She is unique in every way! It delights, fascinates, amazes and makes you completely break away from reality, forgetting about noisy megacities with their smog and traffic. Venice is another dimension, a special world that exists in a separate ecosystem, whose name is Laguna. I can talk about this city for hours, sing praises and praise in every possible way, but today we will talk about the cruel reality and how to economically and comfortably see one of the most expensive and tourist-crowded places in the world.

Where to live?

Everyone knows that hotels in Venice are extremely expensive, but you can still save money. The algorithm for finding relatively inexpensive housing is as follows:

First we look hotels near Santa Lucia train station or bus station in piazzale Roma(it’s the cheapest way to get there from both airports in Venice), so as not to walk with a heavy suitcase across the city (read “through numerous bridges with stairs”).
My experience: Hotel Ca’ Lucrezia and Guerrini

Then we look more remote hotels (still in the city center) located close to water transport stops (vaporetto), and add 10-13 euros (per person) to the cost of living, that is, the difference in price between a bus and a bus+vaporetto ticket or direct transport from the airport (Alilaguna, tickets are cheaper to buy online) .
My experience: hotelNuovo Teson

If the islands turned out to be too expensive, moving to the mainland area of ​​Mestre/Marghera, where prices are much lower, but you will have to spend about 3 euros and 40 minutes daily on a trip to Venice and back. It is believed that Marghera is less safe than Mestre, however, having lived in both areas, I can say that there are more migrants in the latter. So don’t get hung up on the location and just choose a more profitable hotel, the main thing is that there is a bus stop to Venice and a supermarket nearby, if breakfast is not included in the price.
My experience: hotelsVilla Adele(Margera) andAdria(Mestre)

Well the most extreme case– to settle in more remote areas, for example, in the Fuzina campsite, where I also had the honor of living. This is not the most convenient option, but for 1-2 nights (no more!) it can be a real salvation for a thin wallet and a tourist dreaming of Venice.
My experience: campingFusina

Coast of the Venetian Lagoon, camping "Fusina"

Where to go?

Venice is an open-air museum city, so spending a lot of time there "closed" attractions- unforgivable luxury. The only exceptions are the magnificent Doge's Palace and the Ca' Rezzonico mansion, as well as the highest observation platforms on the bell towers of the Cathedrals of San Marco and San Giorgio Maggiore. The only problem is that the last two are not included in any museum map of the city, so purchasing it for a not-so-museum tourist loses all meaning.

note that ticket to the Doge's Palace(as much as 19 euros for adults!) also allows you to visit the Correr Museum-Gallery, the Archaeological Museum and the most beautiful halls of the National Library for free for 3 months, so if you have time, stop by and be curious!

I’ll say separately about the sensational palaces of Ca' d'Oro and Contarini del Bovolo– many people write about the first one that it is more beautiful from the outside than from the inside, and in the second I was personally disappointed due to the inability to get inside and was content with only a walk along the external staircase (by the way, it also looks more interesting from the outside) and not the most impressive views from the observation deck .

Most tourists are thirsty climb the cathedral bell tower San Marco, so there are always queues there, and a ticket costs 8 euros. However, once you cross the San Marco Canal, you will find exactly the same bell tower on the island of San Giorgio, only without tourists and for only 6 euros. I admit, I can’t say which has the better view: I liked both! From San Marco you can take a close look at the domes of the cathedral of the same name and the endless tiled mosaic of Venetian houses, and from San Giorgio Maggiore one of the most famous panoramas of Venice opens up and the main water area of ​​the city is visible at a glance.

View of Venice from the bell tower of the Cathedral of San Giorgio Maggiore

What to move on?

I’ve already written about the main types of tickets for public transport in Venice (buses and vaporetto), so I’ll just add a couple of tips...

For budget exploring the remote Venetian islands take a ticket for 24 hours (valid from the moment of the first validation, so you need to “saw” it right before boarding). During this time, you can have time to go to the farthest and most beautiful island of Burano (by direct vaporetto number 12 from the Fondamente Nove embankment). On the way back, stop briefly at the famous, but not very picturesque glass Murano (on the same number 12) and at the unusual cemetery island of San Michele (on the way from Murano on vaporetto number 4.1 or 4.2). Then, from Fondamente Nove, run to the nearest stop on the Grand Canale (for example, at the Rialto Bridge) and in daylight take a ride along the main “avenue” of the city on any vaporetto to Piazza San Marco. There, change to line No. 2 to Giudecca Island (stops Palanca, Redentore or Zitelle), where it is so nice to watch the sunset on the promenade! And then, returning to San Marco, sail along the night Grand Canale towards the stations on vaporetto no. 1 or 2. If there is time left, the next morning, before the ticket expires, ride to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore to climb to the observation deck (open from 9:00), but the historical island of Torcello, as it turns out, can be bypassed.

