Venice initially creates the slightly anticlimactic feeling that everything looks exactly as it should. Every year, the city's water levels rise. The muggy summer air cooks the canals and scrapes the paint and enamel from the city's finest pieces of art. Faithful to its origins, everything in Venice seems to be in peril. This has - logically - spiked tourism in Venice, which for years has been the sole means of support for the historic city, so at least you can rest assured that the high prices you'll encounter will be used into programs to renovate the city. Because, despite its continual decay and a layout so confounding it makes your eyes spasm, the city is still one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.
Tourism in Venice reaches its peak during Carnavale, the annual celebration before lent, where millions of visitors come from around the globe to take part in festivities. Another popular attraction is St. Mark’s Basilica, which is also known as ‘The Church of Gold’ .The Academy Gallery is surely the most famous, where many of the city's masterpieces are displayed.
Accommodation in
Venice hotels is mishmash of style and quality; of price and views. If you come during spring or autumn you will be able to make the most of your stay. Similarly a winter break makes the city all the more romantic. Here are some of the top attractions of Venice:
Basilica Di San Marco: An opulent synthesis of Byzantine and Romanesque styles, Venice's gem. It didn't become the cathedral of Venice until 1807. Famous for its 43,055 square feet of stunning mosaics, it’s a spectacle not to be missed.
Ca' d'Oro: This exquisite Venetian Gothic palace was once literally a "Golden House," when its marble traceries and ornaments were embellished with pure gold.
Gondola ride: It is a highlight for many who visit to Venice.
"La Salute: The view of "La Salute," as Venetians affectionately call it, from the Riva degli Schiavoni at sunset or from the Accademia Bridge under the moonlight is simply unforgettable and one that all who visit should try and get to see.
Check out the Palazzo Ducale or Doge's Palace. Rising above the Piazzetta San Marco, this Gothic-Renaissance fantasia of pink-and-white marble is a majestic expression of the prosperity and power attained during Venice's most glorious period. Don’t miss it.
Go People Watching! Sit in one of the canal-side café’s, sip a glass of local wine, dine on olives and cheese and go people watching. This is a very Venetian pastime, (in fact it’s an Italian pastime) and gives you time to rest your weary feet and absorb Venice on a gentler level.
Pay a visit to Santi Giovanni Paolo. This massive Dominican church, commonly called San Zanipolo, contains a wealth of art, The second official church of the Republic .
For a touch of true Venetian class, pay a visit to the Querini-Stamalia. The art collection at this Renaissance palace includes Giovanni Bellini's Presentation in the Temple and Sebastiano Ricci's triptych Dawn, Afternoon, and Evening.
Although Venice is one of the world's most enchanting cities, visitors do pay a price, literally and figuratively. Many complain about the outrageous costs but enjoy the journey and stay in Venice.