Venice is home to numerous oddities that give it its distinct Italian character, including leaning towers, architectural oddities and ancient quarters that all add something extra special.
Rialto Bridge stands out as an iconic landmark of Venice, shining in the sun like a beacon. Take time to photograph it or cross to enjoy breathtaking canals winding throughout town.
History
Venice quickly rose to prominence as both a maritime commercial republic and powerful military power, dominating both Adriatic Sea trade routes as well as land far inland including what are today Slovenia, Croatia, and Greece. Venice’s fleet was legendary throughout Mediterranean waters while its unique geography, canals, and architecture gave it a distinct identity that made this particular city truly remarkable.
Venice in the Middle Ages was an epicenter for learning, particularly philosophy and literature, thanks to Marco Polo and Giacomo Casanova, both of whom visited this unique city during their travels and careers respectively. While most European kingdoms claimed divine rights to rule their people, Venice maintained its unique political system of city-states which adhered to classical forms of government based on property being part of publica, or belonging to all.
Buildings in Venice were at constant risk of sinking into the soft mud of its many small islands, so early Venetian buildings were usually temporary structures. Engineers soon devised ways to stabilize the ground so permanent structures could be constructed on them.
Though Venice had an illustrious past, its Republic was nearly destroyed when an invading Turkish fleet invaded in 1537 and forced Venice to sign an accord that gave up some of its coastal territories (see map).
Venice has long been renowned as an art mecca, drawing Renaissance humanists, English gentlemen on Grand Tour, artists and visionary thinkers. Its vibrant art scene was spurred by Venice’s extensive collections – no other modern museums existed at that time! In 1920 came into being the Biennale and has grown into one of the world’s premier exhibitions of contemporary art today.
Art
Venice is home to art galleries, churches and museums full of masterpieces to keep any art lover busy for days. No surprise then that this “floating city” has served as inspiration for so many renowned artists throughout history and left their own mark through paintings that continue to delight audiences worldwide.
Canaletto was one of Italy’s greatest view painters and his depictions of bustling St Mark’s Square and Santa Maria della Salute church are some of the world’s most celebrated works. George III purchased several beautiful pieces by Canaletto through agent Joseph Smith for the Royal Collection in 1762.
Jacopo and Gentile Bellini are two well-renowned Venetian painters, while Giorgione stands out as an intriguing painter with his haunting landscape paintings and moodily depicted ‘Miracolo della Croce al Ponte di San Lorenzo’ at Venice’s Accademia Art Gallery being described as one of the world’s most compelling water works ever created.
Vittore Carpaccio was another outstanding Venetian painter of the early 16th century, known for his striking paintings depicting saints and biblical scenes that combine Western and Eastern styles of painting into something truly stunning. He was particularly known for his revolutionary use of color which gave his works their incredible vibrancy and vibrancy.
His other masterpieces include ‘Saint Jerome with His Tamed Lion’ (1502) which exudes an ethereal quality evoking Bethlehem and alluding to Bethlehem itself; as well as ‘Vision of Saint Agostino’ (1502), an outstanding portrait of Leonardo Loredan – Doge of Venice at that time – featuring him fully regalted, including wearing his corno ducale cap over his head hat.
Shopping
Venice offers more than art and history; it also provides fantastic shopping opportunities. From high-end designer boutiques to handcrafted items and souvenirs, it has everything from high street designer stores.
Venice’s skilled artisans are an integral part of its cultural legacy and their time-honored techniques form the fabric of its identity. Beyond souvenir shops you will discover an array of one-off handcrafted products like glassblowing, lace making and mask making that make up Venice.
At the core of Venetian shopping lie its vibrant market stalls and streets in the city center. Here, residents gather to sell their wares in a vibrant taste of life before the tourist invasion begins.
