World-famous for its beauty, Venice, la Serenissima, and its lagoon were officially placed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1987.
The city was founded by the Veneti in the 500s to escape barbarian invasions, and by the early 1000s it had already become one of the most powerful and important cities in Europe. The first settlements sprang up in Torcello, Jesolo and Malamocco, over time the city then developed on as many as 118 islands. As a reminder of the splendor and power of one of the Four Maritime Republics, it is still possible to appreciate the marvelous bridges, squares and ancient palaces that hold the priceless works of Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese and many others.
Among the places you absolutely must visit in Venice we recommend:
St. Mark's Square
The square, the only one in Venice, is 180 meters long and 70 meters wide. St. Mark's is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the world, so much so that it was called by Napoleon Bonaparte: "the most beautiful salon in Europe."
It was built in the 9th century and paved only 100 years after its construction in 1177.
the Basilica of San Marco
Undoubtedly the most famous place in Venice, it stands in the center the square of the same name, surrounded by its very special five domes. It was the chapel of the Doges of the Republic of Venice. The main door is surmounted by bronze horses transported directly from Constantinople after the Fourth Crusade in 1204. The interior of the Basilica is covered with marvelous gold-ground mosaics depicting passages from the Bible. St. Mark's Bell Tower, originally built in 1173, was rebuilt after a collapse in front of the Doge's Palace in 1902.
On its red Verona marble loggia you can admire bas-reliefs depicting the exploits of the Lion Republic.
Ducal Palace
Right next to St. Mark's Basilica you can find the Doge's Palace. The structure consists of two buildings joined through a door the Porta della Carta. This Palace was the seat of the most important government of Europe for many centuries, the room where the most important activities took place is undoubtedly the most fascinating room of the Palace: the Hall of the Great Council.
Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal. For years it was the center of the Venetian economy and is famous for both its architecture and history. The Rialto Bridge was designed by architect Antonio da Ponte between 1588 and 1591 to replace the previous wooden structure. The name "Rialto" is derived from the Latin "Rivus altus," meaning "deep channel" indicating that this area is free from flooding.
The places of art in Venice
Venice is world famous for its historic cafes, such as the Florian, exhibitions and museums, including the Ca' Rezzonico, the Gallerie dell'Accademia, and the Peggy Guggenheim. Venice in itself is an open-air museum, but at certain times of the year it hosts exhibitions and events that make it even more unique and fascinating, such as the Cinema Biennale, and the Architecture, Art, Music, and Dance Biennales. One of the most famous monuments has been dedicated to opera: the Teatro della Fenice, which hosts the International Festival of Contemporary Music.
Church of St. Pantaleon
Nothing compares to the magnificence one admires as soon as one turns one's gaze in the direction of the ceiling: what may appear to be a well-executed fresco is actually a mammoth painting executed in oil on canvas (40 canvases joined together). The Martyrdom of Saint Pantaleon is a stunning work of astonishing skill that, at 443 square meters, is considered the largest in the world.
Staying at our Dai Carari B&B allows you to conveniently reach Venice and enjoy wonderful days surrounded by timeless history, culture and art.