Venice - The Doge's Palace

Venice - The Doge's Palace

Venice was a Republic for centuries before the system was adopted elsewhere apart from the Roman period, of course. But even then aspects of nobility in government were present. The Doge's Palace was one such. It was home to the Doge, and was also used to house administrative offices, along with several prisons.

First constructed in the 9th century about 100 years after the beginning of the Republic, the Palazzo Ducale gained its present form between 1340 and 1420. The result was not just a boring government building, but a magnificent work of architecture that also houses some of the world's finest art.

The palace is located at one end of the Piazza San Marco and forms part of that impressive area in the heart of Venice. Despite fires, earthquakes, damage from Napoleon's war machine and much more, it stands today as one of the premier symbols of this amazing city.

Its high walls of white limestone and pink marble provide background for the many colors laid on in the decorations. The carefully crafted loggias, the crenellated roof and the magnificent balconies all define late-Gothic Venetian architecture. There are 36 capitals on the lower colonnade that are festooned with carvings. The animals and flowers represent some of the finest stone work in Europe. There are sculptures depicting Adam and Eve, Noah, the Archangel Gabriel and many other religious figures.

Enter the palazzo through a door beside the Lagoon and you'll be treated to an impressive courtyard. The mixture of styles is characteristic of Venice, a blend of East and West thanks to its rich trading history. Here you'll find Renaissance facades at the eastern side across from the Gothic on the south and west. The staircase at one end from 1600 represents High Renaissance.

Ascend and enjoy large statues of Neptune and Mars on your way to the first floor loggia. Look around and gaze upon paintings by some of the period's best artists, including Titian and Bellini.

Visit the Museo dell'Opera and view the Scala d'Oro (Golden Staircase) leading to a series of rooms built in the 16th century. Look up to see numerous stuccos by Vittorio. Enter the Sala del Maggior Consiglio and look out over the Bridge of Sighs that connects the palace to the now-disused prisons.

Further down the hall one can find the Doge's private quarters. Through the other side is the Anticollegio containing masterpieces by Tintoretto. In the Sala del Collegio are more works by this master in a room designed by the famed architect Palladio. The Sala delle Quattro holds Titian's portrait of Doge Grimani. The Sala del Consiglio dei Dieci houses several Veronese.

Then exit the palace and stand in the center of the square to admire the whole. The lower section of columns gives an unusually light effect, since it supports the more solid-looking upper floors. This 'reverse' wouldn't become common in architecture for hundreds of years. It shows once again that Venice was centuries ahead of others in many ways.

Venice - Piazza San Marco

Venice - Piazza San Marco

What could be more ordinary than a public square in Europe? Every country is filled with them. Yet, ah, there are few to compare to Piazza San Marco. One could easily spend an entire vacation in Venice taking in its many wonderful sights. Even apart from the famed Basilica di San Marco, there are a dozen fascinating things to see.

Just the opportunity to stand in this ancient square will attract many visitors. The sights of the Basilica, the Campanile, the Doge's Palace and more are their rewards. Unlike many public squares in Europe, there is no traffic or auto noise to mar the experience.

The piazza began life as nothing more than an open space outside the now-replaced church in the 9th century. Enlarged and reshaped to its present three-sided area by the late 12th century, it rapidly became the meeting place of rich and poor, grand and humble. All-important offices of the Republic were located here. All the major festivals were held here.

One of the more delightful sights is the Doge's Palace. As the name suggests, the Palazzo Ducale di Venezia was the palace of the Doge of Venice, a leader of the government. Constructed during the 14th century, it incorporated several innovative features, such as a series of arches on the lower story, with the heavier sections above. Now a museum, there are paintings inside by Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese and other famed artists of the period.

The Bridge of Sighs is nearby. This bridge led to a 1600-era prison but gained its present name from the poet Lord Byron in the 19th century. The thought was the prisoners would sigh at the loveliness of Venice before seeing it for the last time as they entered the Doge's prison. Legend has it that two lovers who kiss in a gondola under the bridge at sunset will enjoy eternal love.

Another sight in the square is the Campanile, the belltower of St. Mark's. The present Campanile di San Marco was completed in 1912, designed as an exact replica of the earlier structure that had collapsed ten years earlier. It had stood for nearly 500 years. Both a bell tower for the cathedral and a military watchtower from the 10th century, it alone would make a visit here worthwhile. The roof catches the warm Venice summer sun and radiates it out across the entire square.

