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Venice
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Page 2 of 2 Piazza & Basilica di San Marco
One of the most famous squares in the world, Piazza San Marco is enclosed by the basilica and the arcades of the Procuratie Vecchie, Procuratie Nuove and Libreria Sansoviniana (home to the Museo Correr, Biblioteca Marciana and Museo Archeologico). The piazza hosts flocks of pigeons and tourists, both competing for space in the high season. Stand and wait for the famous bronze mori (Moors) to strike the bell of the Law Courts’ 15th-century Torre dell'Orologio (clock tower).
The basilica, with its elaborately decorated facade, was built to house the body of St Mark, which had been stolen from its burial place in Egypt by two Venetian merchants. The saint has been reburied several times in the basilica (at least twice the burial place was forgotten) and his body now lies under the high altar. The present basilica was built in the Byzantine style in the 11th century and richly decorated with magnificent mosaics over the next five centuries. The famous bronze horses (part of Venice's booty from the Sack of Constantinople in 1204) prancing above the entrance are replicas of the originals displayed in the basilica's museum (2 €). Don't miss the flashy Pala d'Oro (2 €), a gold altarpiece decorated with silver, enamel and precious stones; it's behind the basilica's altar.
The basilica's 99m freestanding bell tower was built in the 10th century, but suddenly collapsed on 14 July 1902 and was later rebuilt. It costs L8000 to get to the top.
Palazzo Ducale
The official residence of the doges and seat of the republic's government was built in the 9th century, and later expanded and remodelled. The palace's Sala del Maggior Consiglio has paintings by Tintoretto and Veronese. The palace is open 9 am to 7 pm daily (last entry at 5.30 pm). Admission is 9 € and the same ticket covers entry to the nearby Museo Correr, Biblioteca Marciana and Museo Archeologico, as well as the Palazzo Mocenigo (San Stae area), and Burano and Murano Museums.
The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) connects the Palazzo Ducale to Venice's old prisons. The bridge evokes romantic images, probably because of its association with Casanova, a native of Venice who was incarcerated in the prisons. It was, however, the thoroughfare for prisoners being led to the dungeons.
Galleria dell'Accademia
The Academy of Fine Arts contains Italy's most important collection of Venetian art, including works by Tintoretto, Titian and Veronese. It is open 9 am to 7 pm Tuesday to Saturday, to 8 pm on Sunday and to 2 pm Monday (1 €). For a change of pace visit the nearby Collezione Peggy Guggenheim, a modern art collection displayed in the former home of the American heiress. The palazzo is set in a sculpture garden where Miss Guggenheim and her many pet dogs are buried. It is open 10 am to 6 pm Wednesday to Monday (1 €).
Churches
The Chiesa del Redentore (Church of the Redeemer) on Giudecca Island was built in the 16th century by the architect Palladio, and is the scene of the annual Festa del Redentore (see the Special Events section). The Chiesa di Santa Maria del la Salute was built at the entrance to the Grand Canal and dedicated to the Madonna after a plague in the 17th century. It contains works by Tintoretto and Titian. Also nbe sure to visit the Gothic churches SS Giovanni e Paolo and the Frari. Entry to each church is 2 €, or buy the Chorus Pass (7 €) which gains entry to Museum to see the evolution of the famous glassware. Despite the constant influx of tourists, Burano is a relatively sleepy fishing village, renowned for its lace. Visit tiny Torcello to see the Byzantine mosaics in its cathedral, notably the exquisite mosaic of the Madonna in the apse.
Excursion boats leave for the three islands from San Marco (15 € return). If you want to go it alone, vaporetto No 12 goes to all three from Fondamenta Nuove (3 € one way).
Gondola Rides
These might represent the quintessential romantic Venice, but at around 10 € (25 € after 8 pm) for a 50-minute ride they are expensive. It is possible to squeeze up to six people into one gondola and still pay the same price.
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