Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is located on 122 islands, which are connected by 400 bridges. Streets traditional for cities here are replaced by narrow canals, and cars are replaced by gondolas. In Venice, almost every building is a historical building. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that the old districts of Venice are under the protection of UNESCO.
Venice (commune): attractions
This amazing Italian city is a major administrative center of the Venice region of the country and the province of the same name. Venice is a commune whose sights are located in all six self-governing districts. In accordance with the Charter, which was adopted in 1991, it is a capital city. Local self-government is exercised by the Mayor and the City Council, who are elected by vote. Venice (commune), the sights of which we will describe below, has been divided into six self-governing districts since 2005:
- Venice-Burano-Murano;
- Favaro Veneto;
- Lido-Pellestrina;
- Carpenedo-Mestre;
- Margera;
- Zelarino-Cirignago.
Sestieres (historical districts), established in the Middle Ages, are located along the famous Grand Canal. These include:
- San Marco;
- Castello;
- Dorsoduro;
- Cannaregio.
Venice (commune), whose sights are of cultural value, strikes and fascinates at first sight. This is the Cathedral of St. Mark, and the bridges of the city, and the Doge's Palace, and churches. Therefore, do not believe anyone that it will not be difficult to see the sights of Venice in one day. A week is not enough for this (even with a cursory examination).
City climate
Venice is a southern city. It is located approximately at the same latitude as the Crimea and the Krasnodar Territory. It has a long hot summer. The average temperature in July is + 23°C, and in January - +2.5°C. Snowfalls and frosts are very rare in winter.
Sights of Venice
As you already know, this Italian city is divided into six independent regions. Tourists are usually interested in three of them - the beach Lido, mainland Mestre and the most important area of the city, called Venice-Burano-Murano. Nevertheless, it is better to start exploring the sights of Venice on your own with San Marco. Many monuments of history and architecture are concentrated here.
Doge's Palace
Many Italians believe that this is the mainLandmark of Venice. One can argue with this statement, but we will not do this, since this is a truly unique structure worthy of such a title.
On the site where the famous palace is located today, the first building was erected in the 9th century. The construction of the current building was carried out in 1424 by the architect F. Calendario. In 1577, part of the palace was destroyed by fire, and Antonio de Ponti took up its restoration.
For many centuries, the Doge's Palace was the seat of government in Venice. Here at different times the Council of the Republic, the Senate, the Supreme Court, the Ministry of Police met. On its lower floor were the office, the censors' office, the maritime department and the offices of lawyers.
In the palace there are also many halls of extraordinary beauty. For example, the Hall of Maps. Its walls are decorated with the most beautiful maps made by the best Italian masters. There are two main halls on the upper floors. They can be reached by the Golden Staircase, which is decorated with gilded stucco.
In the halls of the Collegium, the Senate, the Department of Criminal Affairs and the Department of Laws, a lot of high-profile state affairs were conducted. Their design was quite consistent with the status - numerous masterpieces of Italian painting and unique decoration of ceilings, floors and walls.
Bridge of Sighs
Magnificent Venice is a cherished dream for many tourists. Photos of the sights of this city can often be seen on the covers of glossy magazines.
Bridge of Sighs –such a romantic name was given to one of the oldest bridges in Venice. It was erected in 1602. The author of the project is the architect A. Kontin. Such a beautiful name attracts many tourists to it.
The bridge connects the Doge's Palace with the prison on the Palace Canal. Prisoners were led along it in the Middle Ages. It was they who sighed, seeing the beautiful Venice for the last time. Therefore, this building was not originally associated with a love theme.
The Bridge of Sighs was built in the Baroque style. It is decorated with magnificent carvings on white marble. Today it is one of the most visited sights of the city, and, for example, in the 19th century it was not paid much attention to. At that time, it was believed that the bridge did not match the architectural appearance of the city.
St. Mark's Cathedral
Many tourists note that they are amazed at the number of completely unique buildings that Venice has. Description of the sights of this city can be found in almost all advertising booklets of travel agencies working in this direction.
The cathedral is also visited with pleasure by tourists from all over the world. It is located in the city center on the square of the same name, not far from the Doge's Palace. This majestic cathedral is known not only for its stunning architecture, but also for the fact that the relics of the Apostle Mark rest here. It also houses numerous art objects that were brought from Constantinople after the Crusades.
Construction of the templebegan in 829. The work was completed three years later. Unfortunately, its original appearance has not been preserved to this day - the building was badly damaged during a fire. The temple in its present form was built in 1063. Every year he became more and more beautiful. During construction, tens of thousands of larch piles were used. This choice of wood is explained by the fact that when in contact with water, it becomes extremely durable, which is certainly important for Venice.
Today it is a functioning temple - services are held here. One of the most revered Venetian shrines, Pala D`Oro (golden altar), has been preserved in this place. It consists of 80 small icons adorned with precious stones and gold. The altar is unique - it has been in the making for almost five hundred years.
Grand Canal
An amazing city - Venice. Its main attractions are, of course, numerous canals. Arriving in the city, you will most likely be the first to see the Grand Canal. It runs through almost the entire city. It starts at the railway station, and then crosses all of Venice in the shape of the letter S. The canal ends at the customs building.
In fact, this canal is the main Venetian street. True, on the street, in the usual sense of the word for us, it does not look like at all. It doesn't even have embankments. Facades of houses became its peculiar banks. All buildings here are built on piles and are equipped with two exits - on land and on water. Walk along this amazing canalwill be remembered for a long time, because the most beautiful buildings of the city are located here. More than 100 palaces appear before the eyes of amazed tourists - these are Palazzo Barbarigo, Ca'd'Oro and many others.
Ca'd'Oro Palace
The lace building of this palace amazes even those who already know how beautiful Venice is. Photos, sights of this city on the water, known outside the country, you can see in our article.
Ca'd'Oro Palace is a unique building often called the Golden House. It received such a name not by chance. During its construction, gold leaf was used in the decoration. Undoubtedly, this building is the most beautiful in the city.
Ri alto Bridge
Agree that Venice is unthinkable without bridges. The main attractions of this city are, of course, such structures. There are a huge number of them (400). At the same time, each of them has its own peculiarity, an original architectural solution. The Ri alto Bridge can be attributed to the symbols of Venice. This is the oldest bridge over the Grand Canal. In addition, it is located in its narrowest part. The support of the Ri alto Bridge consists of 12,000 piles that were driven into the bottom of the Grand Canal.
Before the start of construction, the Venice authorities announced a competition for the best project. Many famous architects offered their sketches, among which was even Michelangelo. But the unexpected happened - the competition committee preferred the sketch, previously unknown architect Antonio de Ponte.
After the approval of the author of the project, there were many spiteful critics who found various shortcomings in the work, predicted the structure would soon collapse. But they turned out to be wrong. And today, the magnificent stone Ri alto Bridge, which Venice (commune) is rightfully proud of, pleases the townspeople and guests of the city. The sights of the city of this level will delight people for many centuries, especially when you consider that the city authorities are very closely monitoring their condition. In 2012, the bridge began to be reconstructed. The work lasted three years.
We told you about just a few places of interest. We hope that you will have the opportunity to visit Italy and appreciate the beauty of this extraordinary city.
