and discuss the joys and beauty of this unforgettable experience!

Our Local Expert Says:

The current Palazzo Ducale is not the original built back in the Middle Ages (10th Century), in fact it has been destroyed many times including the fire of 1106.

Description:

Located next to the Basilica di San Marco, the Doge's Palace has been the symbol of Venice's political life and public administration for hundreds of years. The building has been continuously evolving into its present form since 1340, even though its fundations date back to the early Middle Ages (10th century). Considered a masterpiece of the gothic style, it has been destroyed many times, most notably during the fire of 1106. It was rebuilt by Barbarossa in 1177 and modified over the time by the different Dogi reigning in Venice. More than a palace, the Palazzo Ducale is an extensive infrastructure, comprising the apartments of the doge (often used as an exhibition space), the government quarters and the palace of justice. When visiting the palace, many parts are worth the detour. In the Museo dell'Opera, you'll see the remaining pieces of the building's medieval facades as well as a collection of sculptures dating from the 14th and 15th Centuries. Before heading towards the Doge's appartments, you'll enter the magnificent courtyard. Take some time to walk alongside the Loggias to enjoy the various angles of the Palazzo. In addition to the Institutional Chambers and the Prisons, take some time to see the great collection of weapons and armaments in the Armoury.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Bridge of Sighs can be photographed from the bridge along the waterfront near Piazza San Marco, but beware that many tourists push up to that bridge for their postcard perfect picture. It’s best to come very early in the morning for less struggle to get your perfect picture!

Description:

Legends, passions, hopes and despair form the emotional history of the ever famous Ponte dei Sospiri, or Bridge of Sighs, a must see for every visitor to Venice. Connecting the Palazzo delle Prigioni (Palazzo of the Prisoners) and the Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), the Bridge of Sighs is where prisoners going from their trial and conviction in the Doge's Palace, would look across the bridge at their last glimpse of freedom before entering the prison and let out a sigh. Over the years it has gained a more hopeful out look being known as the bridge where if two lovers kiss under it, most likely in a romantic gondola, their love will last. To "walk the last walk" over the Bridge of Sighs, you will need to take a tour of the Palazzo Ducale or Palazzo delle Prigioni.

Our Local Expert Says:

An amazing journey through the progression of the arts plainly illustrated and laid out in the Galleria dell’Accademia. Even the not-so-artsy type will enjoy the evolution of artistic expression.

Description:

Containing the world's finest collection of Venetian paintings, the Galleria dell' Accademia houses works of art by Mantegna, Bellini, Carpaccio, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese, Tiepolo and Canaletto – arranged for the most part in chronological order from room to room. A sophisticated tour through Byzantine, Gothic, Pre-Renaissance, High Renaissance, and Baroque art, the Galleria dell'Accademia is easily reached by crossing over the wooden Academia Bridge, having been named after the Galleria itself, residing on the Grande Canal.

Our Local Expert Says:

Off the beaten path, but not too hard to find.

Description:

A typical Venetian tavern, with wooden tables and chairs, the Il Paradiso Perduto is a casual place that sells filled rolls, light snacks and good wine. Opens earlier for lunch on the weekend. It's an ideal spot for a nighttime drink if you want to get out.

Description:

Elegantly restored and furnished in complete Venetian style near Rialto Bridge and Saint Mark's Square, this small hotel is just a short walk from the Accademia Gallery, the Fenice Theatre, Palazzo Grassi, as well as other major Venice attractions and principal monuments. Amenities include a charming breakfast room, laundry service, currency exchange, and baby-sitting service on request, as well as special rates at the Saint Mark's Square car park. Even if its worldwide repute brings with it many tourists, Venice is still a very magical destination. Moreover, the intimate atmosphere of the nearby areas and of the hotel itself will make you feel at home.

Description:

This is a city within a city. The quickest way to see it all is to take the motorboat to the stop outside the naval history museum (to Arsenale) and head towards 'Fondamente Nuove'. At present, there is little to see: partly because the large docks are walled off and partly because as they have been partially abandoned, it will appear to an untrained eye as though there is nothing to see. The area used to be very technologically advanced - it was here that the whole of the Mediterranean was instructed in modern methods of shipbuilding. Note the marble lions that guard the entrance: they were brought here from Pyrius in 1687.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you're looking to visit many of the churches in Venice, ask about the discounted Chorus Pass for EUR8, or EUR5 if you have a Venice Card. For a list of the included churches visit: www.chorusvenezia.org.

Description:

The paving of the square is made up of bricks laid out in a fish-bone pattern. The church, a 14th-century Gothic structure, was first called San Cristoforo but the name was changed when an image of the Madonna was found nearby. Tintoretto's 'Presentazione di Maria al Tempio', 'Il Martirio di San Cristoforo', 'Giudizio Universale' and 'Il Popolo Ebraico adora il Vitello d'oro' are kept in the church along with other works of art by G Bellini, Palma il Vecchio and Palma il Giovane.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you're looking to visit many of the churches in Venice, ask about the discounted Chorus Pass for EUR8, or EUR5 if you have a Venice Card. For a list of the included churches visit: www.chorusvenezia.org.

Description:

San Polo and Santa Margherita are the largest piazzas in Venice. Coming from San Toma the church is barely visible and the bell tower, detached from the building, is visible from the other side of the 3m-wide street. In the oratory hangs 'Via Crucis' by Tiepolo.

Description:

There is a silent and almost respectful ambience in this museum. Visitors enter by means of a staircase, originally built as a grand entrance to the Napoleonic royal palace. From here, the tour continues through neoclassical rooms, the Royal Palace, the Canoviana Collection, Venetian Civilization, Antique Art, and Renaissance Bronze. There are many sculptures by Canova and decorative objects by Francesco Hayez. Venezia by Jacopo De' Barbari can be admired in the entrance.