La Dolce Vita... The Sweet Life... and other Venice, Italy Things to Do Tips

You MUST have a drink right here in PIAZZA SAN MARCO (St Mark's Square). Yes, welcome to Venice's hottest spot on this side of the Lagoon.

Sipping a cup of cappucino at this outdoor cafe is like Heaven on Earth! This can set you back by at least US$10.00 though. In my opinion, it's worth it...

Can you see the permanent grin on my face?

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If you - like me - get bored at some point or other during your stay in Venice, try feeding the pigeons at PIAZZA SAN MARCO.

Yes, yet another interesting activity to do here on a lazy afternoon...besides SHOPPING, that is. ;-)

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Address: Piazza San Marco

I must admit, I did lots of "People-Watching" activities at PIAZZA SAN MARCO (St Mark's Square) on my first visit to Venice in the mid-1990s. ;-) Too star-struck.

Or maybe it's those devastatingly handsome Venetian men! Have I ever mentioned that these guys are so good-looking (those Italian men born and bred in Venice, that is) that they'll make your knees go wobbly?

I noticed that Italian men hailing from Verona to Venice (in North Italy) are especially looking. Even my beautiful Spanish girlfriends who accompanied me on my first trip to Venice in the mid-1990s were stealing occasional glances at them from their sunglasses.

Me? Never! :-)

Oh alright, I am guilty of it too. Happy now?

Italians are also generally very well-dressed. I couldn't help but notice the impeccable dressing of these Italians.... I mean, they all look like Giorgio Armani models! Especially those from Venice.

If you hang around Piazza San Marco long enough, you'll know what I mean.

P.S. This was how I felt on my first visit to Venice. I was still young and very impressionable. These days, I don't indulge myself in such activities anymore.... There is no need to for me. ;-)

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The CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA DELLA SALUTE is a very famous Venetian landmark located along the busy GRAND CANAL.

The best time to visit the Church is on the Feast of the Salute. If you coincide your visit to Venice with this Festival, you can join in the pilgrimage (together with the Venetians) to the great Baroque shrine of Santa Maria della Salute, built by Baldassare Longhena. It is to commemorate the deliverance of the city from the plague of 1630.

Even if you're not a Catholic, it should not deter you to join in the Mass celebrated by the Cardinal Patriarch of Venice.

An eye-opener.

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The BASILICA DI SAN MARCO - is given the honor of being the cathedral church of the City and seat of the Patriarch of Venice since 1807.

Built in 830 A.D., the most famous Basilica in all of Venice - is also the final resting place of the Apostle St Mark.

Indeed, this landmark monument is one of the most elaborate basilicas ever built. The architecture of the Byzantium basilica also reflects some eastern influence i.e. the shape of a Greek cross topped with 5 domes.

Every inch from the outside and through the inside of the Basilica is decorated from replicas of Bronze Horses on the roof, to the gold laid interior mosaics and masterpieces by Titian and Tintoretto.

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Directions: Right in the middle of Piazza San Marco. Even a blind person won't be able to miss it.

One of the most beautiful basilicas that I have seen in the world is - the BASILICA DI SAN MARCO.

The architecture of the church will leave you breathless. Even the huge door is richly decorated (see photo).

For more photos of the BASILICA DI SAN MARCO, please see "General Tips".
Thanks!

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The DODGES' PALACE was once the official residence of Venice's rulers and chief magistrates from the 9th century until the fall of the Republic in 1797.

Climb up the famous Golden Staircase... and marvel in awe at the paintings of Tintoretto and Veronese. Then, wander through the echoing Great Council Chamber where, from the balconies you can enjoy a splendid panorama of Venice and her Grand Canal and lagoons.

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The CAMPANILE - a 99 meters high bell tower is actually the oldest building on Piazza San Marco.

Construction work on the Campanile started as early as in the 9th century. However, the whole structure collapsed on July 14,1902. Thankfully, nobody was killed or injured except for the caretaker's poor cat!

In 1912, a completely rebuilt Campanile was opened to the public.

For tourists, you can take an elevator right to the top of the tower for a panoramic view over the entire city of Venice. You won't regret it.

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Ready to part with €6.00?

Then, take a ride on the elevator to the top of the CAMPANILE and choose a good vantage point for viewing the Cupolas of the basilica (see photo).

Info updated: end-January 2004

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Piazza San Marco (below) as seen from the top of the CAMPANILE.

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