Venice: a journey through the canals and hidden treasures of the Serenissima

Venice is an Italian jewel nestled between canals, bridges and magnificent historic buildings and more and more tourists decide to visit it year after year. This unique city in the world needs no introduction: walking through its romantic streets, where the water blends with the Gothic and Renaissance architecture, creating an unparalleled visual symphony is truly a unique sensation that can only be experienced here.

In Venice everything is possible: here the streets are canals and the most iconic means of transport are gondolas and vaporettos. The city is a painted canvas of majestic buildings that seem to emerge from the sparkling waters of the Grand Canal.

Exploring the Canals of Venice and the Rialto Bridge

One of the first experiences that will leave you breathless is a boat ride on the Grand Canal . This imposing liquid snake divides the entire historic center and offers a spectacular view of the Gothic and Renaissance buildings that flank it. You will feel immersed in history, traveling along this waterway which represented the beating heart of the Serenissima Republic of Venice.

And how can you not fall in love with Piazza San Marco? This square, with its Basilica of San Marco and the majestic Campanile, is the city's living room par excellence, where the most important celebrations in Venetian history took place. The square enchants with its timeless charm, welcoming tourists and pigeons with its majesty. Known as "the living room of Venice" , this elegant space, overlooking the lagoon, has been the pulsating center of Venetian life for centuries, a place of celebrations, parties and social meetings of great importance. Its name derives from the splendid Basilica of San Marco which stands majestically in the center of the square, with its imposing domes and decorations of golden mosaics.

During Carnival, Piazza San Marco comes alive with shows and masks but the magic of this square is palpable at any time of the year, when the music of the cafés and the calls of pigeons blend with the architectural elegance that surrounds it.

The Basilica of San Marco and the iconic monuments of the square

The Basilica of San Marco is a true jewel of Byzantine architecture, and is an unmissable visit for art and history lovers. Inside, the frescoes and sacred works of art are breathtaking , while the golden mosaics on the walls tell biblical stories and religious allegories with unique elegance and precision. In addition to the Basilica, Piazza San Marco is surrounded by other buildings of great historical importance, including the Campanile di San Marco , the tallest building in Venice, from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of the city and the lagoon.

Another iconic symbol of the square is the Clock Tower , a complex astronomical clock that has kept time in Venice for centuries. Its hands and complex mechanisms are still in operation and today represent a true technological marvel. While walking around the square, it is difficult not to also notice the Caffè Florian , one of the oldest cafés in Europe, which has hosted intellectuals, artists, and celebrities from every era.

The square is also home to:

• of the Correr Museum : an important museum that tells the history of Venice through a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, coins and historical artefacts;
• Della Torre dei Filippini hosts the Venice Film Festival, one of the most prestigious cinematographic events in the world.

Palazzo Ducale and the charm of the Bridge of Sighs

Palazzo Ducale is a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture , containing within it a treasure of inestimable artistic value and numerous secrets wrapped in the charm of ancient Venice. Already from the outside, Palazzo Ducale offers a fascinating sight. The splendid facades have two levels of monumental colonnades, while on the upper level you can admire geometric decorations in white and pink stone, surmounted by ogival windows with a Byzantine character. Every architectural detail speaks of the grandeur and elegance that distinguishes this timeless structure.

Once inside, you will find yourself immersed in a unique atmosphere, where history and art come together in a union of emotions . The sumptuous rooms and sumptuous environments will take you back in time, making you relive the splendors of the Serenissima Republic. Here, Doges and rulers have ruled with majesty and authority, and political secrets and palace intrigues have marked the history of Venice. The works of art kept in the Doge's Palace are true masterpieces, created by talented artists who have honored the city with their genius. Among these works, masterly frescoes and paintings of inestimable value await you.

You can't help but admire the famous Bridge of Sighs , the covered bridge that connects the Doge's Palace to the prisons of the Serenissima. This fascinating place has inspired legends and romantic stories, and admiring it from both inside and outside is an experience not to be missed.

Navigating between Art and History: Accademia Galleries and Peggy Guggenheim Collection

For art lovers, Venice is a true paradise, and among the obligatory stops are the renowned Gallerie dell'Accademia . This prestigious museum houses the most important collection of Venetian painting in the world, with a special focus on the period of maximum splendor from the fifteenth to the eighteenth century.

Immersed in the enchanting atmosphere of the former Church of Santa Maria della Carità and the adjoining convent, which once housed the Academy of Fine Arts, the museum houses works by authors of great importance in the history of art. Among these we find masterpieces by masters such as Giorgione, known for his ability to create works with an enigmatic and evocative charm, and Carpaccio, famous for his paintings of narrative scenes rich in detail and liveliness.

Titian is undoubtedly the undisputed protagonist of the Accademia Galleries . The Venetian artist, considered one of the greatest painters of the Italian Renaissance, is present with many of his most famous works. From portraits to sacred paintings, Titian's works fascinate with their timeless beauty and mastery of color and light.

If you wish to immerse yourself in modern and contemporary art, you cannot miss a visit to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection . This extraordinary museum is housed in a palace overlooking the Grand Canal and offers an eclectic collection of artworks by visionary artists such as Dali, Pollock, De Chirico and Giacometti.

The museum extends inside and outside the palace, and offers art lovers a complete overview of the most significant artistic movements of the 20th century. Walking among the works on display, you have the sensation of being faced with an extraordinary collection of ideas and visions that have marked the evolution of modern art.

Murano and Burano

A unique experience in Venice is represented by a visit to the islands of Murano and Burano. In Murano , you can admire the ancient art of glass blowing, with master glassmakers creating true works of art with fire and sand. Furthermore, a visit to the Glass Museum will reveal the secrets of this precious Venetian tradition.

In Burano , however, the traditional art of lace comes to life thanks to the skilled hands of the lace makers, who create delicate lace masterpieces. You can walk among the picturesque colored houses and observe the lace makers at work, offering visitors a unique spectacle of local life.

The fascinating La Fenice Theater and the Arsenal of Venice

If you love culture and entertainment, the Gran Teatro La Fenice is an unmissable stop. Primarily known for its operas, it has been the scene of numerous world premieres and has hosted some of the biggest names in opera. After being destroyed by fires, the theater was reborn like a Phoenix from its ashes, and today it is a symbol of perseverance and magnificence.

And to discover the less touristy side of Venice, an excursion to the Arsenal is a must. This historic complex, once the center of the Venetian naval industry, is a lesser-known but equally fascinating area. You can discover Venice's intimate connection with the sea, through the Historical Naval Museum and its impressive Ships Pavilion.

For those who really want to discover Venice, it is possible to stay there in a simple and easy way so as to be enchanted by the magical atmosphere of this unique city in the world.