Venice
We visited Venice in 2004, 2005 and again in Dec. 2009. Venice is renowned for the beauty of its location, its architecture and its artworks. It has been called “the city of canals” since it is a cluster of over 100 islands linked by bridges and is located in the marshy Venetian Lagoon. The gondolas, water taxis and waterbuses are the main mode of transportation, other than walking. Two of the most famous bridges spanning the grand canal are the Ponte di Rialto (completed in 1591) with rows of shops along each side of the bridge and the newer Ponte dell'Accademia (completed in 1985) where lovers attach padlocks ("love locks") to the metal hand rails of the bridge.
Tidal surges and flooding are always an issue, especially in the winter months which causes flooding around the city. The buildings of Venice are constructed on closely spaced wooden piles with most of these piles still intact after centuries of submersion. The building foundations rest on these piles, and buildings of brick or stone sit above these footings. The piles penetrate a softer layer of sand and mud until they reach a much harder layer of compressed clay. This has caused the concern that the city is slowly sinking into the lagoon.
Venice was considered a major sea power in the middle ages and Renaissance, and its shipyards are still considered a military installation and access is restricted. Two islands that are not connected by bridges that are worth visiting are Murano island where they have many glassworks that make the famous Murano glass and Burano island which is known for its lacework.
St Mark's Square and Doges Palace are at the center of historic Venice. At the eastern end St Mark's Square is St Mark Basilica and the clock tower, the Basilica is one of the best known examples of Byzantine architecture and well worth a visit. Between the Basilica and the Grand Canal is the Doges Palace where the rulers of Venice controlled there empire (I recommend the secret itinerary tour). Linking the Doges Palace and the old prison next door is the famous Bridge of Sighs, named because the condemned prisoners would sigh as they caught there last view of Venice. As you wander around the streets of Venice look for the Brotherhood of St Mark Guildhall which as an amazing false perspective fa?ade. The most useful navigation tool I have found for Venice is a compass. GPS is often blocked by the narrow twisting streets, but a compass will keep you going in the right direction.
Read MoreTidal surges and flooding are always an issue, especially in the winter months which causes flooding around the city. The buildings of Venice are constructed on closely spaced wooden piles with most of these piles still intact after centuries of submersion. The building foundations rest on these piles, and buildings of brick or stone sit above these footings. The piles penetrate a softer layer of sand and mud until they reach a much harder layer of compressed clay. This has caused the concern that the city is slowly sinking into the lagoon.
Venice was considered a major sea power in the middle ages and Renaissance, and its shipyards are still considered a military installation and access is restricted. Two islands that are not connected by bridges that are worth visiting are Murano island where they have many glassworks that make the famous Murano glass and Burano island which is known for its lacework.
St Mark's Square and Doges Palace are at the center of historic Venice. At the eastern end St Mark's Square is St Mark Basilica and the clock tower, the Basilica is one of the best known examples of Byzantine architecture and well worth a visit. Between the Basilica and the Grand Canal is the Doges Palace where the rulers of Venice controlled there empire (I recommend the secret itinerary tour). Linking the Doges Palace and the old prison next door is the famous Bridge of Sighs, named because the condemned prisoners would sigh as they caught there last view of Venice. As you wander around the streets of Venice look for the Brotherhood of St Mark Guildhall which as an amazing false perspective fa?ade. The most useful navigation tool I have found for Venice is a compass. GPS is often blocked by the narrow twisting streets, but a compass will keep you going in the right direction.
