A Month In Venice

Visiting Venice is perhaps one of the best things you can do if you are traveling to Italy. In fact I believe that you will not truly gain the essence of what an Italian life is like without visit to this city. However with this in mind I am sure that for many Venice is just one part of a series of destinations. So then you may ask from where can I visit Venice? What other attractions are worth my time before I go? It turns out there are many cities and places to see before you visit Venice as the surrounding area is just as rich in history and culture as any other part of Italy. Let’s face it if your country is credited with the start of the modern
western civilization then you are sure to have something to see everywhere you go.

It is quite well known that the area surrounding Venice is one of the wealthiest in the whole of Europe. So finding cheap accommodations can be a bit of a challenge however I am sure that many astute travelers will know how to cope.

Verona
Verona has been listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site due to its many historical buildings. One of the buildings that this city is best known for is its amphitheatre or arena which was completed around 30 C.E. and was the sight for many gladiator and other forms of entertainment that drew crowds from all around the city. Another site to see is the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore which is really indicative of Romanesque architecture and I am sure is a sight worth seeing if you are at all into history or architecture.

Verona is also known as the place where Julius Caesar went to relax from his duties as Emperor of the then growing Roman Empire. As well Verona is the setting for the Shakespeare play Romeo and Juliet. A balcony claiming to be the balcony that inspired one of the most famous scenes in the play is a tourist destination and a place where a bronze statue of Juliet stands and it is believed that if you rub her breast you will receive good luck.

Padua
Padua is the communications hub of the Veneto province and is also listed by UNESCO as a world Heritage site due to its many historical buildings. Like Verona Padua also has a connection to Shakespeare as this is the setting for the play The Taming of the Shrew. This city claims to be the oldest city in the area however that is not really verified. Padua did not come into the rule of the Venetians until quite late in 1405. This city has a rich history that is worth exploring especially if you are into art and architecture. Many Roman soldiers came out of this city and there are many archeological remnants still being discovered.

Vicenza
This city is a short train trip away from Venice as it is only 60km away. This should make for a quick day trip either from or to Venice. Like the other cities above this city is also listed as UNESCO world heritage site due to its many historical buildings. This city did not become part of Rome until 45 B.C.E. when all inhabitants of the city obtained Roman citizenship. There is little left of the Roman architecture except for some still standing aquaducts. There are however many examples of Palladio’s works left in this city such as the Villa Capra and the Basilica Palladiana which stands in Vicenza’s Piazza dei Signori. Further sites to see are the Teatro Olimpico which was built for the Accademia degli Olimpici. As you can see there are many sights to see that is surrounding the city of Venice.

A quick day trip out of the city is sure to change the pace a bit for those that are either interested in art, architecture or history as there are many examples all three located everywhere in the Veneto region.

The Venice Film Festival or Mostra Internazionale d’Arte Cinematografica di Venezia is the oldest of all the film festivals in the entire world. The history of this festival started in 1932 as the Esposizione Internazionale d’Arte Cinematografica and has evolved over the years. It is perhaps one of the lesser known film festivals with Sundance and Caan having more worldwide publicity and fame.

This festival takes place in the Palazzo del Cinema which is located on the Lungomare Marconi. There is of course awards for best film, best actor and actress and some other awards that are quite unique to Venice. The most unique award is best film of the controcorrente or against the stream section and this is of course called the San Marco award. This film festival usually takes place in late August to early September. For instance the last festival, which was the 64th, took place between August 29th and September 8th . What is really remarkable about this celebration is that all films since World War 2 were first premiered at this extravaganza.

The awards given for the best film are the Leone d’Oro or the Golden Lion which is awarded to the best film screened at the festival. And then there is the Coppa Volpi which is given to the best actress and actor.

This festival seems to be a good indicator of those films that are going to recieve the nod at the Golden Globe awards. For instance six films that premiered here received 18 nominations for the Golden Globe awards. I am not really sure why this is the case but it seems like always Italians are a good litmus test of what is of good taste.

