Venice, Italy
Image by EK Will
Venice is one of the places in this world that is genuinely one of a kind, ethereal, and fairly celestial.
(Cover image by Unknown)
Here are some highlights.
*This site contains affiliate links, we may receive a commission if you make a booking through us.
Bridge of Sighs, Image by Eden, Janine, and Jim
Water as a base to buildings, Image by Sasha Matveeva
Top Recommendation: The Gondola Ride
The gondola men who sing in Italian as they take you on the waters, the delicious Italian food, the simply novel-esque feel of a city that’s surrounded by water instead of streets…
There are certain experiences that stick with you for a lifetime and riding in a gondola under the Bridge of Sighs was one of those transformative experiences for me.
The high tone of the Italian song that our rower burst into with gusto and no reserve, the soft sound of the lapping waters against the paddle with the view of a city encasing, the feel of the worn velvet seat as we moseyed in between buildings.
Uniquely Venice
The magic of Venice’s architecture seems just that: magic. And there are answers beneath the waterways. Venice’s engineering sits on thousands of wooden pilings on top of the lagoon of its base. They’re known as “bricola” and found the stability against the structures’ sinking or being swallowed by the water.
It’s so fascinating to think of the city before it was built, that it was a lagoon waiting for a confluence of Gothic, Byzantine, and Renaissance architectural elements to adorn its space.
Where to Stay? Hotel da Bruno
Hotel da Bruno is a charming old-school classic Italian boutique nestled by the bridge. It’s a three-generational establishment and provides the comfort, allure, and history that traveling in Venice ought to provide.
St. Marks Basilica, St. Marks Square, Venice, Image by Maximilian Zahn
The Sites
Ponte di Rialto
One of the most famous bridges in Venice, the stone bridge is one of the most notable sites throughout the city. The half-dome windows that line the sides of the bridge give a romantic feel to its design both from the bridge looking out on the waters, as well as from the canal or outside of it. Situated on the Grand Canal, there on the bridge you can get panoramic views of the city and the connecting neighborhoods of San Marco and San Polo. There are further shops along it that sell tokens, jewelry, local crafts, and food items as well.
Rialto Bridge, Image by Magnus S
Rialto Market
For those who stay in apartments or with kitchens particularly, this is a locally beloved location to glean produce and fish. The fruits and vegetables of the market are exceptionally fresh with small-scale vendors that come in with newly picked, or caught, bounty. The goods there make up the backbone of the culture of Venice, it’s worth the immersion for sure.
Dimly lit market, Image by Marco Chilese
Bridge of Sighs
The white limestone of the bridge itself is opulent, a beacon of this built city. Going into the interior isn’t possible, its beauty contrasts to its purpose which connects a prison to courtrooms. Allegedly, the name was bestowed upon the landmark for the perpetual sighs exhaled by prisoners who walked along the bridge before being placed in holding cells.
Legend has that when you kiss your sweetheart while passing underneath your love will be marked for eternity.
St. Mark’s Basilica
St. Mark’s Basilica sits within San Marco Piazza and is perhaps the most adorned and awe-inspiring site within Venice.
The basilica is another manifestation of Byzantine design with domes and peaks, points, four bronze horses, golden hues, and intricacies to astound. Inside, likewise, gold mosaics feature scenes of religious scripture and other artwork. You can explore out the upper levels of the structure for views of the city and square below. Because of its location, the basilica is really a central heartbeat to the throngs of Venice.
Broody vista on the square and Basilica at nighttime, Image by Niklas Hamann
Interior of Doge’s, Image by Mohammad Mayan
Doge’s Palace
The palace is of white, creamy, and pink marble and Gothic architecture. Inside it houses government in office, prison, and court within its quarters. The building stands further as a museum for visitors to gain insight into both the history and government of Venice.
*Safety tip
Don’t miss the surrounding area! If you have time, check out the other islands around Venice. There are plenty of other islands in the vicinity of the most well-known.
Bottom line
Did you know that Venice, California was inspired by design from Venice, Italy? The canals of sunny Los Angeles are an ode to the romance of the bridged canals and the tenacity of building palaces nurtured up around Italian waters. When a popular area of the world builds an entire city based off of another one? You know the original is more than something.
I suggest traveling to Venice off-peak times, less crowds is more ideal than ideal weather. It’s a petit area and when it’s storming with tourists, the authenticity and even tender whimsy of its place is overshadowed. The handful of above sites are worth relishing in, but ultimately, the key to Venice is being there, the impressive simplicity of its existence is itself a remarkable treat.
