I once heard Venice (or Venezia as the locals call it) being described as being ‘hauntingly beautiful’. And it’s true. There is something truly mesmerizing about this place. Walking down the narrow alleyways, crisscrossing over the innumerable small bridges, sampling sweets in the quaint local patisseries, it’s as though nothing much as change over the last few hundred years in Venice, aside from the motorised boats whizzing down the canals and of course, the hoards of tourists. I probably made a bit of a mistake in visiting Venice during August, the height of the tourist season in Europe. Walking down La Ferrovia (what could be likened to the main street of Venice) was like playing ‘try to dodge the tourist’. There were people everywhere. You could barely take one step forward without bumping into something. Enough said. So I’d recommend visiting Venice in the spring or autumn, when you can do the city a bit more justice and appreciate its beauty and captivation to the fullest. But even during the height of the tourist season, you can still find some solace in the back alleyways and canals, which are almost devoid of all human life, except for the patchwork of clotheslines swaying gently in the summer breeze.
My visit to Venice this year could be likened to a marathon. Making a quick stop over (of only a few hours), I raced through the pedestrian friendly streets, seeing some of the highlights of the city, before jumping on the afternoon bus to Ljubljana. I left Verona train station mid-morning, with a new-found friend I meet in the hostel in Verona. She had no plans that day, so decided to come along with me for a day trip to Venice. The train trip took approximately 2.5 hours and we arrived in Venice before midday. Disembarking from Venice Santa Lucia train station, you will find the old city right at your feet. We kept to La Ferrovia and followed the well posted signs to Rialto and San Marco, hoping we didn’t get lost in the labyrinth of street, as I had a 4:30pm train to catch from Venice Mestre (the town/Venice which is ‘part of Venice’ located on the mainland). Luckily, I was able to keep my backpack at the train station in their luggage hold for only a few euros, so I didn’t have to lug it all around the city. We were lucky to have a beautiful sunny day, and the temperature wasn’t too high for the time of year. We had a pleasurable days strolling down the streets in Venice, doing a bit of window shopping, eating some delicious treats and visiting a few of the major attractions, listed below:
A few things not to be missed on a visit to Venice (even if it’s as short as mine):
Piazza San Marco: Perhaps the heart of the city, Piazza San Marco (Saint Mark’s Square), is not to be missed. You can get a ferry from many points in Venice to the Piazza, or if you wish to go on foot, follow the yellow signs ‘Per San Marco’ – it takes about a 30-45 minute leisurely walk. One you arrive you’ll be greeted by an onslaught of pigeons, but aside from that, you’ll see a spectacular piazza, San Marco Basilica, The Doge’s Palace and The Palazzo Pubblico with its impressive bell tower.
Basilica San Marco: A magnificent basilica located on the side of the Piazza San Marco. I didn’t have enough time to go inside, but the elaborated carvings, colourful mosaics, awe-insiriping gold sculptures, lavish Byzantine domes, luminous marble work on the exterior are truly breath-taking in themselves.
The Doge’s Palace: Immediately beside the Basilica San Marco is The Doge’s Palace. Again, I didn’t get the chance to go inside, not enough time and ridiculously long lines, but like the Basilica, this imposing building, with its pointed arches, beautiful stonework and gothic embellishes, makes one wonder why they don’t build just amazing and intricately decorated buildings today.
Rialto Bridge: One of four bridges that cross over The Grand Canal, The Rialto Bridge is the postcard of Venice. It attracts tourist from around the world to marvel at its beautiful design, and also for its practical purpose to cross over to the other side of the canal.
The Grand Canal: This is the major highway of Venice. Being the largest canal that winds through Venice, this is the main transportation route for both Venetians and visitors. At any time of the day it is overtaken by ferries, private motor boats, gondolas and maybe the odd little rowboat or two.
Venice’s Lanes and Canals: And last but not least, take the time to wander aimlessly through Venice’s lanes and canals. Take time out from the tourist buzz and experience the peace and serenity of Venice. You will come across beautiful little squares, quaint houses and locals going about their daily business. Even though I was stretched for time, I did take some time out to experience the true Venice, the hauntingly beautiful Venice.
Essentials:
Getting there: