Venice: what a tourist needs to know. How to get to Venice. Calendar of cheap prices for air tickets

What to see first, how not to overpay and not get lost in Venice

Venice is a city of fabulous beauty, but since there are more tourists here (especially from April to October) than local residents, and it is almost impossible to move around the historical center during this period, feeling all the charm of the city is not an easy task. Venetians who work in tourist spots also get tired of wild crowds, jack up prices in bars and restaurants, don’t miss out on their profits in hotels, and generally don’t stand on ceremony. Simply because, as they say in the local dialect, tanto i ven lo stes ( « they will come anyway » ). To see Venice at its best, you need to prepare for your trip in advance and remember a few rules.

1. Pay € 120 per gondola ride

Gondolas were once the main means of transportation along the canals of Venice, but now they are nothing more than an effective way to rip off money from tourists. During the day, a 40-minute route will cost you at least € 120 (up to six people fit in a gondola), and after seven in the evening - even more expensive. Be prepared to pay extra for the gondolier to sing you a Neapolitan song like « O sole mio » , which has nothing to do with Venice. However, if you close your eyes to the rats scurrying along the canals and cover up the unpleasant smell of stagnant water, a gondola ride in Venice can turn out to be romantic - at least until your gondolier starts chattering away on his mobile phone out of boredom.

Save money and surf the canals for€ 2-3

The Venice Grand Canal can be crossed by gondola, which serves as a ferry in places where there are no bridges and is called « traghetto » . It is larger, lacks velvet cushions, is driven by two gondoliers and is ferried to the other side in just a minute - you won’t even be able to sit down. The most interesting routes: from Pescheria (fish market in Rialto) to Santa Sofia and from Punta della Dogana to Piazza San Marco (pier next to Harry's Bar).

2. Don't save money by staying on the mainland or Lido

Despite the fact that the bleak industrial area of ​​Mestre is officially considered part of Venice, it is not at all what you came here for. Hoteliers and travel agents often use this administrative ploy to put you in one of the anonymous hotels on the mainland; Don't give in - stay only in the historical center of the city. By the way, the Lido Island, which separates the Venetian Lagoon from the Adriatic Sea, is also not the best location: apart from the film festival in early September, nothing much happens here.

Better look for affordable options in the old town

There is no shortage of hotels in the historical center of Venice - especially many rooms available in the low season. Unless you're planning a trip during Easter or Carnival, you can easily find a great room for a reasonable price. Travel to Venice in November or March. During quiet months, even luxury hotels with history and four stars like Gabrielli Sandwirth charge only € 110. To find an option for your chosen dates, go to the official website of AVA, the Venice Hotel Association.

Canals of Venice.

3. Don't go to Harry's Bar

This bar for wealthy Americans visiting Venice for a cocktail opened in 1931 and over time lent its name to a global brand. Undoubtedly, this cozy establishment in a palazzo on the Grand Canal, next to St. Mark's Cathedral, has Vesetian charm and a dolce vita atmosphere. But today they serve stereotypical Italian dishes like spaghetti with pesto, and eat for less than € 100 per person will not work. If you find yourself in Harry's Bar, go straight to the counter - there you can at least get the Bellini cocktail invented here, for which, however, you will have to pay € 15 with a 15% surcharge (quite arrogant for a country where it is customary to tip 5%).

Just go where the locals go

Venetians themselves prefer to sit at, say, Taverna del Campiello Remer, a charming brick-walled eatery on the Grand Canal square (Campiello del Remer, Cannaregio; 39-41-522-8789). From 5:30 to 7:30 cocktails are no more expensive there €5 , and for lunch you can take some of the local dishes (for example, pasta or fish) at a very reasonable price. If you walk towards the station from Campo San Bartolomeo (the square north of the Rialto Bridge), and after a couple of minutes turn left along the narrow street towards the Grand Canal, you will get where you need to be.

Cozy cafes in Venice.

4. Don’t agree to go on a “free” tour to Murano

If your hotel receptionist extols the delights of a trip to the island of Murano, where the famous glass is produced, be prepared that a taxi driver with the meter on is already standing at the door - and you will have to pay according to the meter. All these « free » tours always follow the same scenario: you are taken to a factory where glass is blown (I must admit, the spectacle is really impressive), but then they are literally led by hand to where this glass is sold - and on the price tags of vases and candelabra there are at least two, or even and three zeros. If you don't like anything, then « tour guides » they will not be left behind and will take you to another, cheaper store, where they will try to sell you a glass necklace, a clown figurine or other trinket at a clearly inflated price.

Travel to Murano on your own instead

The most convenient way to get to the glass factory is to walk to the Fondamenta Nove stop on the north bank and take the waterbus (route 41/42); boats also depart from the San Zaccaria pier (next to St. Mark's Basilica) and from the train station. The most famous factories are Berengo Fine Arts (not only a factory, but also a gallery) and Archimede Seguso, famous for its openwork vases (call in advance to confirm your visit). If you want to see the actual production process, try taking one of the local museum's Museo del Vetro tours, which include a 45-minute tour of the exhibit and a half-hour demonstration of the art of glass blowing.

Murano Island, Venice.

5. Don’t go wherever your eyes lead you.

Walking with a crowd in Venice is not a good idea. The flow of people always follows the same route: from the station to the Rialto Bridge along the main tourist street Strada Nova, and then rushes to St. Mark's Square through a shopping district with expensive food, not very good cappuccino, stupid souvenirs and terrible carnival masks .

And as soon as you try to turn off the beaten path into the first alley you come across, you will most likely find yourself in one of the many Venetian dead ends, the interweaving of which will instantly throw off your internal compass. And don’t count on the help of GPS: Venice is poorly mapped, and mobile communications here are also so-so.

Be sure to buy a good card

In order not to jostle in the crowd and not get lost in alleys, take out a proven (and most importantly, waterproof) map. With it you can get to the northern part of Cannaregio, where there are few people and shops, but there is the Madonna dell'Orto church with works by Tintoretto and an excellent view from the promenade of the lagoon and the island of Murano. Or cross the Ponte dei Scalzi bridge in Santa Croce, one of the most authentic Venetian districts, along which the southern, less crowded route to the Rialto passes.

Halfway along the route you'll come across the charming square Campo San Giacomo dall'Orio, where children play in the shadow of a 13th-century church. You can grab a bite to eat along the way at one of the city's best pizzerias, Il Réfolo (1459 Campiello del Piovan, Santa Croce; 39-41-524-0016 ), opened by the son of the owner of the Michelin-starred establishment Da Fiore.

The girl holds a map of Venice.

6. Don't come to Venice in summer

The heat in Venice is difficult to bear due to high humidity and mosquitoes. In the summer, city residents switch on savings mode and curtail all activities—only the most important tourist centers operate. But for some reason, foreigners think that since Tuscany is good in the summer, then Venice will be good.

The peak of tourist pilgrimage occurs in June-July; in the stuffy August the flow thins out, if at all, then only slightly. In odd-numbered years (2017, 2019, 2021...) the city hosts the Venice Biennale from June to November - and this at least partly justifies the dense crowd. But apart from the Biennale in the summer, nothing interesting in terms of culture happens in Venice - the season of concerts and important exhibitions opens in September-October.

Better plan your trip in late fall or early spring

In November, when there is dampness in the air and underfoot, Venice with its canals and magnificent architecture appears in its true light, revealing a new side. Local residents breathe a sigh of relief (finally, the city belongs only to them) and every evening, starting at seven, they drink spritz and prosecco on the embankments - try to join them. The main part of drinking establishments is concentrated in the Rialto market area, where bars (for example, Naranzaria or Al Merca) are crowded even in sub-zero temperatures (213 Campo Cesare Battisti, San Polo; 39-347-100-2583).

