Chilling Out At PIAZZA SAN MARCO and other Venice, Italy General Tips

On my way to Basilica di San

Marco...

Favorite Thing: Head to PIAZZA SAN MARCO (St Mark's Square) - not later... not next week... not tonight... but IMMEDIATELY when you reach this romantic city.

Fondest Memory: That's me about to explore the magnificent 900-year old BASILICA DI SAN MARCO (St Mark's Basilica) on my very first visit to Venice in the mid-1990s.

The interior of this stunning Basilica is covered in beautiful mosaics. Well, let's go find out....

Leave a Comment

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Visiting Venice?

Read reviews about Venice Hotels

Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

St Mark's and Piazza: On A Chilly Wintry Morning At The PIAZZA S. MARCO

Tip Rating:

Updated by Krystynn

on Jan 24, 2004

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.

Leave a Comment

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Gondolas: Take a RIDE ON THE GONDOLA

Tip Rating:

Updated by Krystynn

on Jan 24, 2004

Favorite Thing: "Sailing round the world in a dirty gondola oh, to be back in the land of Coca-Cola!"
- Bob Dylan

:-) My sentiments exactly, Mr Dylan.

Yes, this is part of the lyrics to a Bob Dylan song....

Fondest Memory: There is no better way to appreciate the beauty of Venice than from a gondola. Really. However, you MUST be prepared to pay the price.

If you choose to ride a gondola from a stand during the day, please expect to pay at least EUR 60.00 for up to 6 people. You can bargain the price down with the gondoliers (but not with those at major gondola stands) and this is generally for shorter rides only.

Remember also that night rates are ALWAYS higher. So, do plan everything carefully before you embark on a gondola ride...

Leave a Comment

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Gondolas: Gondolas.... Gondoliers...

Tip Rating:

Updated by Krystynn

on Jan 24, 2004

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......

Leave a Comment

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Bridges: Gliding Under The RIALTO BRIDGE

Tip Rating:

Updated by Krystynn

on Jan 24, 2004

The fabled Rialto Bridge

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.

Leave a Comment

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Visiting Venice?

Read reviews about Venice Hotels

Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

Grand Canal/Palazzo: Venetian Houses With Interesting Facades

Tip Rating: [Not enough ratings yet]

Updated by Krystynn

on Jan 24, 2004

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

Leave a Comment

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Grand Canal/Palazzo: The GRAND CANAL Of Venice

Tip Rating:

Updated by Krystynn

on Jan 24, 2004

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.

Leave a Comment

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

St Mark's and Piazza: The BASILICA DI SAN MARCO Is Worth Exploring

Tip Rating:

Updated by Krystynn

on Jan 24, 2004

San Mark's Basilica @our latest

visit in 2001

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.

Leave a Comment

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

St Mark's and Piazza: Amazing Architecture @BASILICA DI SAN MARCO

Tip Rating:

Updated by Krystynn

on Jan 24, 2004

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.

Leave a Comment

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

St Mark's and Piazza: Crazy Summer Crowds At PIAZZA SAN MARCO...

Tip Rating:

Updated by Krystynn

on Jan 24, 2004

Crowds of tourists at Piazza S.

Marco