Because of the location and rising sea water levels, the city is fighting a war against water for years on end. Every year the city sinks a little deeper. During the winter months, floods in Venice by the Adriatic Sea are not uncommon. Normally these occur from November to February. In this period, it is not recommended to travel to Venice. Unfortunately floods are becoming more common even outside of this period. The city sinks 2 millimetres every year into the sea. At the moment people are working on a system to be able to regulate the water and hereby save Venice from its impending doom.
One of the most famous sights in Venice is Piazza San Marco, also known as St. Mark's Square. For the people of Venice this is an important square with different sights, one of them being the Saint Mark's Basilica. Tourists often enjoy staying at the square and they take the most beautiful photos here. The square consists of two parts: Piazza and Piazzetta. The Piazetta is situated on the lake of Venice. St. Mark's Square has been constructed in the Middle Ages and still looks exactly the same as hundreds of years ago. The square belongs to the old Venice. Unfortunately the square is regularly flooded nowadays and then the square becomes inaccessible. One of the reasons for this is that the square is situated in the lowest part of the city.
Situated on St. Mark's Square is Doge's Palace. This was the palace of the leader of Venice. The doge, or leader, was chosen by the Aristocracy. When you were made a doge then you became the leader for the rest of your life. Only after your death, a new doge was chosen. The doge would have to lead Venice, together with the Council of Ten. The power of the doge was big until the thirteenth century. After this the rich families of Venice started to get involved in the leadership. The palace of the doge was built in 1309. You can find influences of the east in the architecture of the palace. It is possible to have a look in the palace if you pay the entree fee.
Canal Grande is the most important street of Venice. Of course this street is filled with water, but it is worth to take a boat tour here. During the boat tour you will pass the most beautiful houses and buildings of Venice. You will get a good impression of Venetian Architecture. According to tourists, Canal Grande is absolutely the most beautiful street in the world! If you want to take the Canal Grande you can do this with the water bus as well. This is much cheaper than renting a gondola. You are better off taking the gondola for the smaller streets. Line 1 makes different stops through which you can easily visit the different places on Canal Grande. Try to get a seat in the front of the water bus to take the best pictures. Perhaps wait for the next boat if the fronts seats have already been taken. A beautiful house that you should see on the Canal Grande is Ca d'Oro, or the golden house. The city palace of Ca' Dario is also worth seeing. Especially when you hear the sad story that is behind it. Different personal drama's have been happening behind the palace walls. From murder to suicide to bankruptcy. Unfortunately the building is a private property and is not open to the public.
The first bridge over the Canal Grande is the Rialto Bridge. This bridge used to be made out of wood. Quickly Venice grew out to be an important city of trade. This was a reason to build a stone bridge so that goods could be moved across the Canal Grande in an easier fashion. The city held a design competition and Antonio da Ponte turned out to be the winner and designed the final Rialto Bridge. The covered bridge is impressive to the eye and on the bridge itself a few shops are situated. Close to the bridge is the market where people used to trade for centuries. Today you can go there for fresh fish and souvenirs. From the bridge you have a wonderful view on the Canal Grande.
Murano is a neighbourhood in Venice consisting of five islands. Glassblowers have situated themselves here and have already been here since the 12th century. Glassblowers settled themselves here in Murano because they were not allowed to blow glass in the city centre. The government of Venice was punished. The glass industry in Murano was the basis of crystal glass as we know it today. They had developed crystal clear glass which was unique in that era. The glass art from this neighbourhood is still famous today because of its often colourful designs. You can take a look yourself in one of the glass factories or buy glass in one of the many stores. There is a school where someone can be educated into the profession of becoming a glass blower. This is a course that lasts 1 to 2 years. Murano is reachable through the water bus.
When we think about Venice then we think about the many gondolas over the canals. Unfortunately, taking a gondola ride is often expensive. The boat ride is very popular which is why the prices go up. The gondoliers ask more than the official standard tariffs. On average it will cost you between € 100 and € 150 for a ride of 40 minutes. For every extra 20 minutes, you pay € 50. In the evenings it can even cost you more than during the day. A maximum of 6 people are allowed on board of the gondola which makes it possible to share the costs if you are travelling in a group or find some other tourists who want to enjoy a shared ride. May you decide to go for a ride, ask the gondolier to take you under the Bridge of Sighs. When you kiss someone whilst being underneath this bridge your love will last eternally.
In the 18th century, carnival was celebrated over a period of a month in Venice. Napoleon forbid the celebrations and only in 1979 the carnival was allowed to be celebrated again. For 12 days every year in February the feast is held. All participants are obliged to wear a mask during the festivities. The masks are sold throughout the city and thus it is not difficult to get your hands on one. The handmade masks are often very expensive, but they are true works of art. The Carnival is opened with a masked ball and after which there are different concerts that you can go to.