7. Don't go to St. Mark's Square with the crowd

No doubt, St. Mark's Square, which Napoleon once called « living room Europe » , shocks everyone who sees it, and the pigeons have absolutely nothing to do with it. And all tourists consider it their duty to complete the “obligatory program”: together with a huge crowd, they enter the cathedral and try to make out the poorly lit mosaics, then walk around the Doge’s Palace with its richly painted frescoes, take the elevator to the cathedral tower to take Google-style photos Earth and finally, mortally tired, wander for a life-saving cup of cappuccino to one of the historical cafes of the square, Florian's or Quadri's, which went down in history, among other things, for their crazy prices.

Instead, come to the square early in the morning

Try to get up early and come to the Cathedral of San Marco for morning mass - in this case, you will be able to feel the extraordinary atmosphere of this place, which is completely lost during the day, when the cathedral is flooded with crowds of tourists. Few people realize this, but one of the most interesting objects of the square is the Clock Tower (Torre dell'Orologio), rising on the northern side of San Marco. Book a special guided tour (this can be done the day before your visit) and enjoy the magnificent creation of the era Renaissance.

You'll see the restored internal clock mechanism from 1497 and the bronze figures that keep time by striking the bell with hammers every hour. In addition, the tower offers a fabulous view of St. Mark's Square, the cathedral, the Doge's Palace and the lagoon. Included in the ticket price ( € 15) also includes a visit to the Correr Museum and the Architecture Museum on the opposite side of the square.

8. Don't plan a shopping trip

If you're in need of designer clothes, west of Piazza San Marco, on Salizzada San Moisè and Calle Larga XXII Marzo, you'll find Prada, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana boutiques. European stocks like Zara and Benetton (the latter is owned by the family from Treviso, which also owns the Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal) are also present in Venice, but why waste time shopping in a city that is famous for something completely different? For clothes you need to go to Milan, Rome or Florence: there is more choice and more serious discounts.

Explore local craft and antique shops instead

There are a lot of art galleries and shops in Venice where they sell antiques and all kinds of handmade interior items; In addition, the city is famous for weaving factories (Fortuny, Bevilacqua, Gaggio) that produce silk and velvet - if you love all sorts of unusual home accessories, are into design and at the same time you have the money for it, this is definitely the place for you.

9. Don't buy concert tickets from people wearing wigs.

On the streets of Venice you are sure to meet men and women in wigs, dressed in historical costumes of the 18th century - they sell tickets for « Four Seasons » Vivaldi. You should only give in to their persuasion if your weakness is powdered wigs, drawn-on spots and deep necklines (this is exactly how orchestra musicians, most of whom are girls, will dress). The musicians play quite professionally (mostly conservatory students who want to earn extra money from tourists), but if you like classical music more than carnival surroundings, then it’s better...

Gran Teatro La Fenice.

In 1996, a fire practically destroyed the opera house built in the 18th century. It reopened in 2003. La Fenice hosts classical music concerts organized by the city's very reputable Società Veneziana dei Concerti, as well as performances by jazz musicians and, less commonly, popular performers (for example, Elton John and Caetano Veloso). You can also listen to classics at the Museo Querini Stampalia, a small but very unique museum in a Renaissance palace. The orchestra performs 30-minute musical fragments in luxurious halls on Saturdays, the concerts begin at 17.00.

Works from the 14th to 18th centuries are played by musicians from the very prestigious Venetian Scuola di Musica Antica or invited artists from other countries, and quite often on ancient instruments. Admission to the concert is included in the price of a museum ticket - € 13, and it's very inexpensive.

10. Don't snack on pizza or panini.

Cities, villages and different regions of Italy are very different in many ways, from dialects to local wines and food - concepts « National food » Italians don't have it. Pizza, a Neapolitan invention, is about as at home in Venice as sushi. As for panini, they are sold on every corner in the city, but this doesn’t make it any better: firstly, because the bread in Venice is frankly tasteless, and secondly, they simply don’t know how to make sandwiches with fillings here. It is best to eat traditional Venetian food - it is much tastier.

Traditional Venetian cicchetti

Try cicchetti—main Venetian snack

Venetian cicchetti are very similar to Spanish tapas: these are appetizers for wine, which are often displayed for visitors on bar counters: shrimp with polenta, cod in salt and cream, sardines marinated in balsamic vinegar with onions, raisins and pine nuts. Just tell the bartender which appetizer you like, and he will fill you with a whole plate and give you the receipt. At non-touristy spots like Ostaria al Garanghelo or Da Alberto (5401 Calle Larga Giacinto Gallina; 39-41-523-8153), a serving of cicchetti « for one bite" costs from one and a half to three euros.

Venice is an amazing, unique, magical city, worthy of long-term acquaintance and close attention. If you come here for just 1 day, then I have a ready-made route for you - a blitz tour of the sights that it is advisable for a tourist to see.

Venice in 1 day, photo by maria antonia juan de la cruz jimenez

Old Procurations, photo chris.eke

The Procuration buildings are part of the ensemble of the main Venetian square. The Old Procuratie Vecchie was built in the 12th century on the north side of Piazza San Marco to house the offices and apartments of prosecutors. After the fire, the building was restored in 1517 according to the design of Mauro Coducci. This is a three-level building with a facade 152 meters long, an arcade gallery below, two tiers of openwork arched loggias and a chain of graceful pinnacles on the roof.

Caffè Florian, photo by Benzie Tsai

The construction of the New Procuratie Nuove was begun opposite the Old ones in the 16th century under the direction of Vincenzo Scamozzi and completed after his death by the architect Baldassare Longhena in 1640. They look like mirror images of the Old Ones, but there are no pinnacles on their roof. The oldest café in Italy, Caffé Florian, is open in New Procurations.

Napoleon's outbuilding, photo by Honza Beran

Both Procurations are united by the Napoleon Wing (L’Ala Napoleonica) (19th century), where the Correr City Museum (Museo Correr) is located.

Clock tower

Clock Tower of St. Mark (Torre dell’Orologio), photo by vamsee krishna

The Clock Tower of St. Mark (Torre dell'Orologio) is the first Renaissance building of the main square ensemble (1496–99). The side wings were completed only in the 18th century. The clock mechanism was made by the famous masters Ranieri, father and son. The design of the round clock that we see on the façade of the Torre dell’orologio has not changed since its installation: it shows the time, the signs of the zodiac, and the lunar phases. The bells on the tower chime every hour, and at 12:00 and midnight a 132-beat melody sounds.

St. Mark's Cathedral

St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco), photo by Dennis Schulze

St. Mark's Cathedral is a monumental temple, a striking example of Byzantine architecture on Italian soil. The Basilica di San Marco has stood since 1063 on the site of a 9th-century shrine destroyed by fire. This temple became a symbol and religious stronghold of the Venetian Republic. The huge five-domed Cathedral took five centuries to build and expand. Today it is a functioning temple, an international site of pilgrimage. Inside the cathedral there are many treasures, among them the Pala d'Oro, a luxurious Golden Altar decorated with enamel miniatures and decorated with thousands of precious stones.

