Venice Off The Beaten Path Tips by deecat

Discover "Other" Bridges Besides the Main Three

By far, the most exciting aspect of visiting Venice is the joy of "discovery". And, Venice is, indeed, a place for discovery!

We wandered every narrow "calle" (street) we possibly could; we viewed many a small "rio" (canal); we enjoyed each large and small "campo" (square) that we stumbled upon; we found enchantment in walking under ancient "sotoportegoes" (covered passageways); and we marveled at the wide "rivas" (a WIDE fondamenta [street that runs alongside a canal] ).

It took awhile to learn the vocabulary used by the Venetians to explain this unique city.
Perhaps of all that we discovered, we seemed to enjoy finding another quaint bridge spanning the never-ending supply of small canals that weave throughout Venice. To stand in the daytime and gaze at the sunlight entertwined with reflections of decaying structures on the canal's surface is a traveler's delight! To stand at nightime and gaze at the moonlight glistening on the water's surface is also a traveler's fantasy!

Yes, the view from the hundreds of bridges was an education in itself.

Anyone can enjoy Venice for free by just wandering, discovering, relishing. Hopefully, others will enjoy the rios, campos, sotoportegoes, and bridges as much as we did.

Other Contact: Just Discover On Your Own!

Walk the Zattere

Allan and I like to walk, exploring small canals, hidden places. Now, I admit that the Zattere (long quayside looking across to the island of Giudecca) is not secretive or hidden, but it certainly is not a mainstay for tourist.

We walked the entire thing and enjoyed the leisurely pace. At the beginning of the Zattere, we saw a huge cruiser from Germany. I imagine this is the spot that cruise ships make port.

In addition we saw a few waterside cafes, beautiful architecture, and, of course, the traffic on the canals. Often we would take a side alley or street that looked interesting and explore that also.

The reason that we were in Dorsoduro was because we visited the Accademia and wanted to see the Santa Maria della Salute church. I'm glad that we were able to also walk the beautiful Zattere of Dorsoduro
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I'd strongly advice giving it a try; it's a great break from the masses in San Marco.

Other Contact: Southern part of Dorsoduro

Great Photograph? Look for the Street Performers

All over Venice, one will find people in period costumes and masks standing as though they were statues.

They make money when parents have their children take a photgraph with them. Since I did not participate, I have no idea how much is paid, but I feel that it is minimum fee.

However, one does not need a child to take a photograph. Since they stand perfectly still in an impressive pose, it is easy to take the picture

It adds another memory to a photograph album and makes one feel as though he/she is in Venice during Carnival.

The Photograph we took is just an example; there were many more, some much more elaborate.

Other Contact: Look for Street Posers

Post Office: Beautiful Architecture

We had a pleasant surprise when our tour guide for "The Origianl Venice Walk" took us to the Post Office.

It was once a palace, and still maintains an elegant presence. The columns and arches are quite fine.

In the center of the downstairs is a huge, beautiful caldron or water basin. Just above it is an "oculus" (a circular opening) where the rain woulld enter and be collected in the basin below.

All over Venice you see these basins/wells. They were used until the water system was installed. Now the oculus serves as a skylight. This particular basin has lovely relief--flowers, scrolls, and birds.

The post office stations are on the first floor, and other offices are on the second level.

By chance, we needed to exchange money, and from our experiences in other Italian cities, we knew the best price comes from the post office. When our tour guide ended her tour at the Post Office, we were delighted.

So my husband did his money transaction (and it was a good rate), and I explored the beauty of the once-palace Post Office.

When it was a palace, the upper level was the residence, and the first floor was for public activities.

Notice the large gold sun dial/clock between floors. It's a focal point for the eye.

I feel fortunate to have been able to see and explore Venice Post Office.

Other Contact: Near Rialto Bridge area