Please note that any Vaporetto ticket must be valid not at the time of the trip, but at the time of validation at the pier, which extends the validity of the pass for some more time!

However vaporetto is not always the best way to travel around Venice; Sometimes walking will be faster than taking transport, for example, on the route from piazzale Roma to Fondamente Nove and from the railway station to the Tronchetto cruise terminal.

Gondolas are the oldest transport in Venice

Where to walk, eat, buy souvenirs and... use the toilets?

In Venice, tourists with a map in their hands make me smile, because learn to navigate this city It’s almost impossible the first time - you’ll still get lost. Although in fact this is the best thing that can happen to you here! Having examined the main beauties, put down the map and go for a walk according to the principle “wherever your eyes look.” Don't be afraid to veer off the main tourist routes and venture deeper into the tangled web of streets and canals. Believe me, it is no less beautiful there than in San Marco Square, and there are practically no tourists, so all this splendor will belong only to you!

If you still want use the card, then the only chance to get it for free is to ask at the reception of your hotel. At tourist information points in the city, this service is paid, and it’s scary to even remember the price tag on the site plan in newspaper and ticket kiosks!

Paradoxical but true - restaurants and shops in the most touristic places Venice often turns out to be quite inexpensive compared to their “colleagues” on the outskirts of the island part of the city. According to my observations, it is best to have a meal and buy souvenirs in the area of ​​the Cannaregio canal, including on the most tourist street, which leads from the train station to the Rialto bridge. By the way, there is also a store where you can buy chic Venetian masks for only 2-5 euros, and magnets everywhere from 0.75 to 1 euro!

If instead of dinner you prefer a romantic aperitif(I talked about this phenomenon in detail) on the banks of the canal in the company of young Venetian students, then after 7 pm go to the bars on the embankment of the Rio della Misericordia canal (which is behind the ghetto block) or in the area of ​​​​the church and the San Trovaso canal of the same name. I am not aware of the prices for Venetian aperitifs, but I am sure that this type of meal will be much cheaper than dinner in a restaurant!

And here for a traditional lunch or dinner From my last trip, I can recommend the restaurant-pizzeria “Al Faro” located in a nice corner of the ghetto with a very hospitable owner (sorry, not Italian) and the pizzeria “La Perla”, where local gondoliers dine, and pizza can be taken away (without paying the obligatory tip) and eat it literally around the corner, sitting on the bank of a picturesque canal. Both establishments are very tasty and, by Venetian standards, relatively budget-friendly.

When choosing a restaurant, be sure to pay attention to what is written at the bottom/end of the menu in small print. In Venice, as throughout Italy, a mandatory tip is included in the bill, calling it “coperto” (in adequate establishments 1-2 euros per person), less common is “servizio” (10% of the check amount). However, particularly greedy establishments do not hesitate to combine both versions of these extortions in one bill, so be careful! I also strongly advise against sitting at restaurant tables romantically placed along the canals: if you ever see Venice at night, you will find out what animals walk around it in the dark.

In Venice everything is well organized except the toilets! Moreover, it is often impossible to get this “service” even for money: the number of public WC per thousand tourists tends to zero, and this despite the fact that a “ticket for one visit” costs as much as 1.5 euros! Most bars and restaurants won’t just let you in either, saying that their restroom is for visitors only. But there is a way out! For the same 1.5 euros (or even 2) in these greedy establishments you can drink a cup of espresso and at the same time look into the restroom (as a visitor!), and if you are with friends, then for the price of one coffee the whole company will “rejoice”)))

A trip to Venice (another name for the city is “Serenissima” or the Brightest, Clearest) can be compared to a fairy tale. The most beautiful, romantic city in the world with beautiful palaces, ancient temples, numerous museums, flowering parks, gardens gives rise to a difficult task of what to see in Venice in 4 days. How not to get lost in the beautiful kingdom of Gothic, luxurious baroque, and quaint canals reflected in the waters? The article offers one of the options for getting to know the city in a short time.

