Venice is a
city in northeastern Italy sited on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals
and linked by bridges. It is located in the marshy Venetian Lagoon which
stretches along the shoreline, between the mouths of the Po and the Piave
Rivers. Venice is renowned for the beauty of its setting, its architecture and
its artworks. The city in its entirety is listed as a World Heritage Site,
along with its lagoon.
Venice is
one of a very small list of cities that are truly unique. Once the center of a
powerful maritime empire, Venice is a city dotted with magnificent palaces and
churches. Mostly devoid of cars and modern buildings, time seems to have stood
still here.
Venice is
located in the middle of a lagoon and the city is dissected by about 150
channels. The city's architecture is also unique, a mixture of Gothic and
Byzantine styles.
Some Venice Facts
Country :
Italy
Currency :
Euro (EUR)
Language :
Italian
Population
City: 2,68,993
(2008)
Metro: 6,21,406
(2008)
Time Zone:
Central European Time (CET)
Most Popular Attractions
St. Mark's Square
Possibly the world's most famous
square, the Piazza di San Marco is surrounded by magnificent historic buildings
that are a testament to the power and wealth of the Venetian Empire.
Grand Canal
The Grand Canal is Venice's major
water-traffic corridor, sweeping through the city. Lined with majestic buildings,
it was once described as 'the most beautiful street in the world'.
Bridge of Sighs
This legendary covered bridge
connects the palace of the Doges with the prison cells across the Rio di
Palazzo. The bridge is one of the most famous sights in Venice.
Doge's Palace
This Palace in Venetian Gothic style
was the center of power in Venice. From here the Doge and the government of
Venice ruled over the Venetian Republic.
St. Mark's Basilica
The Basilica di San Marco is the most
famous of all churches in Venice. Its opulent architecture is a testimony to
the wealth and power of the Venetian republic.
Rialto Bridge
Venice's famous Rialto Bridge was
long the only bridge crossing the Grand Canal between the San Marco and San
Polo districts. The bridge was built in the 16th century and is covered with
shops.
Gondola
Once an essential means of transportation,
the gondolas today are one of Venice's biggest attractions, with many tourists
taking a tour along the Canal Grande or one of the smaller canals.
St. Mark's Campanile
The Campanile di San Marco - Venice's
tallest bell tower - is one of the city's most recognizable buildings. The 16th
century tower collapsed in 1902 but was rebuilt 10 years later.
Santa Maria della Salute
One of Venice's most iconic
structures was built in the 17th century in honor of the Virgin Mary after a
wave of the plague had killed one third of the city's inhabitants.
Arsenale
During its heyday, Venice’s Arsenal
was the largest shipyard in the world. It played a crucial role in the city's
role as a naval power. An ornate 15th century gate leads to the complex.
Ca' d'Oro
Venice's Grand Canal is lined with
magnificent buildings. The 15th century Palazzo Santa Sofia or Ca' d'Oro (House
of Gold) is one of the most beautiful among them.
Riva Degli Schiavone
Venice’s most vibrant waterfront
promenade is often swarmed with tourists. The promenade, which leads from the
Doge's Palace to the Arsenal, is lined with historic buildings.
Zattere
Zattere is a long waterfront
promenade in Dorsoduro, one of Venice's districts. Spacious and less hectic
than San Polo and San Marco, it is the perfect place for a quiet stroll or a
meal along the water.
Teatro La Fenice
La Fenice (The Phoenix) is of the
best-known opera houses in Europe. The theater building was destroyed by arson
but rebuilt to its original 18th century glory in 2003.
Lido
Lido, a long, narrow island in the
Venetian Lagoon was one of the world's first exclusive resorts. Today Lido's
long beach draws both locals and tourists to the island during the warm summer
months.
Chiesa di San Zaccaria
One of the world's most beautiful
renaissance churches was built in the 15th century. The church houses several
important paintings, including Bellini’s last Madonna with child and saints.
Museo Storico Navale
The country's prime naval museum
showcases Venice’s rich maritime history with numerous maritime related objects
including artillery, gondolas, vessels and model boats.
Scuola Grande di San Marco
The Scuola was built in the 13th century
as one of six confraternities in Venice. In the early 19th century it was
converted into a hospital. The magnificent façade dates from the 15th century.
Vaporetto
Gondolas are not the only way to get
around in Venice; the city's most popular transportation system is the
Vaporetto or water bus which offers an affordable and convenient way to travel
around the city.
Madonna dell'Orto
Venice boasts many beautiful
churches; one of them is this brick church, located in Cannaregio. It was
erected in the mid 14th century by the Humiliati, a local religious order.
Squero di San Trovaso
This small boatyard, established in
the 17th century, is the oldest of just a handful sites where workers still
make and repair Venice's famous gondolas.
Santi Giovanni e Paolo
The Church of Saints John and Paul is
one of Venice's largest churches. It is often referred to as the Pantheon of
Venice for the many notables entombed inside.
About PRABISH BISHUNGKHE
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