The small island of the Venetian coast were first settled by a group of barbarians in the 5th and 6th centuries. Floating villages were built at this time by connecting rafts to posts which were driven into the seabed. These early barbarians actually turned out to be trend-setters.
The Venetian Maze
Put on your walking shoes, get a good map, and prepare to navigate through an outdoor museum. You will probably get lost. But not to worry because Venice is only 7,6 square kilometres or 3 square miles. In fact, straying off the beaten path is the best way of really experiencing Venice. Streets become so narrow that residents can open their windows and shake hands with their neighbours without having to stretch out too far. It is hard to imagine living in such tight quarters. Old buildings seem to come to life with colourful flowers. Long clotheslines hold the underwear of entire families, while Murano glass chandeliers hang from ceilings within these buildings. Every new step brings something interesting to see, and one can spend a wonderful day just following the endless trail of little bridges back to St. Mark's Square. So take my advice. Get lost in Venice!
Carnival
During the ten days before Lent, or from February 23 to March 4, the city of Venice throws a major party - Carnival. Throughout the year, one can see the imprint of the Carnival on Venice. Shops all over the city sell Carnival masks and costumes. The festival was actually revived in 1979 to try and arouse local interest. This campaign, however, had the opposite effect. It attracted tourists from all over the world to the dismay of many Venetians. So get your calendar out and mark down the Venice carnival for next year. It's a celebration that should not be missed in a city already loaded with fantastic offerings.
The Pigeon Piazza
When I finally reached St. Mark's Square, the first thought running through my mind was "pigeons". The entire centre of the square is full of panhandling pigeons and the generous tourists that feed them. Some folks are even daring enough to let the pigeons sit on their heads and, inevitably, these brave souls walk away with white stains on their clothes. Apart from the pigeons, St. Mark's Square offers breathtaking architecture and an outstanding atmosphere. Amazingly, the construction on the square began in the 11th century, and over the centuries it took the shape of a trapezoid rather than a square. Surrounded by outdoor cafes, there is no better way to spend an afternoon than sitting in the sun outside St. Mark's, sipping a coffee, and soaking up the scene. Just watch out for the pigeons.
It Only Crumbles Once Every 1000 Years
The original 325-foot guard tower, called the Campanile, was constructed in the 8th century, and there the tower stood until the morning of July 14, 1902 when the walls suddenly came crumbling down. The present tower war built in 1912 as an exact reproduction of the original tower. A quick elevator trip to the top of this magnificent tower is well worth the time. On a clear day one can get a spectacular view of the floating city, the islands in the lagoon, the sparkling Adriatic Sea and the snow-covered Italian Alps in the distance. I have stared out from this tower for hours thinking about timeless Venice. It is one of the few cities in the world that seems immune to time. People still get around by boat, and the original layout of the city is largely intact. So do not forget to catch the view from the tower. And do not worry, the tower is not due to fall down again for another 1000 years.
The Heart of Venice
The Rialto Bridge's 24-foot arch was designed to allow passage for galleys, and the massive structure was built on some 12 000 wooden pilings that still support the bridge more than 400 years later. Until 1854, the Rialto Bridge was the only way across the Grand Canal by foot. As one can imagine, this made the bridge and its surrounding areas a popular traffic area for those who either had no boat or did not fancy a swim. The bridge has always held a soft spot in the hearts of Venetians, who consider it one of the "wonders of the world". Today the remarkable Rialto Bridge is lined with sops selling all sorts of merchandise, such as jewellery, linen, Murano glass and other souvenirs. It is certainly cheaper to buy things in the Rialto area than around St. Mark's Square, and the entire area is truly enjoyable and engrossing.
Day Trips
The Island of Murano
In 1291, the Republic of Venice expelled its glassmakers to the Island of Murano because of the fire hazard they created to a city built mostly of wood. Today, one can visit some famous Murano creations. Ironically, one is advised not to buy glass here on the island because of inflated prices. It is better to buy glass in the area around the Rialto Bridge.
Museo Vetrario
Located in tha Palazzo Giustinian near the island's centre, this museum holds samples of glass from Egyptian times through to the present day, and the displays show how the art and manufacturing of glass developed over the centuries.
Churhc of Santa Maria E San Donato
This ancient church may look rather plain, but its history is rich. Its lavishly decorated interior has a marble mosaic floor that was made in 1140. The church lies very close to a museum on the Canale di San Donato.
Getting there
The best was is by waterbus, but make sure to get an updated schedule. The ride takes about ten minutes to the Museo stop, which is the most convenient for sightseeing.