Venice was built in the Adriatic Laguna, northeastern Italy. It consists of 118 islets, each connected by a bridge. It goes without saying that it is called the “city of water” because many canals run. Venice, which has prospered as a unique nation and formed its own culture, is also registered as a World Heritage Site. From Venice, which is full of highlights, we will introduce recommended sightseeing spots that LINE Travel jp navigator thoroughly interviewed locally.
- Access to Venice, how to get around:
The main means of transportation in Venice, called the City of Water, is by boat. If you’re traveling to nearby islands such as Burano, take a water bus called vaporetto. The main tourist attractions on the main island can be reached on foot.
Individuals can also go sightseeing, but those who are unfamiliar with overseas travel are also recommended to take a local optional tour. If you apply in advance from the optional tour reservation site, you do not have to wait in a long line on the day of the gondola tour, which is a must-see for sightseeing in Venice.
- Grand Canal:
Venice is a beautiful World Heritage Site formed by artificial islands built on the tidal flats of the Adriatic Sea. As the name “City of Water” suggests, there are more than 150 large and small canals in the city. The largest of these is the Grand Canal. It is a canal that can be said to be the main street of Venice, which meanders in a large S-shape in the center of the city and also functions as a traffic aorta in the city where cars are prohibited.
The Venetian gondola and vaporetto (water bus) come and go, giving you a feeling of the republican era that prospered as a center of maritime trade.
- Rialto Bridge:
There are more than 400 bridges in the city of Venice, the “city of water”! The most beautiful of these is the Rialto Bridge, the symbol of the city. The total length is about 48m, which is the largest of the four bridges over the Grand Canal. Originally built in the 13th century, it was a wooden drawbridge, but later fell under the weight of the crowd who visited the Marquis parade. Its current appearance was rebuilt in marble in the 16th century and is one of the components of the World Heritage Site “Venice and its Lagoon”.
- Mark’s Square:
“St. Mark’s Square” is also known as “the most beautiful square in the world” with a strong medieval atmosphere. Around the square, there are many attractions such as the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica, the towering bell tower, and the clock tower that engraves history. And most of it, including the corridor that surrounds the square, is made of marble!
Once the center of the political economy of the Republic of Venice, the square is now a popular tourist attraction of the city.
- Mark’s Basilica:
This “Saint Mark’s Basilica” is a majestic building that stands on the east side of Piazza San Marco. It was built in the 9th century to worship the body of St. Mark, one of the Evangelists. Its elaborately decorated appearance is truly a masterpiece of masterpieces. Although it is a Byzantine architecture, it has undergone several renovations to date, and has adopted a variety of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance.
The interior of the cathedral is covered with golden mosaics, and you can see its former prosperity.
- Doge’s Palace:
The “Duge’s Palace” is located adjacent to St. Mark’s Basilica. This is also one of the must-see spots for sightseeing in Venice. Facing the canal, this magnificent building is the residence and government office of the Doge of the Republic of Venice, which has flourished for over 1000 years since the end of the 7th century. The glittering rooms inside tell the story of the prosperity of the time when it was called the “most noble country”.
In addition, it is connected to the prison ruins on the opposite bank across the canal by a bridge of sighs, which is also popular as a tourist spot. There is also a romantic anecdote that if you kiss under this bridge, you will be connected forever.
- San Giorgio Maggiore:
“San Giorgio Maggiore” is a small island across the canal from St. Mark’s Square. As you can see from the outside of the island, this small island is home to a beautiful Renaissance church called the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore. You can climb the beautiful bell tower, which seems to pierce the heavens, from which you can see the whole picture of the main island of Venice. The scenery surrounded by the Adriatic Sea at 360 ° is truly overwhelming. I feel that the unrealistic scenery and the sound of the bells invite me to the world of the past.
- Murano Island:
Venice formed by numerous lagunas of various sizes. There are several more islands scattered around the main island, which can be easily reached by vaporetto (water bus).
It takes only 20 minutes to reach Murano Island, which is famous for producing Venetian glass (Murano glass). From the 13th century to the present day, it has been the center of Venetian glass production.
- Burano:
A 50-minute vaporetto northeast of Murano will take you to a small island called Burano. The characteristic of this island is the colorful houses! Houses painted in primary and pastel colors decorate the canal, so you won’t get tired of walking around the city.
In addition, this island is famous for its cute lace knitting and Burano cookies. Burano cookies are especially recommended because they have a very matching butter and lemon flavor and are addictive.
- Summary:
This is the end of sightseeing in Venice! I tried to summarize the popular spots for sightseeing in Venice.