The Rialto and other Venice, Italy Things to Do Tips

Rialto

A famous landmark of Venice, The Rialto bridge spans across the Grand Canal. On one side is a large market filled with all kinds of wonderful foods, on the other, tons of shops selling clothing, jewellery, shoes and more. This area extends until the Piazza San Marco. There are also shops located on the bridge itself.

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Gondolas: Explore the winding alleyways

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Updated by kazander

on Apr 5, 2004

Gondola

you never know when you will come upon that perfect Venice scene...
It really is worth exploring the path less travelled in Venice. You can really get a better feel for the city without a bunch of people bumping into you while trying to find that perfect souvenier. Bring a map if you will feel more comfortable, but if you have the time, don't bother using it, you'll end up in familiar territory eventually:)

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San Marco and Piazza: San Marco

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Updated by kazander

on Nov 23, 2005

San Marco

The largest and most beautiful square in Venice. The Basillica and Doge's Palace tours are fascinating. The view from the Campanile breathtaking. And the cappacino's at the cafes more expensive if you sit than stand up....
Both times I visited Venice were in February. It was a wonderful time to visit, the square is not too crowded , well it's still crowded with pidgeons as usual, but not too many people. Speaking of pidgeons, I would advise against feeding them with the seed that is for sale in the square, or any other food for that matter. I have seen tourists that look like victims from Alfred Hitchock's movie "The Birds". They will land all over a person who is feeding them, shoulders, arms, even on their heads. Ew!
Anyway, the square is a lovely spot to spend an afternoon, and towards the evening the light is just magical. There are cafes all around the perimeter of the square, they might be a bit pricey, but you couldn't ask for a nicer view.
Sometimes the water level rises and the square is flooded. The Italians call this "aqua alta". When this happens there is an interesting "boardwalk" system that goes into place. Slightly larger than balance beems, this is how one would make it around the Piazza. I haven't been there when a flood was occuring, but I was there just after one had dried up. All the wooden planks were still in the square.

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Churches: Santa Maria Formosa

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Updated by kazander

on Feb 12, 2004

The legends say the name of this church came from an apparition of the Virgin Mary as a shapely (formosa in Italian) woman to Saint Magno in the seventh century.
The Church has 2 facades, one faces the canal and another faces the square.

When travelling by Vaporetto (the boats that are the main mode of transit besides your feet) down the Grand Canal, try to stand by the front or rear of the boat for the best views. Many churches are situated along the canal and you can get great photo opportunities.

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Churches: Santa Maria della Salute

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Updated by kazander

on Apr 5, 2004

Santa Maria della Salute

The beautiful church of Santa Maria della Salute was built in 1630 to honor The Virgin Mary at the end of the plague.
Salute means health in Italian.
It is situated on the Grand Canal

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Churches: San Simeone Piccolo

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Updated by kazander

on Feb 12, 2004

view from vaporetto travelling down

the Grand Can

This church took it's inspiration from the Pantheon in Rome. It was built in 1730. It is very close to the train station.

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Bridges: The Bridge of Sighs

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Written by kazander

on Feb 9, 2004

The famous Bridge of Sighs...If you take the tour of the Doge's palace you will pass through it just as the prisoners did who were brought before the inquisitors.

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Gondolas: Gondola Rides

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Updated by kazander

on Mar 15, 2004

gondolier waiting