Back Street Canals, Venice

1 more image

Before we went to venice we studied our Lonely Planet and decided we would explore as much of venice as we could.

We visited the Sotoporto Ghetto which was the first ever Jewish Ghetto. The buildings are still the traditional 7 storeys high and all the Jews in Venice were forced to move into there in the early 20 Century. Well worth a visit if you want to get away from the hoards of tourists elsewhere.

After here there is a nice canal to wander down through the other side of the area.

CANNAREGIO

This bridge is unusual, as it has no parapets.

Originally Venices bridges were all designed like this, but as more and more of the citizens were falling off the bridges into the canals, railings and walls were added. Apparently 'Il Gazzatinno' - Venices daily paper used to print daily charts of the people who'd taken an acccidental dip the previous day.

This, and the Devils Bridge on Torcello, are the only remaining examples of bridges without parapets in Venice.

The bridge leads into a B&B 3749 Ponte Chiodo Which looks a nice place to stay

Directions-
Vaporetto Station -Ca'd' Oro.

Probably best to check the hotels web site (click on link above) for detailed explanation of how to find the hotel, then the bridge should be nearby

3 more images

This is a must if you appreciate art.....Vittorio Constantini is an amazing glass artist who recreats nature in the smallest of detail.......He has a large wall hanging of a collection of simply beautiful butterflies....cases of every bug you can think of......even sea life...the glass jelly fish is unbelievable...don't miss his spider web........He is located on Calle del Fumo about half way toward the water where you would catch the boat to Murano......on the right if you are coming from the Rialto....... walk NE of the Rialto bridge......it is a short walk from there up a wonderful street that is very narrow and full of other interesting finds.....the printer on the street is fun too....vintage looking stationery.....and full of creativity...there are fewer tourists and more real ambiance......
Most of his work is not for sale.....it is like a muesum......He doesn't speak English well but his wife does......you may want to call ahead to be able to see him at work.......He has taught glass art all over the world....

I've love to wonder around Venice without a map. You will come across all types of interesting squares and things and may get away from the crowds. You will find good locations for taking pictures.
.
When I get lost, I just follow the big yellow signs to St Mark Square or to the Train station, or to wherever a big landmark is near where I want to do. I love when signs point in two opposite directions for the same landmark. :)

There are more then 500 bridges in Venice, but just one doesn’t have the parapet. It’s the Ponte Chiodo and you can find it on the Fondamenta di San Felice (in Cannaregio district) near the Misericordia. It’s still without parapet because it doesn’t lead to a public street but to a private building (Palazzo Chiodo) .
It's a perfect place for a lovely picture.

There are literally hundreds of back water canals and bridges to help you get lost in this wonderful city. Your map will normally show you the main places to visit but it is essential to wander around the smaller streets and bridges to get a proper feel of the magic of Venice. From the water, an entirely different Venice will show itself. Not much glamour here with the dirty underside of this great city bared for all to see. It will quickly become apparent to you that Venice is slowly but surely being gobbled up by the lagoon. A trip down the Grand Canal will show you the best of Venice, a trip down the back waters will show you the more desparate side of town.

Best tip is to put on yr walking boots and get out there... when any calle gets too busy, get off onto the side streets.. we spent two days taking in turns to decide whether to go left or right and found empty squares, beautiful churches, cheap restaurants and no tourists!! think most people stick to the main drags as they're afraid of getting lost.. all too easy in venice. But what better place to do so??

4 more images

Venice has over 100 canals with over 400 bridges. It's a lot of little islands. Each "island" was considered its own separate little district back in the day so each one has its own church, its own campo, etc.

2 more images

Wander down some side streets (Venice isn't that big, you'll hit water before you can get too lost). You'll find great music acts randomly scattered throughout. So stray from the hectic pace of St. Mark's Square and find some of the smaller sights and sounds the city has to offer.

From the Ferrovia waterbus stop, if you follow signs to Piazzalle Roma then these lead you along some nice back streets. We found this very nice bar/cafe right beside a colourful canal. Very quiet, and serving very nice light tiramisu at 1.45 euros. It was a delightful spot, the canal is wide enough to be nice to sit beside and quiet yet with one or two gondolas and boats drifting along. A peaceful spot to enjoy.

If you don't find this particular spot, then there are so many others that it is worth trying anyway. :-)