Patriarchal Palace

Patriarchal Palace of Venice (Palazzo Patriarcale), photo by Dimitris Kamaras

The Patriarchal Palace of Venice (Palazzo Patriarcale) is located behind the cathedral and the Clock Tower; its elegant white stone facade overlooks a small square - Piazzetta dei Leoncini. It is the official residence of the Venetian Archdiocese, built in 1870 and designed by Lorenzo Santi. Here is the Tintoretto Hall with a cycle of frescoes from the life of St. Catherine of Alexandria.

We leave St. Mark's Square and dive into the streets of Venice. We pass under the arch in the Clock Tower and find ourselves in the Merceria area, this is the main trade artery of the city.

Merceria

Mercerie, photo hotelresidenceilteatro.com

Mercerie is an area of ​​ancient shopping streets from Piazza San Marco to the Rialto Bridge. The first floors of the local houses are occupied by shops, boutiques, shops of Venetian souvenirs and applied products. At Mercerie you can buy both antiques, antique rarities and all sorts of rarities, as well as completely modern designer items, be it jewelry, furs, shoes, clothing, hats, gloves or Murano glass products.

Admiring the ancient architecture and shop windows, we reach the Church of St. Julian.

Church of San Giuliano

Basilica of San Zulian (Chiesa di San Zulian), photo Dan

The Church of San Giuliano (Chiesa di San Zulian - Basilica of San Zulian) is a medieval temple of the 9th century, reconstructed in 1570 in the Venetian classical style according to the design of Sansovino. In the sarcophagus under the main altar rest the relics of St. Julian, transported from Dalmatia. The interior decoration preserves works by Paolo Veronese, Palma di Giovanni, Fiamingo; polyptych of the life of St. Julian by Faenza.

Along Campo de la Guerra we will reach the San Giuliano Canal and cross it. Along Calle Bande Castello we will get to the Ponte de la Bande bridge. So we reached the Church of Santa Maria Formosa.

Church of St. Mary the Beautiful

Church of Santa Maria Formosa, photo by Silas Lozano Paz

The Church of St. Mary the Beautiful (Chiesa Santa Maria Formosa) is located in the Castello district in the small square of Santa Maria Formosa (Campo Santa Maria Formosa). The Baroque church with a high bell tower was built in 1492 on the site of an older church. Inside the basilica there is a complex structure with multiple chapels and an altar in the style of a triumphal arch. The decoration preserved the polyptych of Giacomo Palma the Elder “Saint Barbara” and the cycle “Madonna Misercordia” by Vivarini (15th century).

Next to the church there is an ancient building - the Vitturi Palace.

Palazzo Vitturi

Palazzo Vitturi, photo by Didier Descouens

Palazzo Vitturi (Hotel Palazzo Vitturi) is a palace hotel on Campo Santa Maria Formosa. The 13th century building was built in the spirit of Gothic Venetian-Byzantine architecture with lancet windows, metal bas-reliefs, and frescoes. The balustrades and mezzanine appeared during later reconstructions. The Vitturi Palace is well preserved: now the luxurious hotel complex Hotel Palazzo Vitturi is open there.

We continue our route. The next point is the Cathedral of Santi Giovanni e Paolo. From Palazzo Vitturi we go left to Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa. From here we turn left onto Calle Trevisana o Cicogna, which turns into Calle Bressana. We exit at Campo San Giovanni e Paolo.

Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo

Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, photo by Didier Descouens

Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo (Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo) is a majestic cathedral built in 1430. It became the tomb for the eighteen Doges of Veneto. This is a classic example of Italian brick Gothic. The most striking masterpiece of the basilica's decoration is a sculptural monument dedicated to the influential Doge Pietro Mocenigo - the work of Pietro Lombardo. The picturesque decoration of the temple contains paintings by Bellini and Veronese. The central altar by Longhen is considered an example of Venetian applied art.

The Scuola San Marco was built in Campo San Giovanni e Paolo square next to the Cathedral.

Scuola San Marco

Scuola Grande di San Marco, photo Sean Pellerin

The building of the Scuola Grande di San Marco was built by the Brotherhood of St. Mark in 1260 near the Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo. After a severe fire in 1485, the structure was destroyed and rebuilt in Renaissance style with traces of early Byzantine architecture. The scuol housed a shelter, educational premises, a military hospital, and today a hospital. In the Chapter Hall there is an altar in the Sansovino style. There is a Medical Library in the Reception Hall. On the top floor there are paintings on the theme of the life of St. Mark, painted by Vittore Carpaccio, Giovanni Bellini, Jacopo Tintoretto.

We follow Calle Larga Giacinto Gallina; We cross the Ponte Santa Maria Nova bridge and find ourselves at the church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli.

Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Santa Maria dei Miracoli, photo by Silas Lozano Paz

Santa Maria dei Miracoli is an early Renaissance church, a masterpiece of the architects Pietro and Tulio Lombardo. It was erected in the period 1481–89. specifically to house the miraculous image of the Blessed Virgin, created by Nicolo di Pietro. This is an elegant building with a marble mosaic facade and carved domed lunettes. Inside the temple there is a luxurious coffered vault of the 16th century with fifty portraits of saints and prophets.

The next church on the route is San Canciano. Let's return to Campo Santa Maria Nova. From there we turn left into Campiello Santa Maria Nova and then turn right into Campiello S. Canciano.

Church of San Canciano

Church of San Canciano (Chiesa di San Canciano), photo by Didier Descouens

The Church of San Canciano in the Cannaregio district is called “hidden”: the path to the gates of Chiesa di San Canciano lies through a narrow alley. This is one of the oldest Venetian churches, it has existed since the 9th century, dedicated to the three martyrs - Canzio, Canziano, Canzianilla, who died in Aquileia. The three-nave basilica with a vaulted ceiling acquired its modern appearance from the 18th century. The Bell Tower of San Canciano was built in 1542.

From Campiello S. Canciano we first go along Salizada San Canzian, then turn onto Salizada S. Giovanni Grisostomo. Before us is San Giovanni Crisostomo.

Church of San Giovanni Crisostomo

Church of San Giovanni Crisostomo (Chiesa di San Giovanni Crisostomo), photo by Didier Descouens

The Church of San Giovanni Crisostomo (Chiesa di San Giovanni Crisostomo) is a 16th-century Renaissance building in Cannaregio, recreated on the site of an 11th-century temple. A small temple of laconic architecture with a flat vault over the choir and a simple plastered facade. Next to the squat church is a 21-meter campanile. In one of the chapels of San Giovanni Crisostomo, an altarpiece painted by Giovanni Bellini is preserved - the last work of the artist.

We continue the route along Salizada S. Giovanni Grisostomo.

Along the way, be sure to stop by the gelateria Grom (Salizada S. Giovanni Grisostomo, 5801) to taste delicious Italian ice cream. I recommend chestnut with meringue, pistachio, yoghurt, stracciatella with chocolate chunks and salted caramel.

Palazzo Fondaco dei Tedeschi

On the observation deck of the Fondaco dei Tedeschi Palace, photo by manuela massucci

Fondaco dei Tedeschi is a palace on the Grand Canal with a large courtyard. It was built in 1228, but burned down in a fire in 1505. It was rebuilt in 1505-1508. Today it is a shopping center with free! panoramic roof terrace with beautiful views of Venice. It is better to book a time to visit the observation deck in advance on the shopping center website. You can do this on site (tablets are located on the 4th floor).

We move along Ramo del Fontego dei Tedeschi. On the busy Bombasei street, lined with shops, is the Church of San Bartolomeo.

