Venice Favorite Tips by Krystynn

Handsome Venetian Men & Tour Guides ;-) Islands of the lagoon Review

Fondest memory: On my first visit to Venice in the mid-1990s with my girlfriends, we were so priviledged to have a handsome Italian guide like Carlo (see photo) explain to us everything we ever wanted to know about Murano, glass-blowing et al.... but were afraid to ask!

My girlfriends - especially my Spanish gal-pals were too mesmorized by Carlo to hear what glass-blowing is all about. Hm!

Anyway, do check out the lovely Murano glasses behind him (in the showcase) and then you'd understand why you shouldn't miss coming here.

Watching A Live Demo of Glass-Blowing Islands of the lagoon Review

Favorite thing: Pop over to the MURANO GLASS FACTORY to watch a 'live' demonstration of master glass-blowing craftsmen at work. Once there, you can purchase a Murano tea set for a 'cheap' price of US$150 onwards

Me? No, I didn't buy any... Can't afford such luxuries.

Crazy Summer Crowds At PIAZZA SAN MARCO... Piazza San Marco & Basilica San Marco Review

Favorite thing: Wandering around the Piazza without any care in the world!! ;-P

Fondest memory: Take a good look at the summer crowd in Venice. I'm sure you'd figure out when NOT to come to Venice. I'm pretty sure you wouldn't like to be crushed by the crazy crowds.

Amazing Architecture @BASILICA DI SAN MARCO Piazza San Marco & Basilica San Marco Review

Favorite thing: Exploring every nook and cranny at the BASILICA DI SAN MARCO (St Mark's Basilica).

Can you see the intricate details at the front of the Basilica?

It does give a good view of the mosaic work that decorates both the exterior and interior of the church. Now, scrutinize it closely and you will even see four bronze horses....

These are replicas of the horses brought back from Constantinople (present day Istanbul) by the victorious Venetian army. Yes, Venice was one of the first European cities to trade with the Ottoman empire (Turkey).

Thus, she soon became the jewel of the Adriatic sea and one of the richest cities in Europe.

On A Chilly Wintry Morning At The PIAZZA S. MARCO Piazza San Marco & Basilica San Marco Review

Fondest memory: Ah... that's my sister standing next to the gondolas parked along the GRAND CANAL. She looked like she needed a hot cup of coffee :-)

My sister was there with her own group of friends during the CARNIVAL.

The BASILICA DI SAN MARCO Is Worth Exploring Piazza San Marco & Basilica San Marco Review

Favorite thing: Many of the fine craftsmen who built the BASILICA DI SAN MARCO were from Constantinople (modern day Turkey).

Hence, it is not surprising to see the lavish use of gold mosaics in the decorations and rounded arches rather than the pointed arches that are typically associated with the Gothic period.

The GRAND CANAL Of Venice Canal Grande, Palazzi (Grand Canal/Palazzi) Review

Favorite thing: Here's a glimpse of splendid Venetian houses along the GRAND CANAL.

The Grand Canal serves as the main street of Venice and is lined with some 200 palaces (no kidding) built between the 12th and 18th centuries.

Venetian Houses With Interesting Facades Canal Grande, Palazzi (Grand Canal/Palazzi) Review

Fondest memory: Another interesting house located along the Venetian lagoon.

Gliding Under The RIALTO BRIDGE Bridges Review

Fondest memory: The PONTE DI RIALTO (Rialto Bridge) is not only a Venetian monument but also a National Monument - in my eyes.

Built within 3 years - between 1588 and 1591, the Rialto Bridge is a permanent replacement for the boat bridge and 3 wooden bridges that had spanned the Grand Canal at various times since the 12th Century.

It was recorded that the architect of the famed Bridge, Antonio da Ponte ("Anthony of the Bridge," appropriately enough), competed against such illustrious men like Michelangelo and Palladio to finally win the contract.

The Rialto Bridge has 3 walkways: 2 along the outer balustrades, and a wider central walkway leading between 2 rows of small shops that sell jewelry, linens, Murano glass, and other items for the tourist trade.

Gondolas.... Gondoliers... Gondole Review

Fondest memory: Well, the best time to ride the gondola is really sometime in the evening.... just before the sun sets.

Please imagine with me for a moment.....

You are now seated inside one of these huge gondolas as it glides effortlessly along the Grand Canal. You take a deep breath as you savor this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Then in the far horizon...you suddenly catch a glimpse of the sun sloowly disappearing.... and dusk sets in a moment later. Silence. Tranquility and peace soon enveloped the entire lagoon......