Venice Attractions

Venice Pictures

There is much to take in on your first visit to Venice and a boat tour along the Grand Canal is a very revealing introduction to discover what this celebrated city has to offer.

Undoubtedly the top attraction is the Bisilica di San Marco (St Mark’s Basilica) situated on St Mark’s Square. One of Europe’s most unusual churches the interior boasts many of Venice’s treasures including a golden mosaic and the Pala d’Oro a golden screen behind the altar, which is decked with jewels. Take the elevator to the top of Venice’s famous brick bell tower, Campanile di San Marco, for spectacular views. The vast paved square itself is one of the most beautiful in the world, lined with elegant porticoed cafes. Next to the Basilica di san Marco is the Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace), a merging of Islamic and Gothic styles and residence of the Doges of Venice since the ninth century.

Rialto Bridge, covered with many vendors, tourist shops and goldsmiths this was the setting for Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice. Until the mid-nineteenth century it was the only point to cross the Grand Canal by foot, and now still offers the best views of the canal.

Venice’s most important art gallery is the Accademia located in a former church; take Vaporetto 1 or 82 to reach it. Meanwhile the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is the most eminent modern art collection in Italy, representing a wide variety of artists including Picasso, Pollock and Dali as well as a wonderful sculpture garden with views over the Grand Canal.

Once you have ticked the most obvious tourist sites off your ‘must-see’ list take time to wander through this remarkable city, soaking up the atmosphere and discover your own favorite corners. Apart from the tourist center there are a further thirty or so islands in the lagoon to explore including Burano and Torcello as well as Murano where you may observe the world-famous glass blowers at work and can purchase their magnificent glass products.