Church of San Bartolomeo

Bell tower of the Church of St. Bartholomew (Chiesa di San Bartolomeo), photo JORGE MAURICIO BERTELLI

Back in the 9th century, a temple was built on this site in honor of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica. In 1170 it was rebuilt into the Church of St. Bartholomew (Chiesa di San Bartolomeo). For the second time, San Bartolomeo was reconstructed in the 18th century. The bell tower was built in 1747-1754. After the fall of the Venetian Republic and the arrival of Napoleon, the parish of St. Bartholomew was abolished, and its territory was absorbed by the nearby church of San Salvador. One of the altars of San Bartolomeo is decorated with a painting by Palma Jr. “The Punishment of Snakes.”

We exit onto Campo S. Salvador, turn right and follow Merceria II Aprile to Campo San Salvador.

Church of San Salvador

Church of San Salvador (Chiesa di San Salvador), photo by Angelo Della Ragione

The Church of San Salvador (Chiesa di San Salvador) is a beautiful 16th-century Baroque church designed by Baldassare Longhena. Inside you can see the famous Titian paintings “The Annunciation” and “Transfiguration”, “The Meal at Emmaus” by Bellini.

Along Calle Larga Mazzini we will reach the Grand Canal, turn right and walk along it to the Rialto Bridge.

Rialto Bridge

Ponte di Rialto, photo by Vladas Portapas

Ponte di Rialto - a bridge over the Grand Canal, built in 1591 on the site of an old destroyed wooden structure; one of the symbols of the city. It is a single-arched stone structure 48 m long and 23 m wide on twelve pile supports. Rialto is a pedestrian bridge-gallery, a place for walks, meetings, and lively trade. Its only arch rises 7 meters above the canal: ships can freely pass under the bridge.

Church of San Giacomo di Rialto

San Giacomo di Rialto (Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto), photo by Didier Descouens

The Church of San Giacomo di Rialto (Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto) is recognized by historians as the oldest in Venice. San Giacometo, as the city's residents call it, was built on Campo San Giacomo di Rialto. It was erected on the foundation of a temple built in 421 (laid in honor of the founding of Venice), later, in the 11th-12th centuries, it was rebuilt, and in 1601 it was restored. This is a Gothic brick building of Veneto-Byzantine architecture with round windows and a huge clock mounted on the bell tower above the portico. On the same square is the Rialto market: for a long time, merchants came under the arches of the nearest temple to repent. On the facade of the apse of San Giacometo, under the cross, there is an inscription calling on the merchant people to be honest.

Hunchback Statue

Hunchback of Rialto (Gobbo di Rialto), photo G.dallorto

The Hunchback of Rialto (Gobbo di Rialto) is a sculpture created in 1541 by Pietro da Salo in front of the church. Gobbo, kneeling, holds the pedestal from which state decrees were read out. Here the Venetians left “opposition” leaflets with satire against the papal authorities and doges.

Rialto Market

Fish pavilion Pescheria (La Pescheria), photo Sergey Nar

The Rialto Market was founded in the 11th century. The market space is divided into two parts: the traditional Mercato di Rialto shopping arcade and the Pescheria fish pavilion (La Pescheria). Shopping arcades selling vegetables, fruits, cheeses, flowers, and souvenirs start right from Piazza San Giacomo di Rialto.

To get to the Fish Pavilion, you need to go from Campo San Giacomo di Rialto to Campo de la Pescaria and go to the end. This neo-Gothic loggia on the Grand Canal appeared in 1907: it was built specifically for the Fish Market according to the design of D. Rupolo. Opening hours of the fish pavilion: Tue-Sat 7:30 - 12:00.

Al Mercà Wine Bar

Al Mercà, photo by Rober y Lety Mochileando por el mundo

On the way from Piazza San Giacomo di Rialto towards Peschiera, stop by the wine shop Al Mercà (Campo Bella Vienna, 213), where you can try very good wine from €2.5 per glass.

Antica Trattoria Poste Vecie

Restaurant Poste Vecie, photo Poste Vecie

To appreciate the authentic atmosphere and cuisine of Venice, it is worth visiting one of the city's restaurants. For example, Poste Vecie (address: San Polo, 1608) is the oldest restaurant, existing since 1501. The only restaurant in Venice that is located in the Fish Market. Pleasant interior, typical Venetian cuisine and high quality.

Let's walk back a little along Campo de la Pescaria and turn right into Ruga Vecchia S. Giovanni. We follow it, then along Calle de L’ogio o de la Rugheta and turn onto Calle Sbianchesini.

Church of Saint Apollinaris

Sant'Aponal (Chiesa di Sant'Aponal), photo El Guille L

The Church of Saint Apollinaris, known in Venice as Sant'Aponal (Chiesa di Sant'Aponal), was built in 1034. The temple is dedicated to the first bishop of Ravenna - Saint Apollinaris. The appearance of the Gothic building with a simple brick facade and graceful hipped turrets was preserved after reconstruction in the 15th century.

Looking at the architecture of the buildings, we walk along the streets Calle dei Meloni, Calle dei Meloni, Calle Sottopassaggio de la Madoneta and exit to Campo San Polo square.

Church of San Polo

Church of San Polo (Chiesa di San Polo), photo by Nnvmsm Drone Studio

The Church of San Polo is located in the square of the same name. The temple has existed since the 9th century and originally belonged to the Templars. The Gothic reconstruction of the building took place in the 15th century, but the modern appearance of Chiesa Rettoriale di San Polo dates back to 1804: the architect D. Rossi reconstructed it in the spirit of neoclassicism. Inside, paintings by Tintoretto and Veronese and altar paintings by Domenico Tiepolo have been preserved.

Now our path lies to the church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. Walking along Calle dei Saoneri, we will come out to the San Polo Canal. Let's cross it on the Ponte San Polo bridge. Turn right into Calle Seconda dei Saoneri, then left into Rio Terà Cazza, right into Fondamenta Frari and left into Campo dei Frari.

Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, photo by Didier Descouens

Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (Chiesa Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari) is a Gothic basilica, an active temple. It was founded in 1250, rebuilt in 1330-1443 and consecrated in honor of St. Mary the Most Glorious. Under the Frari vaults are collected priceless works of Italian religious art: paintings by Titian, Bellini, a sculptural tombstone of Antonio Canova, made according to his own design. Here are the tombs of Monteverdi and Titian.

Let's go around the Cathedral along Campo dei Frari, turn right at Salizada S. Rocco and exit at Campo San Rocco.

Church of San Rocco

Church of San Rocco (Chiesa di San Rocco), photo by Yuriy Vysotskiy

The Church of San Rocco (Chiesa di San Rocco) stands on Campo San Rocco. It was built in the Renaissance style in 1489-1508 by Bartolomeo Bon the Younger and named after Saint Roch, who was considered a healer of the plague and the patron saint of Venice. In 1725 the temple was rebuilt. The beautiful facade with many sculptures was added in the 1760s by the architect Maccaruzzi. Inside is the painting “Saint Roch healing the victims of the plague” by Tintoretto and 3 more of his canvases.

Nearby is the Scuola Grande di San Rocco.

Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Scuola Grande di San Rocco, photo Zsolt Budai

The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is a charitable institution belonging to the Brotherhood of Saint Rocco, which still exists today. The two-story Renaissance building was built in 1515–49, successively, by Bartolomeo Bon, Lombardo and Scarpagnino. Scuola is famous for its interiors: 54 original paintings by Tintoretto on biblical themes have been preserved here, including the grandiose Calvary cycle.

We go around Scuola along Calle Fianco de la Scuola and turn left onto Sestiere Dorsoduro. On the corner there is an enoteca and cafe Estro.

