Italy: Venizia

An October 1993 trip to Venice by kylebarber

CanalMore Photos

The charms and disappointments of visiting the most romantic destination in the world

  • 7 reviews
  • 9 photos

Italy: VeniziaBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Canal
The small city is itself the highlight. While there are a number of world class attractions to see (notably the Basilica di San Marco), Venice is best remembered for the tranquil walks along the narrow canals. By night the moon is shining down on the rippling water, and if you're ever going to fall in love with a travelling companion your defenses will fall in this mysteriously illuminated town.

Quick Tips:

Go to Venizia AFTER you fall madly in love with a beautiful Italian lover to really get the most mileage out of this charming but small destination. Verona and Padua are both worth checking out, but can be accomplished in a half day.

Best Way To Get Around:

I managed to avoid forking over a small fortune for a gondola ride, and my friends who did pay say they were taken for a ride in more ways than one. If you are looking to enjoy a lengthy trip through the canals, do some bargaining and make sure you have agreed to the length of the trip beforehand.

Gelateria NicoBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

I guess after living in Firenze for a month, I was spoiled but my gelati expectations had risen considerably. This fine establishment served up fairly good ice cream, but in rather small servings for double the price of what you'd normally expect to pay throughout Italy. Such is life in eternally popular and expensive Venezia...
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by kylebarber on April 24, 2002

Gelateria Nico
Zattere 922 Venice, Italy
+39 (041) 522 5293

IguanaBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Why on earth would someone choose to eat Mexican food in Venice? Well, because everything else in town is too expensive for a college kid slumming his way through Europe. The food was pretty good considering, while the service was typical of an inexpenisve Italian bistro: slow and uninterested. But I should note that they didn't mind our party lingering for a while to chat, which merited a return visit the next day.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by kylebarber on April 24, 2002

Iguana
Cannaregio 2515 Venice, Italy
+39 (041) 716-722

Gallerie dell AccademiaBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Gallerie Dell'Accademia"

The Gallerie Dell'Accademia was inaugurated in the the mid eighteenth century as an art school for the community of Venice, as well as an attempt to keep the local talent in the area. It has seen some rough times in the various invasions by neighboring countires but has managed to stay open and preserve some important pieces of art.

The interesting collection of buildings house an extensive collection, including many works that are quite tremendous in size and cover entire walls. The Feast in the House of Levi was particularly impressive. Artists that are featured prominently include Vittorio Carpaccio, Jacopo Robusti detto Tintoretto, Gentile Bellini, Giovanni Bellini and Giorgio da Castelfranco detto Giorgione.

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by kylebarber on April 24, 2002

Gallerie dell Accademia
Campo della Carita Venice, Italy 30130
+39 (041) 5222247

Palazzo DucaleBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

View from dungeon window
The Palazzo Ducale is an unusual attraction, loaded with quality art, historical significance and an undeniable sense of dread. After checking out the sculptures and paintings, not to mention the views of the Piazza San Marco down below, you can descend into the torture chamber and prisons for a grim reminder that Italian politics can be ugly.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by kylebarber on April 24, 2002

Palazzo Ducale
Piazzetta San Marco Venice, Italy 30124
+39 0415224951

Basilica di San Marco - CampanileBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Basilica di San Marco"

Basilica di San Marco
The Basilica di San Marco is unlike any other major cathedral in Italy. Its Byzantine style is more Eastern than Italian, and the heavy touch of gold leaf further distinguishes it from the familiar duomos of southern Italy. Originally constructed in 1094, it has weathered some amazing tribulations. Taking a guided tour of the church's interior was illimunating in understanding not only the unique design of the Basilica di San Marco but also the independent political spirit of the Venetian community.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by kylebarber on April 24, 2002

Basilica di San Marco - Campanile
Piazza San Marco Venice, Italy 30124
+39 0415224064

BiennaleBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Squiggles
During the summertime, Venezia hosts the Biennale, a world class modern art festival. Much of the stuff on display in 1993 was truly bizarre, such as the pink squiggles that resemble human feet. But after surveying countless Italian masterpieces in museums and churches all over the country, it was nice to have a change of pace. And the odd art works certianly encourage lively conversations between you and your new international friends.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by kylebarber on April 24, 2002

Biennale
Giardini Pubblici Venice, Italy

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