Venice Travel Italy Guide

Possibly the most romantic city in the world, Venice lies along the coast of the Adriatic Sea in North-Eastern Italy. The most notably unique property of Venice is its waterways. Situated in a lagoon, Venice is intersected by 118 waterways-canals which run like streets throughout the city and are commonly used for transportation. These canals are criss-crossed by small arched bridges and trafficked by small motor boats, water-buses and romantic gondolas.

In addition to the romantic canals of Venice, the city is a capital of Renaissance art. During the Renaissance, Venice was a great power in Italy and benefited from success in commerce, mild weather and peaceful politics; all things which can aid artistic movements. It was during this period when Venice began to develop its beauty. Each home and building was built with great care and no expense spared. The result was a city created by well-funded artists. Stained glass and spires abound even today as many actual buildings have survived since the Renaissance, as has Venice's artistic traditions.

One of Venice's most notable buildings is Basilica di San Marco, St. Mark's Basilica. This classical blending of Eastern and Western architectural styles was finished in the year 832 A.D. This enormous and majestic building is topped by large, Eastern style domes and decorated inside with stunning murals and bronze statues. In front of the Basilica lies the famous Piazza San Marco is Venice's oldest and most popular gathering place.

Just across the Piazza San Marco from the Basilica, sits the gorgeous Renaissance Doge's Palace, begun in the early Fourteenth Century. Like many Venice buildings, the palace sits directly on the water. A tour of the palace will display its ornate staircases, many columns and some classic pieces of Renaissance art.

The best way to experience beautiful Venice is to walk the streets along the canals, stop in cafés, and catch gondolas at your leisure. As in most of Italy, you will find the food phenomenal and the locals friendly. Venice is a beautiful and unique city which you deserve to experience at least once in your life.