A quieter Venice among the Islands in the Lagoon
by whynotnorthcarolina
If visiting Venice, a trip to the various islands in the lagoon can provide a good overall basis for what Venice is like in terms of canals and life. The islands of Murano and Burano, the islands of lace and glass are provide a good microcosm of what the main sections of Venice are like. Both Murano (Glass) and Burano (lace) have canals, churches, and many of the typical elements one associates with Venice. The Island of Burano is a wonderful island with the houses being painted in a wide variety of colors. Although Burano is becoming a bit touristy, the island still allows for a bit more quiet than the main islands.
see the Piazza San Marco. ...
by wayward_son
see the Piazza San Marco. This is the religious, historical and social centre of Venice. At one end is the Basilica of San Marco with its amazing façade. The old and new courts also surround the square. Through out the square are bandstands, which feature different groups playing classical and jazz music. Sitting table sit sipping wine is a fine way to relax and rest during or after a busy day of sight seeing. Also, on the square is the Campanile of San Marco, a 100 meters high tower built toward the end of the ninth century. Most people wait to climb to the top of the tower for photos of Venice and the Piazza below. But, there is a better view from the tower of the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore (directly across the canal from the Doges’ Palace). Get there early and you might just get time alone at the top. Walking through the lanes, stopping randomly at different restaurants and bars for wine and snacks. Finding little hidden away places where the locals hangout. The quite peace found along empty lanes.
Venice Tip
by Barbara2
It was, for us, a most enjoyable ride. Our gondolier was pleasant and amusing. We glided along the waterways for about 1 hour (and 3 rolls of film) fascinated by the history of both the city of Venice and our gondolier.
More atmospheric books with La Serenissima
by Trekki
Thanks to Leyle of the WanderingCamels, who recommended another very much atmospheric book with Venice as background and actress - Miss Garnet’s Angel. It is the story of a retired schoolteacher, who comes to Venezia after a friend of her died. She starts to develop a deep interest in the city, her inhabitants and the daily events and starts to change her perception of life in general in so many aspects. Parallel, the story of angel Raffael is told – the angel of Venezia.
The location to visit before, during or after having read the book is chiesa San Angelo Raffaele, tucked away in western Dorsuduro (see GE screenshot, photo 3). Another book I have read afterwards and am still torn between like and dislike is A Thousand Days in Venice by Marlena diBlasi. It is a kind of autobiography, an US American and writer of restaurant critics and cook books comes to Venice and finds the love of her life. She moves to the city and starts to explore it more and more. What I like is the way she describes daily scenes, like how she makes friends among the market sellers at Rialto, how she learns some special recipes from them and starts to cook in one of the osterias. What I don’t like is the way she writes about her friend, later husband. Quite often I perceived the whole style as a bit arrogant towards her new home and people. But I think, I liked it finally.
Regatta Storica, 04.09.2005.
by croisbeauty
Before the Regatta started, Canal Grande was a very bussy place, there were lots of moving up and down the canal. More or less, it looked to me like a big confusion seeing all this boats going in opposite direction.