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Ca' d'Oro
The Ca' d'Oro is where visitors can
find the Gallery Franchetti with an
extensive collection of 15th and
16th centuries tapestries, paintings
(most of which were done by Titian)
and bronzes. The plus of visiting
this gigantic Gothic structure is
the panoramic view of the Grand
Canal from the balconies on the 1st
and 2nd floors.
Gallerie
dell'Accademia
This important gallery is one of the
best to study the progression of
Venetian art from the 14th to 18th
centuries, as it houses many fine
and famous pieces done by Titian,
Bellini and Giorgione among
others.
Palazzo
Ducale
The Doge's Palace was once home to
the doge and to all arms of
government for almost a thousand
years that Venice was a powerful
Republic. The entire structure is in
a magnificent Gothic style vested
with a wonderful interior designed
by Palladio, Titian and Tintoretto.
Ponte di
Rialto
Apart from its perpetually
bustling market atmosphere bubbling
with fresh produce and souvenir
stalls, the Rialto has always been
the commercial heart of Venice. In
the middle of the market stands the
Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto, the
city's oldest church which is
believed to date from the year 421
in which Venicew as founded
itself.
St Mark's
Basilica
The St Mark's Basilica in Venice is
the attestation to the city's
maritime and commercial influence
during its Republic age. Modelled on
Constantinople's Church of the
Twelve Apostles and consecrated in
1094, it serves as a warehouse for
plundered treasures. The great view
from the top is simply
undescribable.
St Mark's
Square
If this square can speak, it may
complain of a perennial presence of
pedestrians and pigeons who never
give it peace. But the constant
carnival atmosphere conjured by the
duelling cafe orchestras, traffic,
cooing pigeons and waiters in St
Mark's Square is perhaps one of the
best spots to capture the spirit of
the city.
Burano
The Burano island (40 minutes by
ferry from Venice) is famous for its
fishing and lace industries as well
as the vibran, candy colors of the
village's houses. Many lace shops
here offer lace making
demonstrations, and popular
souvenirs include delicate
tablecloths, fans, collars and
shawls.
Murano
Since the secrets of the glass
making had been introduced in Venice
in the 10th century, the art had
taken its root in the Murano
community which is today very famous
for this industry. There are several
outlets where you can purchase
authentic glasswares as well as
visit the factories and observe the
glass-makers in action.
Torcello
Torcello is a quiet islet in the
north of the Venetian lagoon where
the first mainlanders escaping from
the barbarian invasions and gave
birth to Venice. Fewer than a
hundred people still live and go
about their own business in this
abandoned town today, but its
otherworldly air may help you
envision how life was life in the
pre-Republican Venice.
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