Wine bar Estro

Estro, photo by Abhinav Shrivastava

Estro (address: Dorsoduro, 3778) is a bar with an amazing selection of biodynamic wines and meager markups on them, and excellent cuisine.

If you are a lover of homemade food and wine, then bear with me. Further along the way we will have a family Osteria Ai Carmini Di Biasotto Daniele.

Church of Sant Pantalon

Church of St. Panteleimon (Chiesa di San Pantalon), photo by Didier Descouens

The Church of St. Panteleimon (Chiesa di San Pantalon) on San Pantalon Square does not amaze with architectural delights. The building, erected in 1686, looks austere and modest. The treasure is kept inside: a huge fresco by Giovanni Antonio Fumiani on the ceiling vaults. The area of ​​the painting, painted in a complex trompe-l’œil technique, “The Martyrdom and Ascension of St. Panteleimon” is 700 m². In the altar of one of the chapels another priceless painting has been preserved - “The Miracle of St. Panteleimon”, created by Paolo Veronese.

We cross the canal over the bridge and along Calle de la Chiesa we reach Campo Santa Margherita

Plaza Santa Margherita

Campo Santa Margherita, photo by zdenka zahradkova

Campo Santa Margherita is a spacious square near the university, in the Dorsoduro quarter. It received its name in honor of the Chiesa di Santa Margherita temple, built at its northeastern end (today it is a university building). There are several educational institutions near Piazza Santa Margherita, so young people and locals like to gather here.

Osteria Ai Carmini Di Biasotto Daniele, photo Luigi Galantucci

Tired, I want to eat more. Welcome to the family osteria Ai Carmini Di Biasotto Daniele (address: Sestiere Dorsoduro, 2898. Opening hours: 12:00–15:00, 19:00–23:30). The menu is excellent, the prices are average, the food is tasty and fresh, the portions are large, cooked and served quickly! Order house white wine, mussels, seafood special, fried flowers and leaves, marinara pasta, homemade cheese flatbreads.

After a walk along the non-touristy Square of St. Margaret, we turn onto Rio Terà Canal, cross the Ponte dei Pugni bridge, turn left - in front of us is Piazza San Barnaba.

Church of San Barnaba

Church of St. Barnabas (Chiesa di San Barnaba), photo by Jovan Korolija

In the Church of San Barnaba (Chiesa di San Barnaba) on the colorful square of the same name, today there is a museum of Da Vinci's inventions. The temple, founded in 809, has undergone several reconstructions. Today's neoclassical appearance of San Barnaba dates back to 1776.

From Piazza San Barnaba, Calle del Pistor o del Lotto leads to the Ponte Malpaga bridge. Continue along Calle dei Cerchieri, right onto Calle Della Toletta, then left onto Ponte de le Maravegie, continue along Calle Contarini Corfù to Campo della Carita.

Academy Gallery

Academy Museum (Gallerie dell’Accademia), photo by Svetlana Kuchumova

The Academy Gallery is an art museum, a golden fund of Venetian painting, a real treasury with works of the 14th–18th centuries. It has the largest collections of works by Carpaccio and Bellini. The Gallerie dell'Accademia building is located near the bridge of the same name.

Turn right from Campo della Carita onto Rio Terrà Foscarini, then left onto Calle Nuova Sant’Agnese, continue along Piscina Forner, Calle della Chiesa, Fondamenta Venier dai Leon, turn left onto Calle S. Cristoforo. We're there.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Peggy Guggenheim Collection (Collezione Peggy Guggenheim), photo Gio Melis

Peggy Guggenheim's collection is housed inside the small Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, built on the banks of the Canal Grande. Works by Picasso, Kandinsky and Malevich, Joan Miro, Chagall, Dali are presented here. The Venetian Collezione Peggy Guggenheim is considered one of the world's most valuable collections of contemporary art.

From the museum along Campiello Barbaro and Calle Del Bastion we will come to the Church of Our Lady of Healing.

Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute

Santa Maria della Salute (Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute), photo by Strahinja Stanković

Santa Maria della Salute (Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute) is a snow-white Baroque basilica in the Dorsoduro area. Founded in 1631 at the insistence of Patriarch Giovanni Tiepolo, as a gift to the Virgin Mary from the townspeople for ridding Venice of the plague. It was completed by 1689, consecrated in honor of the Virgin Mary of the Healing.

After walking 200 meters along the Grand Canal, we will find ourselves at the final destination of our route.

Old Customs

Old Customs House (Punta della Dogana), photo Joel

The Old Customs House (Punta della Dogana), a baroque architectural complex with a 17th-century tower and a gilded globe surmounted by the figure of Fortune, stands on a triangular island between two canals, the Grand and the Giudecca. Built in 1677, reconstructed in 2006 according to the design of Tadao Ando. Today Punta della Dogana is an art center with a collection of 2.5 thousand contemporary works.

Gondola or traghetto?

Traghetto, photo by Gerry Brague

Be in Venice and not take a gondola ride? A 30-minute gondola ride costs from €100 and can accommodate 6 people. But the gondoliers' clocks are usually fast, so you will be dropped off in about 20 minutes.

I recommend taking a ride on a traghetto. It is literally a ferry, a large gondola crossing the Grand Canal. The pleasure will cost only €2 per person. There are several such crossings, you will find them by following the signs. The traghetto is controlled by 2 gondoliers, up to 12 people can fit in it, it is customary to ride while standing, but if you are scared, you can sit down. The crossing lasts several minutes.

Look for the Calle Lanza stop about 120m from Santa Maria della Salute. The stop at the other end of the Grand Canal is Campo del Traghetto. There you will change to the vaporetto and return to Santa Lucia Station. You can do without a gondola. At Santa Maria della Salute, take vaporetto number 1 and go straight to the train station.

- (near Santa Maria della Salute).

Venice Museums Pass

Save time and money on Venice attractions! Buy the Venice Museums Pass combo ticket. An electronic ticket will be sent by email, giving you access to museums without queuing.

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How to get to Venice: by plane, train, bus or car. Current prices, useful tips, all the nuances and details of the route to Venice from “Subtleties of Tourism”.

• Tours for the New Year to Italy
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There are 5 ways to get to the beautiful Venice - by air, by water, and by land (that is, by bus, private car or train). Of course, most tourists prefer the first option - it’s much faster and often more economical.

By plane

A 3.5 hour flight separates Moscow and St. Petersburg from the once majestic Venetian Republic. From other Russian cities you will have to fly, alas, with a transfer in Moscow or a European capital. The cost varies greatly depending on the season and airline.

From Venice Marco Polo International Airport, which is only 12 km from the city center, you can get there in several ways: by bus to Piazzale Roma (25 minutes and about 8 EUR), by vaporetto to the center or the nearest central islands (60 minutes and about 14 EUR), by regular taxi (15 minutes) and water taxi (about 110 EUR).

By train

Traveling from Russia to Venice by train is a pleasure for inveterate romantics or adventurers: not that cheap and very long, at least 70 hours on the road. However, if desired, such an opportunity still exists: either on optional carriages that connect to the Budapest train, or with a connection somewhere in Europe (Berlin, Vienna, Prague, and so on).

The second option, if a direct flight to Venice was too expensive, is to take a flight to Bologna, Milan or even Rome, and from there take a train. They arrive almost in the center of the city at the Santa Lucia station, exiting from which all the wonders of the city open up at once - canals, shabby houses, romantic balconies and... a lot of tourists. Trains run here from almost all of Italy; in Mestre (a suburb of Venice) you will most likely have to change trains, since the final station “Venice” is not near all trains. From Mestre to Venice by train it takes only 10-15 minutes.