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Basilica of San Marco

The beautiful, famous Church of Peace is located in St. Mark's Square in ancient Venice. The five-domed temple was erected in 828 as a court chapel of the Doge's Palace. It housed the relics of the Apostle Mark. They were brought from Alexandria in January 829. The basilica was rebuilt several times, having now acquired numerous elements of different architectural styles. The temple was consecrated in 1094. The famous cathedral played an important role in the history of the republic: public speeches by the Doges and official ceremonies took place there. In the 19th century, on the squares of the upper floors of the cathedral, the San Marco Museum was organized, introducing the history of the ancient cathedral of Venice.

Separate exhibitions present the history of the creation of the mosaic pattern decorating the cathedral, collections of icons, precious stones, unique woolen tapestries, and ancient chorales. The famous dome “Creation of the World”, “Golden Altar” or Pala d’Oro, unique figures of four horses made of bronze, Gothic arrows created from woven statues and numerous ancient relics captured in military campaigns. The current temple is located at Piazza San Marco. The ticket price for visiting the cathedral (according to a special time schedule) is 3 €.

Doge's Palace

The main element of the famous architectural ensemble of Venice is the Doge's Palace (now it houses a museum). The monument of the late Gothic style was created during the heyday of the Venetian Republic according to the design of the Calendario around 1424. From the lagoon side, the palace resembles an overturned ship. Several gates lead to the palace courtyard, including the famous Paper Gate, on which the orders of the rulers were posted. This is a three-story building, reminiscent of the letter “P”, made of marble of different colors. The first floor consists of a gallery of pointed arches. The second is built on the basis of tall, thick columns with boxes decorated with floral designs.

On the third floor, the snow-white marble wall contains numerous windows of different sizes. An important element of the palace is the festive balcony with the monument of justice, located on the southern facade. From here, decrees and sentences were announced and considered in the conference room. The Supreme Court, secret police, censorship, naval department functioned inside the building, and there were special niches (lion's mouths) for denunciations. The imposing Staircase of the Giants, made of Carrara marble, was often used for Venetian ceremonies (the most important, called the wedding of the Doge). Palace address: San Marco 1, entrance from the lagoon. Ticket costs 20 €. You can see the attraction from 8.30 to 19 daily.

Correr Museum

The famous art museum owes its existence to a passionate collector, Count (Abbot) Teodoro Correr. The basis for future rich exhibitions were personal collections of antique objects and paintings. They were in the building of an ancient palace located in San Zan Degolo. The premises of the museum (a complex historical ensemble created in 1830) house rare historical, divine works of Venice. The exhibitions occupy 33 halls on the territory of two floors of the New Procurations building.

Among them are famous symbols of the Venetian Republic, seals, personal belongings of the Doges, ancient nautical maps, ancient devices for ship navigation, portraits, etc. The 19 halls on the third floor are occupied by an art gallery. It contains paintings from early paintings by masters of the Flemish school of painting to the present day. Among them is the famous work of Vittore Carpaccio “The Courtesans”. The archaeological department of the museum displays Egyptian and Roman artifacts. Museum address: Venezia, San Marco, 52. The entrance is organized from the main square of the city through Napoleon's premises. The museum's opening hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ticket price 16 €. There are preferential options.

St. Mark's Clock Tower

The monument of the early Renaissance period (late 15th century) is easily recognizable by its elements (symbols of Venice) in the form of a Winged Lion with a Book and the Virgin Mary with the Child Christ. At the top of the tower there are two male figures made of bronze, striking a bell when the clock hand approaches a certain position. The sounds that appear upon impact are heard throughout the lagoon, indicating the current time. In 1493, not every city could afford to install such a clock.

It has a sea green dial with a globe in the center. The clock shows the changing seasons, the path of the Sun and Moon through the signs of the Zodiac. The hour disc (with two fronts) is decorated with zodiac figures covered in gold. Bright stars are located on an attractive blue background. More than five centuries ago they were created by a father and son from the Ranieri family. The clock tower is located on the main square of the city and is open to visitors (on pre-booked tours) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Venetian Arsenal

The "Workshop" or Arsenal of Venice is considered the first shipyard to produce ships around the world. In the Middle Ages, the Venetian Republic was considered the strongest maritime power. Its power is born of the powerful capabilities of the Arsenal. The famous three-masted galley "Galeas" for transporting heavy military equipment was created at this shipyard. The ship had a great influence on the subsequent stages of the development of marine technology. Construction of the attraction began in 1104.

