Venice is the unique place that has no analogues in the whole wide world. As this is a port, it’s built directly on canals, so the city’s inhabitants live in houses that stand above water surface. Venice was built to cope with transporting problems of that time and so it always was a city of travelers, explorers and traders. Famous Marco Polo was among Venice inhabitants. As Venice for centuries has attracted visitors and tourists, it has rich and sparkling history. Also it’s hard to find a person who has visited Venice and hasn’t been amazed by city’s glory and beauty.
Located in the north of Italy, Venice is a place where art meets beauty and delicate taste. Unlike whole Italy with its Romanian architecture style, Venice has got much from Turkey. Actually, Byzantine influence is vividly noticed in architecture, rich gold coatings and even food.
If you plan to visit Venice, make sure you see St. Mark’s Basilica –also known as San Marco). This world known temple is one of the most splendid buildings ever created. Magnificent mosaics, gold details and carvings simply won’t let you stay indifferent. You may have seen this edifice on postcards or pictures. It’s widely known by four stone horses that stand over San Marco. These horses were taken from that basilica away following the order of Napoleon Bonaparte, but soon returned back where they stand unmoved from 1815.
Just in front of San Marco basilica where is a well-known piazza that is a real mecca for all tourists. It attracts hundreds if not thousands of birds that are seems anywhere. If you don’t like birds, you can watch this spectacle from arcades or do some shopping in fantastic Doge’s Palace. Generally whole square is surrounded by top quality shops that sell various souvenirs, apparel, accessories and numerous sweet nothings.
When you decide to leave San Marco Piazza, move your feet towards “ridge of Sights”. This is the most famous bridge in Venice that is noticeable even from Grand Canal. As you already know, Venice stands on water and so it has endless lagoons and canals, and bridges sometimes are the only way to get to another part of the city. In 17-th century this bridge was widely used by prisoners who escaped from their cameras and returned back to them. Today bridge is invaded by tourists who enjoy sightseeing. Another bridge that is definitely worth your attention is Rialto Bridge that is located across the Grand Canal. Also this bridge is very popular among couples. There is a belief that says if lovers pass Rialto Bridge by on gondola and they kiss each other directly under the bridge, they will love each other and stay together all their life. If you’re not into romantic legends, then just visit this place to do some shopping – both sides of the bridge are full of various shops selling very nice souvenirs.
Finally, if you manage to go to Venice, don’t miss out an opportunity to explore one of the city’s main symbols – gondolas. Even though they are not cheap, you should take a ride on this long black boat that is used the main transport in Venice for centuries. And if you give generous tip to gondolier, you will hear one of local songs. Actually, city’s canal system is a mess, so hiring a gondola is the only way to explore it.
If you still wonder what souvenirs to bring to your friends or relatives, then pay attention to Murano Glass. High quality vases, statues and other nice things made from this glass are always considered to be a wonderful gift even for high society people as Murano is one of the most well known and respected glass manufacturers in the world. By the way, you can even visit Murano factory to see how glass masterpieces are born.
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