By bus

You can also get to Venice by bus. Alas, there are no direct flights; you will need to make a transfer in Milan or Munich (from 250 EUR round trip, the journey takes about 2 days from Moscow or St. Petersburg). Another nuance is that the buses do not drive directly to the central square, where there is parking, but go to Tronchetto, from where tourists take a vaporetto straight to San Marco (the journey takes about 25-30 minutes, the fare is 7 EUR).

By car

Coming to Venice by car is not a bad idea, especially if you have two weeks left. The length of the route is 2600 km; the journey will take 2-3 days, depending on the number of stops and overnight stays. The route will run through Belarus, Poland and the Alps. The permitted speed on Italian highways is from 90 to 130 km/h, in populated areas - 50 km/h.

Parking

As you know, there are no roads in Venice. Therefore, everyone who comes here with their car has to leave it in the parking lot. The most popular and largest is the separate island parking Tronchetto (spacious, comfortable, there are always free spaces, about 25-30 EUR per day). The second is in Piazza Roma (there are several parking lots, some are quite small and narrow, on weekends it can be difficult to find a free space, 25-30 EUR per day, 6 EUR for 2 hours). And the third option is to leave the car outside of Venice in the town of Mestre or others nearby. Pros: they cost much less (about 10-15 EUR per day), there are always free spaces, and it’s easy to park a large car. Minus - you will have to get to Venice by bus (about 30 minutes and 3-4 EUR).

By ship or ferry

Venice has frequent water connections with Greece and Croatia during the season, that is, in the summer. Comfortable ships, ferries and high-speed catamarans arrive at the San Basilio terminal, which is about a 15-minute walk from San Marco. The most interesting option is to take a 2-hour catamaran ride to Croatian Porec (about 70-90 EUR in both directions) and return: fast, relatively inexpensive and interesting.

Where every tourist who comes to Italy considers it his duty to go, is located on 118 islands of the Adriatic on the eastern coast. The islands, connected by 400 bridges, are separated by about 150 canals and channels. The city is connected to mainland Italy by a four-kilometer bridge.

Venice is the center of the Veneto region with a population of 5 million; about 270,000 people currently live in Venice itself.

There are no cars in Venice, and people travel along the local “streets” - canals - by gondolas. The houses here rest on multi-layer foundations, at the base of which are piles made of Russian larch, which practically does not rot in water, and a stone foundation is laid on them.

Venice is entirely included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, its streets with luxurious cathedrals and palaces are filled with a multilingual hubbub of tourists rushing to ride gondolas and see the famous Piazza San Marco with the cathedral of the same name and the Doge's Palace.

Unfortunately, Venice is slowly but surely “sinking” at a rate of about 5 mm per year; scientists believe that by 1828 the city will become uninhabitable. It is planned to save the unique city with the help of the “Moses” project, according to which they are going to surround the city with hermetically sealed barriers.

Venice is not only a seaside resort and a tourist destination; it hosts international film festivals, art exhibitions, and carnivals.

A little history.

The first mentions of Venice date back to the fifth century, when streams of refugees from the advancing barbarians poured here. The first settlements here appeared on the islands of Malamocco and Torcello. In 727, all these settlements were united under the rule of the Doge by decree of the Byzantine Emperor, and until 1802 there were 120 Doges in this post.

Over time, Venice became one of the most powerful city-states, possessing territories in Istria, Dalmatia and Greece and a powerful fleet. During the era of their power, the Venetian knights even took Constantinople (1204).

Interestingly, unlike the rest of the Republic, there were no vassal relations in the Venetian Republic.

In the 16th century, Venice began to lose its importance as a great maritime power due to the growing power of England and Holland. The invasion of the Turks and the plague epidemic finally undermined its power, and in 1796 Napoleon occupied Venice, handing it over to Austria. This region became an Italian province only in 1866.

How to get to Venice.

There are several ways available to Russian tourists.

Airplane

There are 2 airports in Venice – « Marco Polo" (12 km from the city) and Treviso, located 30 km from the city. The Aeroflot company operates regular flights from on Wednesdays and Sundays, and in the summer charters take tourists to Ancona, from where you can travel to Venice by train for 20 euros.

The cheapest way to get from Marco Polo Airport to the city is by bus (25 minutes), by vaporetto pleasure boat (1 hour), by taxi, and the most expensive is by water taxi. The airport has luggage storage facilities on the 1st floor. They work from 5:00 to 21:00 every day, the cost is 4.5 euros per day.

From Treviso to the city there are blue ATVO express buses and regular regular buses.

It will be cheaper to fly here on a connecting flight from various Russian cities with transfers in Prague, Frankfurt, Helsinki, and many others using numerous European low-cost airlines. For example, TuiFly operates a daily flight from Cologne to Marco Polo Airport for 30 euros. Or, for example, this option: a charter flight to Pula (180 euros), then a ferry to Venice 2-3 times a week (79 euros round trip).

Tickets to Venice can be found using this SEARCH ENGINE. Enter Cairo, the departure city, and see the required flights on the desired dates.

You can choose a good hotel. Choose the number of stars, price, dates and choose what you like.

Train .

The easiest way to get to Venice is from Stazione Centrale station for 12–23 euros to Venezia Santa Lucia. Trains run hourly, the most expensive and fastest train (2.5 hours) is Eurostar, the cheapest is Interregionale.

The easiest way to view intra-European rail routes is on the German Railways website.

There is no direct train from Moscow to Venice; you will have to change trains in Budapest, and the total travel time is about 70 hours.

Bus .

In the summer, there is a bus on the Moscow-Milan route that costs 230 euros in both directions, and then, as mentioned above, you can go by train. Buses stop at Tronchetto, and then tourists transfer to a vaporetto, which takes half an hour and 6.5 euros to Piazza San Marco.

Ship .

By sea you can get to Venice from and from Croatia on ferries; more information can be found on the websites find-croatia.com/ferries-croatia and venezialines.com. Ferries arrive at the San Basilio terminal.

Automobile

A car tourist traveling from Moscow will have to cover 2,590 km, passing through Belarus, Poland or Ukraine. Part of the way will have to travel through the Alps, partly on toll roads.

The Venetians have provided the entire island mentioned above, Tronchetto, for tourists.

Parking here will cost 25 euros per day, for the same price you can stay in Piazza Roma, but there is a risk of not finding a place, and finally the town of Mestre, where parking will cost 10-15 euros, and then drive to Venice by bus for half an hour and 4 euros.

A car tourist will need a registration certificate and an international driver's license, a Green Card and health insurance.

Transport of Venice.

In Venice, a tourist will have to rely either on his feet or on numerous water transport. This includes so-called vaporetto boats, traghetto gondolas, pleasure gondolas and small taxi boats.

For tourists, we recommend vaporetto route No. 1, where you will be taken along the Grand Canal for 6.5 euros for an hour (12 hours - 16 euros). Where there are no bridges, you can get to the other side using a mini-vaporetto for half a euro.

A gondola will cost a tourist 80 euros for 40 minutes, if there are up to six people - the same amount.

Or you can rent a car, which will cost less than a taxi and will also expand your freedom of action. You can find the best option using this one.

Geography of Venice

The main part of Venice that attracts the lion's share of tourists is the islands with the center of San Marco and surrounding areas along the Grand Canal. Local buildings have stood without alteration for several centuries, and instead of streets there are canals with the transport described above.