Nowadays the Maritime Museum of Venice is located here (it occupies the premises of the Arsenal granary). The first floor is occupied by exhibits reflecting the level of artillery of the powerful Venetian Republic. The second floor is occupied by replicas of famous ships of Venice. Among them is a copy of the ship "Bucintoro", which served for ceremonial events of the Doges. The museum houses the famous bronze bell, which heralded the beginning of work for many centuries. Arsenal address: Venice, Castello, 30122. It is currently closed to the public.

Church of San Pietro di Castello

The city of Venice is located on 118 islands. Among the first inhabited islands was a small piece of land in the form of the island of San Pietro (Olivolo). Along with people's homes, a church appeared, which served as a cathedral for a long time (during the period from 1451 to 1807). Since 775, the Church of San Pietro di Castello was considered an episcopal see and served as the religious and administrative center of the city. The luxurious Basilica of San Marco, during this period of time was the chapel of the Doge's Palace.

The church has a monumental façade, a huge dome (its diameter is 54 m), a Baroque main altar, and a bas-relief depicting the “Adoration of the Magi.” The main treasures of the church are paintings by Veronese, Tintoretto, and the famous frescoes of Jacolo Palma. On the territory of the church there is a snow-white “leaning tower”, created according to the design of the architect Coducci. The church is located at Campo San Pietro 2787. It can be viewed from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

San Vidal Concert Hall

The beautiful church of San Vidal was built in the 11th century by order of the current Doge Vitale Fallier (named after him). It acquired its final form in the 17th century. Since 2016, the church has been used as a permanent hall for chamber music concerts. Those wishing to view the church can do so without paying. The single-nave church is small in size and has a vaulted ceiling. There are carpets on the floor, and numerous musical instruments along the walls. Instead of the usual church pews, folding chairs are installed.

The walls are decorated with paintings by famous artists. Above the altar is one of Carpaccio's large paintings. Every year, the church hosts about 200 concerts of the Venice violin ensemble “Venetian Interpreters”, playing classical works in their own special manner on original instruments. The cost of a concert ticket is about 30 €. There is an assumption that the tomb of the composer Baldasare Galuppi is located in the church.

Dinner at Al Portego restaurant

You really want to try interesting dishes of Mediterranean cuisine, or just have a good meal of a special meat dish with an original sauce at the end of an intense day of traveling around beautiful Venice. Moreover, during dinner, along with offers of culinary excellence, you can continue to admire the classic view of the private territory. The restaurant is located in a restored village house, which has preserved the atmosphere of comfort and simple rural elegance. A beautiful summer garden, famous Italian wines, a small appetizer cicchetti (considered a special dish of the restaurant) will help you relax and learn the merits of local cuisine.

Al Portego restaurant address: Castello San Lio, 6014, 30122. There are always a lot of people interested. It's better to come early or reserve a seat in advance.

Third day in Venice

The numerous islands of the Adriatic Sea belonging to Venice, 150 canals and 400 bridges connecting them, have their own history and interesting sights. Large and small cities formed independently and under the influence of Byzantine Constantinople. On the third day of the trip, it is suggested to see the following places.

Academy Gallery

Among the numerous museums in the city, the famous Academy Gallery plays a leading role. Its holdings contain the most significant collection of paintings in Venice from the 14th to the 18th centuries. It appeared in 1750 with the goal of making the city an important point of artistic development, upbringing, and education similar to Rome, Milan, and Florence. The gallery was awarded museum status in the 19th century. The gallery began to be called the Royal Academy of Arts in 1807. Young people studied painting and architecture here.

For the first time, a school of restorers was formed. Several buildings have been allocated for the gallery (an ancient monastery, a church). They contain priceless collections of works by famous Italian artists (Titian, Bellini, Carpaccio). There are 25 halls dedicated to the museum's exhibitions. The gallery is located at Campo della Carita 1050 on the south side of the Grand Canal. The museum operates according to established hours, the ticket price is 15 €.

Scuola San Rocco

The church is located in the San Polo area. It was erected in honor of the famous Saint Roch, a plague healer. Together with Saint Mark, he is considered the patron saint of the city. “Scuoli” are brotherhoods of the Middle Ages in Italy (modern associations, corporations), created on the examples of the Dominican or Franciscan orders. In Venice, they helped poor residents in difficult situations. Using funds from the brotherhood's funds, they built churches, developed crafts and various types of art, and were considered a social institution of the country. Scuola San Rocco became one of the first architectural landmarks of the High Renaissance style.

