There are many things to see in Venice.
No matter where you are in the city, there's always something to do.
I'll take you on a tour of the place!
What to see in Venice: article summary
What to see in Venice: Saint Mark's Square
Also known as the "salon of Europe", this is the first place to visit in Venice. Visit place Saint-Marc is the heart of the lagoon and the symbol of Venice.
Its first appearance dates back to 826, when the body of Saint Mark was brought to Venice by two merchants from Alexandria.
Piazza San Marco is made up of three sectors.
The square itself, enclosed between the old and new Procuratie. One side faces the basilica of the same name and the bell tower of Saint Mark's (Campanile di San Marco).
Access to the piazza is via the two columns facing the San Marco basin and the Piazzetta Dei Leoncini, named after the two statues of crouching lions.
Piazza San Marco is also one of the city's most important buildings. St. Mark's Basilica with its Campanile and the Doge's Palace.
While admiring the beauty of the square, don't forget to stop off at the Venetian clock tower. It's a Renaissance building with a clock displaying the time, the phase of the moon and the signs of the zodiac.
Saint Mark's Basilica
Visit Saint Mark's Basilica is the most influential church in Venice. It was built in the 11th century. Also known as the "Golden Church", this is where you'll find the treasures of St. Mark's. Golden mosaics with majestic design elements adorn the entire church.
The basilica was a sacred building and a visible symbol of the power and wealth acquired by the Serenissima Republic.
Before heading inside the church, take the time to step outside and admire the mosaics on the façade, where the story of how St. Mark's body was brought to Venice is told.
If you look up, you can also see admire the 4 horse statues. These were part of the Constantinople Hippodrome.
What to see in Venice: Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs
If Saint Mark's Basilica was the religious heart of Venice, the Doge's Palace was the center of political power.
As its name suggests, this palace was the seat of the Doge, the chief magistrate of the Venetian Republic.
It's another symbol of the city and an architectural masterpiece in the Venetian Gothic style. It is located in Piazza San Marco.
The interiors of the Doge's Palace still include works by the most famous Venetian masters, such as Titian, Domenico Tintoretto and Paolo Veronese.
The palace is divided into three main sections and on different floors. During your visit, you'll see the apartments and institutional chambers of the Doges, and end with visit to the armoury and prisons. On your way to the prisons, you will have the chance to cross the famous pont des Soupirs.
Rialto Bridge
Visit Rialto bridge (Ponte di Rialto) is the most beautiful bridge spanning the Grand Canal in Venice. It's certainly one of Venice's most popular tourist attractions, and you can't miss it during your stay!
There are only four bridges connecting one bank of the Grand Canal to the other, and this is the oldest in the city. The bridge was originally made of wood, and was later replaced by a a stone bridge in the early 16th century.
The bridge has a single arch and two rows of interconnected stores. in the central part of the bridge.
Here you'll find a number of souvenir stores. If you move to the outer part of the bridge, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the Grand Canal.
What to see in Venice: La Fenice theater
The theater La Fenice (Teatro La Fenice) is a prestigious opera house and one of the most important in the world.
It is located in the San Marco district. Unfortunately, the building has been burnt down several times over the centuries, most recently in 1996.
In the 19th century, the theater hosted many world premieres of opera. by Gioachino Rossini, Vincenzo Bellini, Gaetano Donizetti and Giuseppe Verdi.
Nowadays, you can go to the theater and attend opera, ballet and classical music concerts. Since January 2004, the city has organized the traditional annual New Year's Eve.
The Galleria dell'Accademia
The Galleria dell'Accademia is an art museum located in the district of Dorsoduro in Venice.
Facing the Grand Canal and surrounded by ancient Gothic palaces and a picturesque public square, the Accademia Galleries are one of Venice's most visited tourist attractions.
The museum holds the world's finest collection of Venetian art, from the 14th to the 18th century.
Stroll through the galleries and stand before masterpieces by Titian, Tintoretto, Canaletto and Bellini.
After your visit, cross the the Accademia bridge (Ponte dell'Accademia) and from there you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Grand Canal.
What to see in Venice: the Peggy Guggenheim collection
Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection is one of the world's most prestigious museums of contemporary art. It is housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, overlooking the Grand Canal. This is where the influential patron of the arts once lived, in the Dorsoduro district.
The museum houses his personal collection as well as other collections and temporary exhibitions. Here you can admire works by some of the most influential artists of our time, including Picasso, Modigliani, Dalì, Magritte, Warhol and many others.
The facility focuses primarily on European and American art of the 20th century. Art movements represented include surrealism, cubism, futurism, abstract expressionism and the avant-garde.
There's a lot to see in Venice. However, if you follow this list, you're sure to find something wonderful to do in Venice. in the heart of the old town.
What to do in Venice in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
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