DESTINATION INFORMATION
Il Veneto comprises the Lower Po Valley, the eastern bank of Lake Garda and the eastern Dolomites, occupying what was once the Republic of Venice. On the Adriatic coast lie several rather commercial seaside resorts, such as Jesolo.
VENICE (Venezia) stands upon a series of islands in a lagoon at the northern end of the Adriatic Sea, a position which gave it unique economic and defensive advantages over its trading rivals. Much of the wealth generated was, of course, invested in the construction of monuments to the glory of both God and the merchants, and Venice must be counted as one of the highlights of any tour of Italy.
The city's main monuments - St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace overlooking St Mark's Square - have gained fame through innumerable paintings by such artists as Canaletto, but the whole city is in many ways a work of art. The city's most important thoroughfare is the Grand Canal, lined with fine Gothic and Renaissance palazzi (buildings) and crossed by the bustling Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge) and the wooden Ponte dell'Accademia (Academy Bridge). Nearby, the Galleria dell'Accademia and the Collezione Peggy Guggenheim exhibits international art works.
Away from the main thoroughfares, Venice is characterised by narrow canals, small squares (often containing remarkable Gothic churches) and above all, since it contains no motor traffic, by serenity.
The Venetian islands of Burano (lacemaking), Murano (glassmaking) and Torcello (noted for the magnificent Byzantine Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta) can be visited by boat.
PADUA (Padova) is famous for the great, seven-domed 13th-century Basilica of St Anthony where the bronzes on the main altar are by Donatello, as is the equestrian statue in front of the entrance. The tiny Scrovegni Chapel, decorated with a stunning cycle of 14th-century biblical frescoes by Giotto; Prato della Valle, a vast square with a central green space, and the Orto Botanico, botanical gardens dating back to 1545, making it the oldest place of its kind in Europe.
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WHAT TO DO
- St Mark's Basilica, Venice ~ Located in St Mark's Square, this ornate basilica has a stunning golden facade, decorated with mosaics, statues and five domes.
- The Doge's Palace, Venice ~ Next to St Mark's, this beautiful Gothic building was once the home of the Venetian rulers.
- Telecom Italia Future Centre ~ Whilst most museums in Venice honour the city's history and art, this museum blends heritage with computer and communications techology. Housed in a 1,000-year-old convent, this high-tech museum is for for Internet and videogame generation.
- Ponte di Rialto ~ Built between 1588 and 1591, the bridge has three walkways ~ two along the outer balustrades, and a wider central walkway leading between two rows of small shops that sell jewellery, linens, Murano glass, and other Venetian souvenirs.
- The Campanile di San Marco ~ The Belltower of St. Mark's, was rebuilt in 1912, an exact replica of the original which collapsed unexpectedly ten years earlier.
- The Venetian islands of Burano, Murano and Torcello. The Glass Museum on Murano is located in the Palazzo Giustinian, and has samples of glass from Egyptian times through the present day, and the displays show how the art and manufacture of glass developed over the centuries. Great souvenirs can ben purchased in the glass shops, where you'll find countless paperweights, vases, glass beads and items of glass jewellery.
- Basilica of St Antony, Padua ~ Seven-domed 13th century basilica with statues and bronzes by Donatello.
Restaurant suggestions in Venice:
- Trattoria all Madonna ~ Large, bustling trattoria is a favourite with the locals and value for money, with long dining tables set up for informal dining.
- Brek ~ Self service chain offering simple pizza and pasta dishes, plus salads, fruit and desserts.
- Al Giardinetto da Severino ~ Friendly restaurant, popular with the gondoliers and offers dining in the courtyard. Serving Venetian staples, the tourist set menu is very good value.
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