The church has a rich interior, many paintings by famous artists. For 23 years, the famous master Tintoretto painted the walls and ceiling of the church with scenes from biblical scenes. In the Albergo room there are only paintings by this artist (for example, “The Crucifixion”). In the center of the ceiling is a painting called "Saint Roch in Glory". Church address: San Polo, 3052 - 30125. The school is open daily from 9.30 to 17.30. The ticket price is 11 €.

Palazzo Mocenigo Museum

In a beautiful Gothic-style building, the former palace of the Mocenigo family, there is an interesting Museum of Venice, included in the collection of city museums. The family was one of the most noble families in Italy (7 Doges came from it, a large number of important state figures, clerks, and artists). In 1945, the palace was donated to the city. Since 1985, it has housed a museum of textiles and costumes. Its pride is its rare collection of historical costumes and fabrics. In the building's storage rooms you can see fashion items from the 18th century.

After restoration in 2013, the museum can be seen in 20 rooms showing the internal structure of the 18th century palace. In addition to the collection of fabrics and costumes, you can see a permanent exhibition dedicated to the history of Italian perfumery. You can smell all the exhibits. The address of the museum is: Santa Croce, 30135. You can visit it with a single Venice museum ticket or together with excursions. The cost of an individual excursion to the museum is 140 €.

Ca' d'Oro Palace

It’s worth going to Venice just to see the extraordinary lace palace. It amazes with its beauty from the first moment and is remembered for a lifetime. Palazzo Santa Sofia, Golden House thanks to architectural elements in the form of lace makes it airy and fills it with romance. Painting the facade using expensive, rare materials and gold leaf makes it look fabulous. You can enter the palace, built around 1440, through two entrances. Enter to see the collection of ancient paintings, ceramics, sculptures collected by the last owner of the palace, Giorgio Franchetti. Thanks to his action, the palace acquired its original appearance and became an invaluable gift to the city.

On the ground floor of the palace there is a small chapel and a cozy gallery with antique statues. It offers an extraordinary view of the Grand Canal. An ancient wooden staircase, built in the 15th century, leads to the second floor into the luxurious chambers of the palace. In them you can see famous frescoes, Flemish tapestries, paintings with views of the city. In the courtyard there is a unique well made of red marble, allegorical statues of the figures of Fortitude, Justice, Mercy. You can see the wonderful palace every day, along with excursions, alone. The entrance ticket costs 6 €. Visiting hours are from 8.15 to 19.15 hours.

San Michele Island

A small island of a beautiful lagoon located near the Cannaregio quarter. Once upon a time this was a favorite place for fishermen and lovers of a relaxing holiday. There are few sights of former times on the island. This is the snow-white church of San Michele in Isola, built in 1469 (the first church in Venice of the Renaissance architectural style). A monastery that served as a prison for a long time. The main feature of Cypress Island is the cemetery that operates on it. Its appearance is associated with Napoleon’s ban on burials near the city’s churches.

The cemetery was designed by the architect Antonio Selva. To implement it, a canal was filled in between the islands of Cristoforo and San Michele. The structure of the cemetery includes three zones: Catholic, Orthodox, Jewish. The city authorities allowed the burial of famous people whose lives were connected with the city in the cemetery. Among them are the burial places of our compatriots (Igor Stravinsky, Joseph Brodsky, Sergei Diaghilev). The cemetery is still in use.

Murano Island

Many interesting places are located on the outskirts of Venice. The Murano area is like a mini-city with its palaces, cathedrals, museums, and other attractions. The popularity of the island of Murano is associated with Murano glass, famous throughout the world. The production was located in Venice, but the desire to maintain the secret of the manufacturing technology and increase the volume led to the need to move it to a separate island. This was done in the 15th century. You can learn the history of its creation at the Glass Museum.

You can buy a souvenir made from real, most expensive glass in the souvenir shops that fill the island. For many years, the art of glassblowers flourished on the island, creating unusual figures and other blown glass products. You can see glassblowers at work in numerous workshops (the cost of the trip is 3 €). The ancient masters kept their work secret, passing on their experience to representatives of their generation. The Glass Museum is located at Fondamenta Giustinian, 8. The museum's opening hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The ticket price is 4 €.

Island of San Giorgio Maggiore

The small island (with an area of ​​only 0.1 sq. km.) is located opposite the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Square. Known since the period of the Roman Empire, it amazed with the beauty of its gardens, vineyards, and cypress thickets. In the 10th century, a Benedictine monastery was built on the island. You can visit it by paying a ticket of 12 €. In 1810, the Cathedral of San Giorgio Maggiore was built according to the design of the architect Andrea Palladio. The walls of the cathedral are made of combinations of red and white shades of natural stone.

