An Adventure In and Around Venice
Several of the ò€˜must-seeò€™ parts of Venice can be found here and the key sights of San Marco are linked by three main thoroughfares which form a rough triangle: from the piazza San Marco to the Rialto Bridge, from the Rialto to the Accademia Bridge and from there back to the piazza.Sumptuously laid out in Byzantine, Gothic, classical and late Renaissance styles, the Piazza San Marco - or St Markò€™s Square - is the principal square of Venice and a central landmark and meeting place for visitors and residents.
The square is crowned by the Basilica di San Marco (St Marks Basilica), a remarkable place of worship that is the most famous of the city"s churches and one of the best known examples of Byzantine architecture.
Also accessible from the square is the Palazzo Ducale or Dogeò€™s Palace, the residence of Veniceò€™s elected leader and a political centre that consists of grandiose staterooms, adorned with priceless works of art. The Biblioteca Marciana, or National Library of St. Marks, can also be found on the square and holds one of the greatest classical texts collections in the world.
The Correr Museum also branches off St Markò€™s Square and is dedicated to the art and history of Venice. Filled with all sorts of fascinating artifacts and paraphernalia, the museum also gives access to the Museo Archeologico (Museum of Archaeology) which is one of the oldest museums in Venice and home to rich collections from Greek, Egyptian, Roman and Assiryan-Babylonian civilizations.
To the east of the city is Castello, a hard-working, lived-in and traffic-free side to Venice. Bohemian-chic Dorsoduro is crammed with artistic treasures and lies to the south of the city whereas the peaceful north area of Cannaregio is a great escape if you need to get off the beaten track.
When youò€™re looking at hotels in Venice remember there are certain times each year when Venice gets busier than usual.
For the ten days leading up to Shrove Tuesday, the Venice Carnival takes over the city with pageants, street theatre and masked balls. The start of summer brings the Vogalonga rowing regatta in June followed by the Redentore Festival in July. What"s more, Venice International Film Festival - usually in August and September - is a high profile event whilst the Architecture Biennale - in September to November - draws over 100,000 visitors.
As you can see, regardless of the time of year that you choose to visit Venice, you really will not be short of things to see and do on a trip this popular Italian city.