Venice - no place like La Serenissima

VENEZIA - LA SERENISSIMA

Venezia (Venice) is a city of stone built on marshy mudflats of a lagoon that stretches across numerous small islands along the Adriatic Sea. I agree with those who say that there is no place on earth quite like La Serenissima (the Most Serene).

In this humble American's opinion, below are some of the top sights and things to do:
• St. Mark’s Cathedral
• Doge’s Palace
• Piazza San Marco
• The Grand Canal
• Bridge of Sighs
• Rialto Bridge
• Gondola Ride
• Accademia Gallery (praised highly by a couple of trusted friends; unfortunately, I didn’t visit it)

Quality Café and Restaurant near Piazza San Marcos
• Caffe Florian (south side of Piazza San Marcos, call +39-041-520-5641)
• Vino Vino (informal wine-bar restaurant www.vinovino.co.it)

Other recommended one-of-a-kind activities in Venice
• Gondola Driving Lessons (contact Casanova/Oltrex at +39-041-524-2840 or +39-041-522-4566)
• Doge’s Palace “Secret Itineraries” Tour (stop by or call +39-041-520-9070)
• Campanile di San Marcos elevator to the top for a spectacular view of Venice
• Sunday evening 6:45 p.m. mass at St. Mark’s Cathedral (no “tourists” allowed, so dress appropriately, arrive on time, stay in your pew and sit quietly to the end)

I had one of the best days of my Mediterranean cruise roaming the city of 118 islands joined by 409 bridges. To me, Venice deservedly lives up to its title of “Queen of the Adriatic.”

Apart from Venice's just overall world charm and romanticism, the canals of Venice are worth visiting as another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The group of 118 islands which make up Venice and its lagoon were officially added to the list in 1987, for their cultural significance.

Venice is known for its superb collection of artistic masterpieces as well as the incredible churches and other architectural accomplishments. Some of the arguably greatest artists in history have pieces housed in Venice - Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese, Giorgione, and Tiepolo are some of the artists works that can be viewed.

Most people know Venice for its canals and gondoliers which can bring out the romantic side of just about the biggest of cold hearts! :-)

When in Venice, some of the highlights not to miss include:

• St. Mark’s Cathedral
• Doge’s Palace
• Bridge of Sighs
• Piazza San Marco
• The Grand Canal
• Rialto Bridge
• Gondola Ride
• Murano Island
• Vogalonga (rowing event held specific times of the year)