Inside the church are Tinoretto's last paintings, Manna from Heaven and The Last Supper. Of particular interest to tourists is the opportunity to create interesting panoramic images from the top of the bell tower (they have a view of the center of Venice, the yacht harbor, and the surrounding area). The bell tower is similar to the same structure in Piazza San Marco, but lower in height. Since 2003, walks have been allowed throughout the island.

Lido

A small island and city with the same name attracts Venetians and city guests to relax on the beaches of the Adriatic Sea. In the Middle Ages, the island was named after St. Nicholas (patron saint of sailors). In the northern part of the island there was a Benedictine abbey, built to store his remains. This place has a flat sandy bottom, which is convenient for families with small children. Two breakwaters (named after St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and Alberoni), as well as many other small protective devices, reliably protect the coast from high waves. They are equipped close to all beaches.

They must have a tent in the form of a large gazebo with a canopy and a veranda. On the beach you can rent any equipment and sports equipment. The beaches of Lido are covered with fine golden sand. Depending on the location, they may be free, with payment at different prices depending on the type of services provided. The main street on the island is Santa Maria Elisabeth, leading to the sea. There are hotels, restaurants, shops on it. You can get there via the Giudecca canals and the Grand Canal. Travel time from Piazza San Marco will be about 15 minutes.

Dinner at Birraria La Corte restaurant

When visiting any restaurant in Venice, you have the opportunity to try famous pizza, pasta, and many original dishes of culinary excellence. Dishes prepared from seafood according to centuries-tested recipes are considered especially original. Most often, restaurants are located in interesting historical buildings, complementing the atmosphere of a festive dinner. The Birraria La Corte restaurant has been known for over 75 years.

At this place in the 16th century there was a corral for bulls participating in festive races in Piazza San Marco. In the 19th century there was a brewery here. In 1930, an avant-garde restaurant with an open area opened in its place. Now here you can try 30 varieties of pizza, salads, appetizers, cold cuts, Italian wine, and other dishes. Restaurant address: Campo San Polo, 2168, 30125.

Fourth day in Venice

The last day of your stay in beautiful Venice is the saddest. I don’t want to say goodbye to her, but packing for the return trip is inevitable. Therefore, it is not so intense, but the desire to see the sights still forces you to hit the road.

Burano Island

From a distance, the houses of the island of Burano resemble a child's coloring book, done with bright felt-tip pens. Real flower fireworks on the walls of houses located on a small embankment. You can hear many versions of why the island's inhabitants always paint their houses. But one of them is the most likely: in a foggy city, it was easier and faster for fishermen returning from a swim to find their way to their home. The island has the only church of San Martino with a leaning bell tower.

It is one of the few local attractions. An ordinary fishing town became famous for its lace weaving skills. In 1981, the Lace Museum was created there, revealing the secrets of the history of craftsmanship; the cost of a ticket to the museum is 5 €. Venetian lace was created on the basis of ancient traditions continued in the famous Buransky lace school. They, together with colorful houses and the famous Essi cookies, form the romantic atmosphere of the island. You can get here by vaporetto from anywhere in Venice.

Torcello Island

Only 18 people live on this island. But it is famous for its gardens. Flower abundance, vineyards. There are restaurants on the island and the Basilica of Santa Fosca (patron of the island), famous for its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics of the 12th century. Back in the 11th century, the island (founded in 452) was one of the largest settlements on the islands of the Venetian lagoon. In the 12th century, the harbor turned into a fetid swamp, creating outbreaks of malaria, and life on the island changed.

The buildings were dismantled, two small palaces remained from the medieval palaces (they house museum exhibits), and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (867). The secluded island in the northern regions of the lagoon is considered an abandoned, romantic place in Venice. It is attracted by the famous mosaic, the amazing “throne of Attila” stone, which brings good luck, and the elite gourmet restaurant Locanda Cipriani.

Jewish ghetto

In the languages ​​of different nations, the word “ghetto” is known to everyone and sounds in connection with the history of Jewish life. People, always persecuted, smart, great and their compact place of residence. The roots of the word are associated with an isolated area of ​​​​Venice, the Cannaregio district. There was a foundry here (ghetto in Italian). The area was located on the outskirts of the city, was surrounded by canals, and was notorious. By decision of the authorities, all the Jews who had lived on the island of Giudecca since the 12th century were settled here (after the collapse of the foundry and the desertion of the territory).

