Venice is a beautiful and historic city that is known for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture. We had planned a trip to meet up with my father when he went for a week, but we could not join him as planned. But being the planner that I am, I still had a bunch of notes on the city in anticipation of the vacation, so I’m sharing that here. Fair warning though that the level of detail is sparse and a far cry from my post about visiting New Orleans.
Side note: My June posts focused on Europe, my July posts focused on the United States, and my August posts focus on Italy. All my travel posts including this series and all EvinOK posts since 2011 can be found here. Come September, my usual blend of recipes, crafts, and travel will resume – but for summer let’s indulge a bit of wanderlust.
History
Venice was founded in the early 5th century as a refuge for people fleeing from invading barbarian tribes. The city was built on a series of islands in a lagoon and was accessible only by boat, which made it difficult for invaders to reach. It became a major trading center in the Mediterranean and was one of the wealthiest cities in Europe during the Middle Ages. Its powerful navy protected its merchant ships as they traveled to and from the East, and the city became a center of international trade and commerce.
Venice was an independent city-state for over a thousand years, and was known for its innovative political and social systems. The city was ruled by a republic with a complex system of government, and was known for its tolerance and freedom of religion. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Venice’s power and influence declined, and the city became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1866. Despite this, the city has continued to maintain its rich history and cultural heritage, and remains a popular tourist destination to this day.
Culture & Architecture
Venice was known as La Serenissima, or The Most Serene Republic, and was famous for its cultural, artistic, and intellectual achievements. The city was home to many great writers, artists, and musicians, and was a center of learning and cultural exchange. The city is particularly famous for its stunning Gothic and Renaissance architecture, as well as its numerous works of art, including paintings by Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese.
Where to Eat
When we travel, our rule is to not eat someplace where there is a laminated photo-based menu posted outside. Those spots tend to be catering to tourists and the photos make good sense to overcome the language barriers. But we deserve to go off the beaten path, don’t we?
A Le Tole Spaghetteria Pizzeria
All’Arco Stanley Tucci visited Venice, so check out the episode.
Da Raffaele (canal side view is great)
Al Vecio Marangon (a local spot that gets crowded and has a handwritten daily menu)
Ristorante Al Covo (featured by Anthony Bourdain)
Things to Do
Here are some things to do when visiting Venice:
- Take a gondola ride: One of the most iconic things to do in Venice is to take a gondola ride along the city’s canals. It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective and to get a feel for the local culture.
- Visit St. Mark’s Basilica and St. Mark’s Campanile (bell tower): This iconic cathedral is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in Venice. It’s known for its ornate mosaics, gold-plated domes, and grand architecture. The bell tower is open to visitors and provides a great view.
- Explore the Rialto Bridge: The Rialto Bridge is one of Venice’s most famous landmarks. It’s a great place to take in views of the city and to watch the boats pass by on the Grand Canal.
- Visit the Doge’s Palace: This palace was the residence of the Doge, the chief magistrate and leader of the Republic of Venice. It’s now a museum that houses works of art and artifacts that tell the story of Venice’s history.
- Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection: This modern art museum is housed in the palazzo of Peggy Guggenheim, an American collector who lived in Venice in the 20th century. The museum has an impressive collection of works by artists like Jackson Pollock, Salvador Dalí, and Pablo Picasso.
- Walk through the narrow streets of Venice: Venice is known for its winding streets and charming neighborhoods. Take some time to explore the city on foot and discover hidden gems and charming squares. The Cannaregio neighborhood is lovely.
- Visit the island of Murano: This island is famous for its glass-making. You can take a boat ride to the island and visit the glass factories where you can watch the artisans at work and purchase some of the beautiful glassware.
- Eat seafood: Venice is located on the coast and seafood is a staple of the local cuisine. Be sure to try the local seafood dishes like risotto ai frutti di mare, spaghetti alle vongole, and sarde in saor.
- Take a day trip to the nearby islands of Burano and Torcello: These islands are located just a short boat ride from Venice and offer a different experience of the city, with colorful houses and a more rural atmosphere.
- Enjoy the music: Venice is known for its lively music scene, so be sure to check out some of the local jazz clubs, bars, and other venues where you can listen to live music.
- Visit the San Giorgio Maggiore, a 16th-century Benedictine church on the island of the same name designed by Andrea Palladio. The view from the top is unparalleled.
These are just a few of the many things you can do when visiting Venice. I’m definitely missing so much having not been there in-person. I hope to visit at some point because my dad’s notes and photos from his trip there showed its beauty. I share one story of his Venice trip in a different blog post about Tiramisu.