Many artisanal shops are family-run and their products range from whimsical (non-wearable) to utilitarian: leathermaker Nardi crafts desert boots and moccasins from naturally tanned Tuscan vacchetta leather; Francesca Meretti offers homeware and jewelry collections with modernist lines that serve as a welcome antidote for much of Rococo excess found across the city.
Kalimala’s Shoemaking Shop has seen a small resurgence here, offering women and men practical shoes made with ethical Tuscan vacchetta leather that people might actually wear – from sandals and sneakers to basketball shoes and more! Prices begin around EUR100.
For something more luxurious, visit Fondaco dei Tedeschi – an 18th-century palace transformed into a luxury shopping gallery – or Noventa di Piave Designer Outlet which offers prestigious brands at reduced prices. Sales periods after Christmas and summer offer ideal shopping opportunities.
Venice accepts major credit cards, though for smaller purchases at markets and artisanal shops cash may be needed. Also remember when visiting workshops to be mindful of their space and avoid disrupting the processes underway.
Food & Drink
Venice is an unparalleled foodie haven, boasting an amazing variety of restaurants and bars to meet any foodie’s whim. Cicchetti (in Venetian dialect, known as Cichetti) are small snacks commonly served at wine bars (bacari).
An abundance of freshly caught seafood draws crowds to the daily fish market beneath neo-Gothic arcades, while once business has concluded, customers transition into bacari for classic cicheti such as crostini topped with salt cod fish spread, whipped cheeses featuring local ingredients like radicchio, or slices of polenta adorned with such delicacies. For something different try Risotto al Neroseppia; made using cuttlefish or squid ink that gives it its charcoal black hue.
Venetian cuisine places great emphasis on seafood due to the city’s coastal location. This can be seen through dishes like Moeche Fritte (deep-fried battered soft shell crab) and Bigoli in Salsa (a thicker form of spaghetti served with seasoned boiled shrimp in an onion, salt-cured fish, and polenta sauce).
Veneto is one of Italy’s top rice producing regions, so it is no surprise that its capital city also boasts a signature dish made of just two ingredients – rice and peas. Risi e bisi is a hearty yet light classic that traditionally marks St. Mark’s Day but remains popular all year-round.
As an accompaniment to your meal, try the classic Bellini; an intoxicating mix of prosecco and pureed peaches. Or opt for grappa – an alcoholic liqueur made from winemaking’s byproducts favored by Italians such as Truman Capote and Orson Welles – an Italian drink which pairs beautifully with both.
Entertainment
Venice, spread across 118 islands in a misty lagoon and connected by 400 bridges, is one of the world’s most captivating cities. Venice is known for its lavish palaces, Grand Canal, gondolas and Casanova–all hallmarks of “La Serenissima,” or The Most Serene Republic.
But for a true experience of Venice, spend some time wandering off of its main streets into small alleyways where locals huddle over coffee shop tables or cats rest their heads on sunny window ledges – this is where its magic lies hidden among its crowds!
Venice’s stunning architecture and historic landscape are testaments to centuries of interaction between people and nature, and demonstrates how humans adapted over time to adapt to specific environmental factors in an urban setting. Their unparalleled heritage highlights the advanced technical skills necessary for building hydraulic works that blend in perfectly with their surroundings while accommodating natural characteristics in every respect.
Venice has long been a source of creative inspiration to writers, from Ruzante (1502-1542), Carlo Goldoni (1707-1793) and Jacqueline Carey with her historical fantasy Kushiel’s Chosen (2002) to Thomas Mann with Death in Venice (1912). Additionally, Venice makes appearances in Henry James’ Aspern Papers and Wings of the Dove as well as Evelyn Waugh Brideshead Revisited and Marcel Proust In Search of Lost Time among many other works.
Today’s cultural and social life of Venice remains defined by an active network of local associations and community groups who organize events, festivals and activities as well as educational programs to bring the community together. One such center is Venice Performing Arts Center; home to three Performing Arts Organizations as well as world-class artists, musicians and performers throughout the year.