A set of rules for the life of the Jewish population was announced, and barrier gates were erected. Now there are about a hundred people in the Jewish community, five synagogues continue to operate, there is a library, and a monument has been erected in honor of the victims of the Holocaust. Next to it is an ancient stone slab. It says that “a Jew who secretly observes Jewish rites will be severely punished.” Special schools (yeshivas) appeared in the community. Young men from different countries of the world study there. There is a Museum of Jewish Art, and a kosher restaurant is open.

Palazzo Fondaco dei Tedeschi

In 1228, a huge palace was built on the Grand Canal (near the Rialto Bridge) for German traders. It contained their residential, commercial, and warehouse premises (the word fondaco is translated from Arabic as “warehouse”). The author of the project was the architect Tedeschi. Initially, the façade of the palace was decorated with frescoes; paintings by famous Italian artists were placed inside. Gradually these elements were transferred to other palaces, and this building served exclusively to solve the trading problems of the Germans.

In the 20th century, the headquarters of the Italian post office was located in the German courtyard. Since 2008, the modern corporation Benetton has become the owner of the building. Having developed a new project and restored the palace without changing its historical form, the corporation created a huge shopping center. It organizes the sale of products from international and local manufacturers. Here you can buy Italian goods, groceries, and relax in a restaurant.

Peggy Guggenheim Museum

A wealthy heiress who appreciated and understood art, held permanent exhibitions of paintings by famous artists once a week for 30 years in an ancient palace built in the 18th century. Her financial investments were used to publish a magazine and provide material support for talented youth. The heiress led a bohemian lifestyle and had the right to have her own gondola. The Peggy Guggenheim Museum was created on the basis of the collection (about 300 works).

It is located in the elegant and harmonious Venier dei Leoni Palace on the Grand Canal. The collection is considered the cultural treasure of Venice. It consists of masterpieces by Picasso, Léger, Miro, Chagall, Kandinsky, and other famous artists. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The ticket price is 15 €. Benefits apply. Museum address: Dorsoduro, 701, calle San Cristoforo.

Trip to Venice

Everyone knows that Venice is on the water and instead of streets there are canals along which gondolas float. Both the city itself and the lagoon are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Scientists advise you to hurry up with your visit: the islands are gradually sinking under water and in 15-20 years they may become uninhabitable. Despite this, the city, which was once the most powerful in Europe, retains the spirit of luxury, pomp and grandeur.

Venice was one of the centers of the Renaissance and at the same time a very, very rich city, so a special, “theatrical” attitude to life appeared and was preserved here. Proof of this is the annual carnival, numerous holidays and festivals, as well as the most popular souvenir - the carnival mask. Tourists come here for a romantic mood, historical spirit and pompous surroundings, and the city more than lives up to their expectations.

A little history

The Republic of Venice played a huge role in the history of Europe. It arose at the end of the 7th century and already at the beginning of the 9th century it became the largest center of trade between East and West. During its heyday, Venice subjugated the surrounding territories and completely took possession of the Adriatic Sea. Income from trade in oriental goods, as well as the skill of local artisans, ensured the power of the republic with the doge at its head.

For more than 1,300 years, the city-republic maintained its independence. He did not even recognize the authority of the Pope. To oppose Venice in 1508, the kings of France, Spain and the Holy Roman Empire had to join forces. However, over time, wars with Turkey, devastating plagues and the emergence of alternative trade routes weakened the city, and in 1797 Napoleon finally managed to subjugate it. Since 1866, Venice has been part of Italy.

It is important to know:

• Official language- Italian.
• Square: 412 sq. km. The city is located on 118 islands of the Venetian Lagoon, separated by 150 canals and connected by 400 bridges. Venice also includes the mainland of Mestre, the island of Lido with sandy beaches, the islands of Murano, Burano, Torcello and San Michele.
• Population- 270 thousand people.
• Visa- Schengen, standard requirements. The cost of a tourist visa is 35 euros.
• Currency- euro.
• Time difference with Moscow:- 2 hours in summer, - 3 hours in winter.
• Climate: Venice is characterized by sudden weather changes; it often rains here. July-August can be very hot, with strong cold winds blowing in winter. The most favorable time to visit is April and September-October.
• Public holidays:

First and second days of Easter (Pasca)

Venetian holidays:

February-March - Venice Carnival (Carnevale di Venezia). It first took place in 1094 and remains one of the most famous carnivals in the world.