Lido Island, two kilometers from Piazza San Marco, stretching for 12 km and only a kilometer wide. The Lido is famous for its beaches, film festival and casino.

Murano Island , famous for its Murano glass, produced since the 13th century. To this day, local glassblowers are a closed caste, admission to which is carried out under strict conditions. The island also houses the Murano Glass Museum.

And finally, the mainland modern part of the city, attracting only tourists who want to get to know the city in more detail.

Sights of Venice.

A single San Marco Museum Plus ticket, which allows you to visit the city’s museums, costs 13 euros.

St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco).

The heart of the city, and the first place that tourists seek to see. Here on the square is the famous cathedral and bell tower of the same name, the Doge's Palace, the Clock Tower, the Old and New Procuration.

The Italians call it Palazzo Ducale. Construction began in the 9th century, and the palace acquired its current appearance by the end of the 13th. In 1797, Napoleon settled here for a while, and in 1923 it was turned into a museum.

In its architecture you can see traces of at least 3 styles - Gothic, Moorish and Renaissance. In the center of the palace there are balconies from which in ancient times the doges communicated with the people.

Visiting hours for tourists are 9:00 to 19:00 from March 22 to November 2 and until 17:00 in winter.

The Doge's Palace is open to visitors from 9.00 to 19.00 (from March 22 to November 2) and from 9.00 to 17.00 (from November 3 to March 21).

St. Mark's Cathedral (Basilika San Marco).

According to legend, two merchants from Venice, Buono da Malamocco and Rustico da Torcello, without further ado, simply stole the relics of St. Mark from, hiding them in a basket with pork carcasses, where Muslim customs officers disdained to look, after which in 832 they built a basilica for them . Stealing is still unsightly, and perhaps that is why the basilica burned down very soon, and only in 1063 was it rebuilt.

Perhaps the Venetians were the first to have the idea that they could make money from tourists, and in 1075 ships arriving in Venice were required to bring gifts for the basilica.

Bell tower or Campanile.

It was built in the 9th century and is considered the most ancient monument in Venice. In those distant times, it served as both a watchtower and a lighthouse and was 92 meters high, but in 1902 it unexpectedly collapsed, managing not to touch any of the neighboring buildings. The city council, to the delight of residents and tourists, restored the bell tower to its original form.

Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto).

The oldest bridge in Venice, spanning the Grand Canal. It was periodically destroyed until a “casting” was announced in the 16th century, in which Michelangelo himself took part, but the restoration of the bridge in stone was entrusted to the architect Antonio da Ponte, who completed construction in 1591.

BridgeSighs(Ponte dei Sospiri).

It was built in the 17th century by the architect Antonio Conti. Unfortunately for romantically inclined tourists, the name came not from the sighs of loving couples, but from the sighs of convicts, since the bridge connected the court in the Doge's Palace with the prison.

Ca'd'Oro (Ca" d'Oro).

Possibly the most beautiful palace in Venice, standing on the Grand Canal, built in the Gothic style in the 15th century. It is also called Palazzo Santa Sofia or the “Golden House”, due to the abundance of gold leaf in it.

Grand Canal (Canal Grande).

One of the main attractions of the city. Its length is 3.8 km, the width in some places reaches 70 meters, it looks a little like the letter S, and this is exactly the place where every tourist considers it his duty to ride a vaporetto or gondola.

Every year, on the first Sunday of September, the Historical Regatta is held here, where you can immerse yourself in the events of five hundred years ago.

Churches of Venice.

While in Venice, tourists should see Church of Santa Maria della Salute , built in 1681 as a sign of gratitude for the end of the terrible plague, and Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari , built in 1338. Its bell tower reaches 70 meters, and here you can also see Titian’s work “The Assumption of Mary”.

Museums of Venice.

Tourists - art lovers, first of all, can visit Teodoro Correr Museum (Museo Correr), consisting of three parts: historical, picturesque and the Risorgimento Museum.

Paintings by 20th century artists can be seen in Peggy Guggenheim Museum (Picasso, Chagall and many others). It is located on the Grand Canal in the Venier dei Leoni palace, open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, except Tuesday. Ticket price is 12 euros.

You can get there by vaporetto line 1 or 2, stop “Academy”.

A tourist interested in event tourism should pay attention to the Venice Carnival, held from February 6 to 16, which dates back to 1094.

Shopping in Venice.

The main souvenir for tourists here is a mask. A good mask (not Chinese) will cost from 25 euros.

Another local specialty is Murano glass, a pendant from which costs from 8 to 11 euros. If you wish, you can go to the island of Murano, where this glass is made.

The main local drink is not beer or wine, but a spritz of all kinds, stronger, weaker, stronger or sweet, costing 2-3 euros per glass.

Did you know that:

Venice has a monopoly in Italy on water canals? By the way, in the Middle Ages many cities possessed a similar miracle. In Milan, in the Navigli district, canals have existed since the 12th century.

1. Before your trip, be sure to print out the most detailed city ​​plan, on which your hotel will be marked. Moreover, the most important thing on the plan is to indicate the location of the hotel in relation to certain monuments than the names of the streets. Otherwise, you will have to run around the city with a frightened look for hours in search of a hotel, I see such poor fellows regularly (and I myself rushed around like this for the first time, alas and ah).

Please note that (for example) the address San Marco, 3024 is never “Piazza San Marco, house 3024”. You will have to look for a house with this number somewhere in the huge San Marco quarter. Even if the name of a street or alley is added to the address, this does not mean that they will be indicated on the map. In extreme cases, they may even be there, but they will just be called a little differently. Yes, yes, this doesn’t happen in Venice.

So, just a detailed plan, or even better, the hotel indicates from which landmarks and where you should go.

The best in my opinion (but, alas, the most expensive option) is to book a hotel with its own pier and go from the airport/train station by water taxi (120/60 euros, respectively). This will save a lot of nerves and effort, because Venice (most of it and precisely the part that is interesting for tourists) is a pedestrian city, so you will have to drag your suitcases yourself (they say there are porters at the pier in Piazza San Marco, but I I've never seen them).

2. It’s impossible to get lost in Venice, but it’s easy to get lost.

It is important to remember that in Venice there are only three bridge, connecting different quarters of the city (one of them leads to the Santa Lucia train station, and therefore is not of great interest). The other two are the Accademia Bridge and the Rialto.

The lovely Rialto Bridge, unfortunately, is covered in scribbles by particularly stupid tourists.

The whole of Venice is hung with signs directing tourists to the main landmarks: the two bridges (all "Accademia and per Rialto), as well as to Piazza San Marco (in some areas there is a sign to the train station - Ferrovia). So, you will get out anyway to one of these places, you won’t be able to get lost even if you wanted to.

But it’s easy to get lost in Venice; many streets are not on the most detailed maps, some are located in the opposite direction from the one indicated on the map. Somehow I managed to find the street I was looking for only when I turned right (although the map, a detailed local map, confidently led me to the left) :) If you lose your way, forget about the map, compass, etc. and just wander wherever your heart desires, this is the best way to feel the true Venice. Well, the ubiquitous signs to San Marco will lead you home))

3. Many people complain about the terrible crowds in Venice, and also about the fact that it is impossible to walk around the city without crossing paths with wild ones. in crowds tourists. Don't believe it, everything is possible in Venice!

First rule: do not crowd during the day in Piazza San Marco and in the adjacent alleys, as well as on the Rialto Bridge, there is nothing to do there except fight for a square centimeter of the pavement with a crowd of Japanese (French, German, Russian, etc.) tourists .

