My next few posts will be detailing the many beautiful cities of Italy. I traveled there a couple summers ago and fell in love with the cities, the people and the food. Each place in this amazing country houses some of the best art and architecture in the world and it is hands down a must if you want to see Europe. So our first stop will be Venice.
Venice is a Northern Italian city that sits atop water. While the precise origin of Venice is unknown, many believe a community built it as a way to rid themselves of their enemies. Its history is filled with many historical events, one of them being that the city was a staging area for the Crusades. It is completely surrounded by water and the only way to get there is a boat ride. Known as being one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Venice is known for its canals. These strips of water cut through the city, creating “streets” that are only drivable by boats. One of the best ways to explore this area is to take a gondola ride. While this will set you back about 100 euro (depending on exchange rate $130 U.S.) it is a MUST! I was so glad I went on one because the whole city just opens up, you see places that just walking around you would miss and the drivers can be very entertaining. My driver, Mario, told us his whole life story and a nice info session about Venice! Very funny:) The Grand Canal is the big finale of the whole ride because it features the bridge that connects the two parts of Venice together!
I’m sure everyone knows about the famous pigeons that live in Venice at St. Mark’s Square. If you haven’t well let’s just say there are a ton! So if you are not afraid of these birds, by all means buy some birdseed for one euro and go to town… if you 
are then stay calm and just avoid them. St. Mark’s Basilica is in this square and it is absolutely stunning. The detailed work in this church is amazing, I have no words… you just have to experience it for yourself.
A couple other things to do before you journey back to the mainland… see the Venetian glass blowers, go to Doge’s Palace, enjoy some shopping, have a coffee in an outside cafe and take A LOT of pictures!
You will be glad you put this stamp in your passport! Ciao!
March 11, 2009 at 5:34 pm |
No, I didn’t go there. But I so want to go back to Italy again so I will keep that in mind!