Lido

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 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:

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.

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... read more

Description:

Located in a period building on the street that links the Lido to Venice, this hotel is ideal for a beach holiday. The rooms are elegantly furnished in a turn-of-the-century style and feature a private bath and satellite TV, as well as breakfast. The hotel has a private beach with access to a variety of water sports; beach huts are also provided to hotel guests.

Description:

Anyone who knows Italy will know that the 'Gatto Nero' (Black Cat) is a name which is typical of the old osterie. This is a typical osteria where you can eat excellent fish.

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:

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:

This stunning building was once the 18th-century residence of the Mocenigo family, one of the most famous families of the Serenissima, who gave seven doges to the Republic. The house has now been turned into a museum and exhibits textiles, books, furniture and and costumed figurines in period clothing. The Center for the Study of History of Fabrics and the Dresses Library is also located here.

Description:

Built from Istria stone in the 17th century, this palace is characterized by three facades that are decorated with eagles, from which one can see the Canale Grande. Tiepolo painted a fresco on the walls and ceiling of the Salone to mark the occasion of a marriage of someone from the Labia family. This is now the headquarters of the Veneto region's RAI and can only be visited by appointment, on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; call for details. Admission is free.

Description:

This restaurant is in the Calleselle (alleyways) area, close to the ghetto.

Description:

Located in a period building on the street that links the Lido to Venice, this hotel is ideal for a beach holiday. The rooms are elegantly furnished in a turn-of-the-century style and feature a private bath and satellite TV, as well as breakfast. The hotel has a private beach with access to a variety of water sports; beach huts are also provided to hotel guests.

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:

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:

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:

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.

Description:

Run by Roberto Barina and Piero Salmaso, La Palanca is a small eatery-cum-watering hole. Bottles of Campari and Coke line the shelf as daily wagers like bargemen and fishermen step in for a sandwich snack, pasta or the daily specials like the salmon tagliatelle. The restaurant does serve wine by the glass, and if you want to blend in, call for an ombra (white wine). La Palanca's so popular, it's hard to get a table even in a small city like Venice. Diners have better luck in spring and summer as, like most places in Venice, the warmer seasons allow for alfresco dining.

Description:

Located in a period building on the street that links the Lido to Venice, this hotel is ideal for a beach holiday. The rooms are elegantly furnished in a turn-of-the-century style and feature a private bath and satellite TV, as well as breakfast. The hotel has a private beach with access to a variety of water sports; beach huts are also provided to hotel guests.

Our Local Expert Says:

Paying less than at the more famous Campanile di San Marco to climb up and take amazing aerial shots of the rust colored rooftops, the Campanile di San Giorgio offers significantly less crowds and even more breathtaking vistas.

Description:

Sometimes confused at a distance for the Campanile di San Marco, on the little island across the way from Piazza San Marco lies the Campanile di San Giorgio on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. Attached to the Benedictine Covenant Church, the San Giorgio bell tower has spectacular views of Venice and more specifically San Marco. Inside the Church of San Giorgio, paintings by Manna diTintoretto (The Last Supper and The Harvest), Carpaccio and Tintoretto fill the walls with more eye catching splendor. During the annual Festa del Redentore (Celebration of the Redeemer), fireworks are launched from the island of San Giorgio Maggiore above the Campanile di San Giorgio, as a spectacle for the plentiful crowds of firework gazers across the way in San Marco Square and the nearby boardwalks.

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:

A short walk from the Fenice theatre and Gritti's residence stands this luxury hotel. The Gothic façade, recently restored to its original splendor, is adorned with 4 statues representing the Barbero family. On the lower part of the façade there are maps of fortresses and inside are paintings by Tintoretto and Rubens.

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.

Description:

This former residence of Vittorio Cini now houses his art collection, as well as different Tuscan paintings, including works by Piero della Francesca, Botticelli, Filippo Lippi and Giunta Pisano. Visitors can also admire objects, ornaments, chandeliers, furniture, porcelain, carpets and textiles. There are works from the Florentine workshop of Baldassare degli Embriachi, who made ivory objects. Call for museum hours. Admission free for all.

Description:

First opened in the middle of the 13th century, this museum's collection was expanded up until the 16th century. It houses the 'Assunta' and the 'Madonna di ca' Pesaro', both by Titian, as well as the 'Madonna' by Giovanni Bellini, which is found in the chapel. The funeral monument to Titian, Canova and Francesco Foscari, is also here, as is the tomb of Monteverdi. The exhibition space is quite large. Call for admission details.

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.

Description:

Built by the Hermits in the 13th century, this church has been restored several times; the present appearance is a result of renovations in the 15th century and works done at the beginning of the 20th century. Inside, note the tomb of the last commander in chief of the Republic and the Sepulchral monument to Bartolomeo D'Alviano, as well as the vestry and the cloisters of the old monastery. The vestry houses paintings by Tintoretto and the bell tower is one of the most renowned in Venice.