Piazza San Marco It’s best to explore in the evening, when the main crowds of tourists have subsided, leaving it to you a little dirty, but free. Well, you definitely need to complete its study on the terrace of one of the famous cafes with a century-old history: Florian or Quadri. By the way, musicians (mostly our compatriots) play in front of everyone: near “Florian” there are mainly jazz and old pop hits, at “Quadri” there is tango or music from operettas.

The prices in these establishments are steep, coffee and dessert for two will cost you 40 euros, but it is incredibly cozy and you can feel the spirit of history, not at all flavored with mothballs.

Cafe "Florian" inside, I apologize for the quality of the photo

Past Rialto You won’t be able to cross, after all, two bridges leave little room for maneuver, but if you don’t want to fight for your life with a crowd of Japanese tourists on the steps of the bridge, try walking not along its central part, but along the right or left passage, there are slightly fewer tourists there. And rush away from there, as far as possible from the souvenir shops with terrible quality goods located at the foot of the bridge. However, the jewelry in the shops on the bridge is very nice, but there is nothing there that cannot be bought in other parts of the city, but without the crowds and even cheaper.

Away from these two tourist hotspots, Venice will seem like a heavenly calm and deserted city where you can stroll for your own pleasure. Go to the Dorsoduro or Cannaregio districts, wander the streets of San Polo and Santa Croce and may you be happy and deserted Venice.

4. The most popular Venetian souvenirs - masks handmade and glass from the island of Murano. Glass jewelry can be bought everywhere, even in San Marco Square itself; prices for them in the city are almost the same. But it makes sense to buy masks only in shops that specialize in masks and carnival costumes, and do not sell souvenirs “everything for 10”; there you can find real works of art or just very beautiful masks of excellent quality and even at not quite outrageous prices.

By the way, these are such pretty masks

have nothing to do with authentic Venetian masks; they are produced exclusively for the needs of tourists. If you want verisimilitude, you need to take classic white bautu, part of the traditional Venetian costume

or one of the ugly animal masks, or the so-called “plague” doctor mask (the long beak on the mask imitates the designs that doctors wore during the era of the plague; flavored herbs were placed in the nose of the mask; it was believed that this could prevent infection)

They may not shine with beauty, but they are authentic and truly Venetian in spirit. :)

If you find yourself in Venice during the Carnival period, renting a fancy dress costume of luxurious quality is as easy as pie, although they cost about 200-300 euros per day.

I give you the coordinates of my favorite store, located a stone's throw from Piazza San Marco, the masks there are amazing, there is a huge selection of costumes and they are all fabulously beautiful - Veniceland(San Zulian, San Marco 617-30124, Venezia)

Cloth And shoes in Venice they are excellent, their prices are no higher than in all other cities of Italy (and certainly much lower than in Moscow), so you can safely shop at the local Max Mara, Furla, etc. Almost all the stores of expensive brands like Chanel and Hermes are located a couple of streets behind Piazza San Marco; more affordable brands are located near the Rialto Bridge.

Also in Venice there are absolutely wonderful stationery handmade: diaries, postcards, writing instruments. They are expensive, but they are so good that it is simply impossible to resist useless spending.

At Calle Al Ponte de la Guerra 5362 there is a fun shop with glass dishes, into which vegetables and spices seem to be “implanted” (alas, no photo).

5. WITH food There are no problems in Venice; there are restaurants and cafes for every taste and income. Restaurants at luxury hotels and in the vicinity of iconic monuments (for example, near the La Fenice Theater) are obscenely expensive. There are also a couple of “cult” places in Venice, famous for their cuisine, but tiny and unpresentable, with tables standing close to each other. Their prices are immodest, dinner for two will cost 150-200 euros, and the food... well, in general, I’m apparently not a gourmet, and I still don’t understand why it’s delicious (I don’t give addresses, such places are easily found in guidebooks, I can’t recommend them).

But the city also has plenty of restaurants with affordable prices, some of which also serve delicious food)) One of the best - LaZucca("pumpkin" in Italian, http://www.lazucca.it/?lang=en)

Very nice restaurant located near Piazza dei Frari - TrattoriaDonaOnesta(http://www.donaonesta.com/)

Not far from the Rialto Bridge (1479, S. Polo) there is a very inexpensive restaurant LaRivetta, the food there is delicious, but not fancy at all.

There are also several nice restaurants on Salizada San Lio, this is the very center, a spacious street by the standards of Venice, running almost from the Rialto towards San Marco Square.

But find a grocery store supermarket in Venice - not an easy task (but very important for those who stay in apartments), there are shops with wines and delicacies everywhere, plus a fish market near the Rialto Bridge. In search of the usual grocery shopping, go to Rio Tera, Calle Mondo Novo, or take the time to walk to Strada Nova - there are large supermarkets there (Billa and PAM, it seems).

6 . For those who travel to Venice in spring or late autumn (I haven’t been there in winter, I can’t give advice) I highly recommend it, despite the forecasts weather, stock up on warm clothes, waterproof shoes and, of course, an umbrella! The rains in Venice are disgusting, the city immediately turns gray, becomes deserted and dank, and besides, the water in the canals very quickly overflows its banks and floods the embankments and squares. Well, if you haven’t stocked up on suitable shoes, don’t worry, resourceful sellers in local stores immediately (literally a couple of minutes after the water rises) put rubber boots and raincoats in the most visible place, I’ve already had to add to my shoe collection twice))

This is what Venetian sidewalks look likeaquaalta - a strong rise in water level in canals

By the way, if you hear a wild roar sirens from Piazza San Marco, don’t be alarmed, this is a flood warning, but there hasn’t been any real major damage there for many years. At most, the water in the square and other streets will rise to knee-deep level; in this case, the Venetians immediately install special bridges on which you need to walk. I strongly do not recommend getting off them on unfamiliar streets; it’s easy to fall into a canal, unnoticeable due to the rising water level :)

Here you can see how tourists wander along the footbridges installed in San Marco Square (the flood, by the way, never happened).

7 . You need to move around the city exclusively on foot, otherwise you won’t be able to feel its unique atmosphere and soak in its spirit. In case of extreme lack of time, of course, you can use the local equivalent of a bus - a steamboat vaporetto, its stops (where you can buy a ticket) are located throughout the city, plus this method of transportation is quite cheap (if my memory serves me correctly, a trip from the airport to San Marco will cost 12 euros).

Gondolas- the type of transport is exclusively touristic and not cheap. Prices for this entertainment are set by the gondolier union (by the way, the correct pronunciation is gondola, not the usual gondola) and in recent years have amounted to about 90 euros for a 30-40 minute ride. Gondoliers, of course, can sing (for a fee), but it’s better not to. This heart-rending howl still rings in my ears; after all, hearing and voice are not automatically attached to the right to own a gondola. In recent years, I have been observing an innovation: they put an accordionist in a gondola, who plays popular melodies instead of nasty singing, I am with both hands for a new tradition. :)

Well, for dessert, for those who are not tired of reading a huge number of letters (especially for those who are tired) - a photo of “skinny” Venetian cats:

P.S. If the story wasn’t too boring, I can tell you about some Venetian attractions that every inquisitive tourist should see, even if bypassing odious monuments like St. Mark’s Cathedral. And also (in a boastful tone) I know about the damned Venetian haunted house.

P.P.S. And many thanks to the blogger Password, a post (I would even say a tutorial) which incredibly helped me when creating this post.