Italy, Venice – City Between Water Canals II

As it is a rarity nobody would expect that gondolas would be cheap. A 30-40 ride could cost you around 80 euro. If you want to spend more time on a gondola, you could pay over 40 euro more. Moreover, you pay extra if you ride on a gondola across Venice at night. In addition to that, you can hire a singer that would accompany you on your ride. Gondola makes a great eperience. If you haven't been on one your visit to Venice doesn't count. Usually two take a ride. There are comfy chairs on the back of a gondola. But even a group of five would fit in.

There is ferry on Grande Canal. It is the cheapest means to ride on a gondola. However, you travel only from one bank to another (the price is 2 euro). You can board the ferry at Campo del Traghetto. 

When I am thinking about the city, I recollect narrow sidewalks along canals. Once you get to some side street, you get to interesting nooks or maybe end up on a small sqaure with a church. There are many of such scattered across the city. Stores, bars and restaurants make the streets more colorful. I remember stores selling purses from Italian leather. Also, I remember popular drink Spritz, an omnipresent thing in bars and restaurants, you can find it on every table. 

Piazza San Marco (every other square includes the word Campo = open space) is another symbol of Venice. The church bears the name of the patron of Venice - Saint Marco. There is a basilica bearing the name of the patron on the square. It is free of charge yet there is often a long queue. Another disadvantage of going there is a ban on carrying a backpack. There is Palazzo Ducale, a seaside Gothic palace which used to be the residence of the government. They charge 20 euro to enter the palace yet you avoid long lines. There are many palaces around the city center. However, this one is the most important. Moreover, notice a red brick tower. This one is the belfry of St Marco. It allows you to see the city from bird's eye perspective. The price is 8 euro per person. St Marco square is always overcrowded. However, when it rains people run away and the square has better atmosphere.

Should you go from the square to the wharf, notice beautiful building on your right. It is Punta della Dogana church. You can reach it on foot but it takes some time as there are not many bridges crossing canals. Take a small stam boat and ride Canal Grande. This allows you to see the church and beatuiful houses, galleries, and other structures lining the main canal. You will also ride below the Ponte di Rialto bridge – the most famous and the oldest bridge crossing Canal Grande. The bridge is surrounde by crowds of people who love to observe the acanal. Also, there are many stores selling all kinds of goods. This, however, spoils the magic of this place.

There is not much of green vegetation in the city. Yes, there are several little parks such as Giardini Papadopoli situated close to a bus station and near San Marco square. However, if you feel the urge to set off to nature and get some rest from tourist crowds, visit some of the islands in the Venetian Lagoon. I will reveal my tips next Saturday.

GPS: 45°26'06.7"N 12°20'15.7"E

Text: Martina Brožková

Photos: Martina Brožková, Wikimedia Commons: Rob Young