June - Biennale. The famous international exhibition of contemporary art, which is held in odd-numbered years.

The third Sunday in July is the Festival in honor of the Savior (Festa del Redentore), dedicated to the end of the plague epidemic of 1567.

August 1 - Open Forts Day. Venice's medieval forts are only open to visitors once a year.

The first Sunday in September is the Historical Regatta (Regata Storica), which includes a boat parade and sports gondola races.

Late August – early September - Venice International Film Festival.

November 21 - Festa della Salute - a holiday in memory of the deliverance from the plague epidemic in 1630.

Independent trip to Venice

How to get from Venice airport to the city

Airport Marco Polo (Aeroporto di Venezia Marco Polo) located 12 km from Venice. You can get to the city:

• ATVO express buses(20 minutes journey without stops, travel interval - 30 minutes, cost - 10 euros one way, 18 euros - round trip).
• ACTV buses(about half an hour on the road, several routes, one-way ticket price 6 euros, two-way ticket - 11 euros).
• Alilaguna water buses(travel time - 60 minutes, cost - 15 euros one way, 27 euros - both ways).
• Taxi(15-20 minutes, additional payment for each piece of luggage, cost - from 30 euros and above)
• Water taxi depending on the destination it will cost 60-240 euros.

Low-cost airlines use Treviso Airport (L"aeroporto "Antonio Canova" di Treviso-Sant"Angelo), which is 30 km from Venice. The city can be reached by ATVO and ACTV buses.

Public transport in Venice

Venice is connected to the mainland by road and rail, but within the city travel is mainly by water.

The water bus is called vaporetto, the cost of a ticket for one trip is 7 euros, a pass for 24 hours is 20 euros.

Public transport is considered to be gondolas. The official fare for a 40-minute trip is 80 euros during the day and 100 euros from 19:00 to 8:00. The price is divided among all passengers.

There are also traghetto- large gondolas that, for a small fee, transport passengers across the Grand Canal in several places where it is especially far to walk to the nearest bridge.

Venezia Unica City Pass

Venezia Unica City Pass is a universal constructor card that gives access to:

Public transport (from 20 euros for 24 hours to 50 euros for 7 days),

Museums and churches (39.9 euros for 7 days),

Citywide wi-fi network (5 euros for 24 hours, 15 euros for 72 hours, 20 euros per week)

Public toilets (3 euros per day, 9 euros per week).

On the official website you can collect and pay for the combination that suits you in advance. Standard options can be purchased at the box office of museums, churches and public transport ticket kiosks. Note: tourists under 30 years of age are entitled to youth discounts on almost all types of tickets.

Mobile communications and Internet in Italy

The most popular operators are Vodafone, TIM and Wind. The cost of a SIM card is about 15-25 euros, most of which is deposited into the account. Tariffs are approximately the same, there are special offers for tourists.

Free Wi-Fi is difficult to find: not even in every hotel guests enjoy such a privilege. It is not often found in cafes and restaurants and is not pleased with the quality of the connection. There is a city network of hotspots “Venice connected”, access to which costs 5 euros per day, 15 euros for 72 hours and 20 euros per week.

Shopping in Venice

Venice is not the best city for shopping in Italy, but of course there are shops here - in the Merceri district, which is located between St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge, on Calle Larga XXII and in the mainland Mestre district.

It is customary to bring carnival masks, Murano glass, handmade dolls and lace from the island of Burano as souvenirs from Venice. Most shops are open from 9:00-10:00 to 19:00-20:00, break for lunch from 13:00 for 1.5-2 hours and are closed on Sundays.

Local kitchen

Did you know that the world's first cookbook was written in Venice? The basis of the local cuisine is fresh fish and seafood, as well as rice. Risotto is very popular: Risotto Nero with cuttlefish ink, Risotto del Doge with oysters (they say it was Giacomo Casanova’s favorite dish) or Risi and Bisi- with green peas. For dessert you can enjoy tiramisu, which was invented in Venice, or delicious Italian ice cream - gelato.

The cost of maintenance (coperto and servizio) is usually already included in the bill and amounts to 10-15%. However, if you leave another 5-10% on top as a sign of gratitude, the waiter will be pleased. Keep in mind that the price of, for example, coffee may differ depending on where you drink it: cheaper at the bar, more expensive at the table.