If you are lucky enough to be in Venice during this time I am sure you are bound to see some celebrity that you like. If you are not at all in that sort of thing I would stay away as I am sure this place is swarming with press and paparazzi which can be quite exciting to say the least.

Venice’s history is centered on maritime activities. The cities very survival depended upon having a well trained group of maritime sailors who could outwit and outrun all around them.  Such history spawned Venice’s Historical Regatta which is meant to showcase the mastery of the sea and the ships that ride upon her.

The first Sunday of September is when this event takes place. There are many other Regatta’s from the various islands in the Venetian lagoon that are held all throughout the year but the true Regata storica takes place at this time.

This race is very similar in tone and shape to the Palio of Sienna. You see in this race like the Palio the boats are from their respective neighborhoods and each neighborhood turns out to root on their team of rowers who are competing for the honor of winning the race.

What is probably of interest of the tourists that visit at this time is the various processions of boats that proceed down the Grand Canal. First you have the bisonni or the 8 oared gondolas then the balotine which are 6 oared gondolas then following this is the decorative boats from the various rowing clubs. Following this procession of boats is a regatta for the children which is then followed by a race just for the women then a race of two oared gondolas which represent each neighborhood. At the regattas conclusion the whole of Venice comes alive with a city wide celebration that fills each canal and street with merchants and street entertainers.

If you are fortunate to be in Venice during this time I am sure you will not be bored with what is going on at this time. I would say that this festival would even rival the Carnival of Venice, although I may get some heat for saying this but I am willing to take it.

The Island of Murano is not really part of the city of Venice however it is part of the Venetian lagoon and a very famous tourist destination. Well renowned for its glass blowers and craftsman the island of Murano actually started out as a fishing port and was first settled by the Romans.

A trip to Venice would not be complete if one did not stop at Murano to see the creation of unbelievable works of art formed before your very eyes. The feel of the heat furnaces and smell of the glass will stay with you for a long time as you admire other works created by these unique and hard working artisans. Murano separated itself for years by minting its own coins and this is really part of the reason I do not consider it actually part of the city. When you create your own currency then you are a separate soverign nation in my eyes.

It was not until 1291 when the city of Venice feared the glass makers would burn down the city, which at that time was made mostly of wood, forced the glass makers to leave the city and settle in Murano. It was here on Murano that Aventurine or Goldstone glass was being made. Since for a time in history this was the primary place to obtain glass for the whole of Europe you can probably tell that there are many historical buildings and places to see in Murano. It was not until the 15th century that this island became a resort destination for many of the residents in Venice and surrounding areas. Because of the rise of the popularity of this island many palaces were created.

The attractions to see on this island include:

•    Church of Santa Maria e San Donato
•    Church of San Pietro Martire
•    Palazzo da Mula
•    Palazzo Giustinian (contains the glass museum)

Plus many free glass blowing seminars that the island uses to attract as many tourists as possible in order for them to sell their goods to you. It is not uncommon for someone to be waiting around at least one of the days in St. Mark’s square to offer you a free ride to Murano. My question always is sure it is free to go to Murano but how much does it cost to leave. All in all this is definitely a place you want to check out if you are interested in history or art or just curious.

You may be wondering if you are planning on a trip to Venice, Italy what is there to see? Well hopefully I have already given you some ideas already however I think a good list is in order here.

Here is my list in no particular order of some of the top sights to see while staying in Venice.

• Doges Palace
• St Marks Basilica (and St. Mark’s Square)
• St. Mark’s Campanille
• Harry’s Bar
• Palazzo Dandolo
• La Fenice Theater
• The Accademia Gallery
• Peggy Guggenheim Museum
• Santa della Maria Salute Church
• Campo Santa Margherita

I am not going to number these sights as each and every person has their particular preference for what they want to see whenever they visit a city. However a visit to Venice will not be complete unless you go to each and every one of these places in my opinion.

Also since these are the most visited parts of Venice keep in mind there will be crowds of tourists in the area and you will not get a true taste of the city if you only hang out in these areas. Rather it is much better to find out where the locals go to for fun and see where they hang out. This is the only way to get a feel for the true city of Venice and not what they show to the public.