A city the world is jealous of, same as no other. Venice, a “floating” city with melancholic charm, narrow streets and bridges over the water is characterized by gondolas always full of Japanese newly weds or foreign tourists and vaporetti – water buses, that each day transport thousands of locals and tourists.
It is obligatory to see “La Fenice” theatre, a main lyrical stage in Venice, that was completely destroyed by fire in 1996 and rebuilt in previous style in few years time. The city is a home for Venice Biennal (one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the world) and can boast of numerous esteemed museums and historic University, frequented by students from all over the world.
Basilica di San Marco is an impressive and majestic construction, situated on the historical square, in the heart of the city, considered unique, when its rich history, splendour of its facade and beauty of the inside are concerned. The Byzantine character, that distinguishes it from the others, appears especially in the mosaics that recall San Marco’s triumphs, along with the episodes from ancient times and New Testament. The square is surrounded by historical cafeterias and restaurants, where you have to stop at least once. The city is splashed with colours during Carnival (in February) and even today takes on masks and costumes designed and made by renown Venetian tailors. If its about inhabitants, a way to get to know a little bit more about those undaunted and reserved people is to dine in one of the typical taverns in the centre, that follows gastronomic traditions based especially on fish.
Before leaving, it is absolutely necessary to take home some records of this splendid city of art: either visit furniture or fancy goods shops, selling characteristic artisan product of blown glass, of which a famous example is murrina, blown in uncounted amount of shapes and creations, like lamps, glasses and jewellery.
How to reach it
By car:
highway connections:
- A14 in Bologne direction
- near Bologna take A13 for Padova
- continue on A4 and take an exit in Venezia Mestre direction
- in Mestre go straight and continue on SR 11, arriving at Venice centre.
Total km: 274
Driving hours: about 3 hours
Road connections:
- SS 309 Romea from Adriatic Coast
Parking in Venice
Car parks in Venice are situated on Piazzale Roma and Tronchetto. In rush periods it is advised to park on dry land.
By train:
Venezia-Mestre Station
It is the first one you arrive at, alhough here, you are not yet in Venice, but in Mestre, Venetian dry land.
The station is situated on Piazzale Favretti 1 - 30170 Mestre
From the station you can move to the city by bus or taxi (Radiotaxi: tel. 041.936222).
Santa Lucia di Venezia Station
Thanks to the bridge over lagoons a train reaches Santa Lucia di Venezia Station.
The station is situated on the Fondamenta S. Lucia - 30100 Venezia
From this station you can arrive at any point of the city on foot and by vaporetto.