Torre dell'Orologio or the Moors' Clocktower is still another outstanding sight in Piazza San Marco. Completed in 1499, it does much more than provide the time to local citizens. It adds immeasurably to the beauty of the area. With its five bays and two giant bronze figures it remains one of the city's most glorious public works. The clock contains a series of concentric dials that tell the time, the zodiac sign and the phases of the sun and moon.

There are so many things to see in this one part of Venice alone that visitors can be thankful for the nearby Cafe Florian. Serving visitors and locals alike since 1720, the coffee will be just what you need to have the energy to see everything that St. Mark's square offers.

Venice - St. Mark's Basilica

Venice - St. Mark's Basilica

Venice is an unusual city, a mixture of influences from East and West. Nowhere is this more evident than in the famed Basilica di San Marco.

Built on top of the burnt ruins of an earlier church, the current building took shape in the late 11th century. Consecrated in 1094, the present facade began in the 13th. The cathedral was under construction in some form or other for the next 600 years.

Though the basic plan and style is Greek/Byzantine, pieces and artifacts of the church come from many places and many periods. The facade is essentially drawn from early Constantinople, lending the building its Byzantine appearance. But pillars, sculpture and much more were drawn from all over Europe and the Middle East.

Five large arches support five enormous domes that provide the overall look. The best views are from the far end of St. Mark's square. Closer up, one can see thousands of tiny bas reliefs, such as an old man biting his hand. Legend has it that the image is of the architect, complaining that he could have built a much more beautiful church.

Inside there are equally impressive sights.

The mosaics, all 8,000 square meters (86,000 square feet) of them, draw fascinated visitors from all over the world. There are dozens of separate 'stories' that depict religious symbols and events that would have been familiar to locals of the time. The individual tiles were deliberately placed not perfectly flat, in order to splash light in all directions.

Within the space there are several separate areas worthy of long and close attention.

San Marco's Treasure is a collection of gems, ceramics and objects made of precious metals that would astound even the most jaded. They were gathered from numerous countries over centuries of trade and conquest.

Today there are hundreds of pieces of enamel on the high altar, named the Golden Pala. Covered with gold leaf, it was begun in 1000 AD and continued to be built up over the following 300 years. The result is a collection of nearly 2,000 sapphires, garnets, emeralds and more to rival any other collection in the world.

Also inside, in the Church museum, are the original four Horses of St. Mark, installed on the facade in 1254. Their origin is in doubt, but they are definitely ancient. The horses, enormous in size and each a sculptural masterpiece, were taken by Napoleon to Paris in 1797. After his defeat they were taken back to Venice in 1815. Exposed for centuries to weather, they were finally brought inside in the 1990s and replaced by bronze replicas.

Another object of note is the Four Tetrarchs. Made of porphyry (a type of marble) and taken from Constantinople in 1204, this statue sits in the southwest corner. The figures displayed represent the four co-emperors of the Roman Empire during the period of Diocletian.

There are literally hundreds of small areas that merit a look in St. Mark's Basilica. No matter how often you visit, you'll find something new to explore. But to avoid the lines, either schedule a visit in or line up early.

The Islands of Venice

Venice - The Islands of Venice

There are several islands a short boat ride from Venice that are well worth a look when you visit this beautiful city.

- Murano

One of the most popular is nearby Murano. Most tourists come to visit the glassmakers and buy some souvenirs. There are plenty of opportunities. The art has been practiced here for centuries. Since the late 13th century, glass artisans here have been offering their wares to rich and poor alike. Prices can range from a few dollars for a trinket to thousands for a true work of art.

The Museo Vetraio (Glass Museum) on the island continues to attract visitors by the thousands every year. A 30-minute tour provides a complete introduction to this fascinating and beautiful craft. Tourists can see an outstanding church on the island: Basilica di Santi Maria e Donato. There's also a fascinating small lighthouse worth a look.

- Lido

For those looking to enjoy the beach during one of Venice's warm summers, the Lido is a great option. The Venice Film festival takes place here in September and many celebrities attend. There's also golf for those who can't stay away from the clubs even on a holiday.

A brief boat ride takes one out to Sant Erasmo. Pellestrina is another option for those looking for a quieter spot to stretch out and catch some rays.

- Torcello

This nature preserve continues to attract animal lovers by the score. The human population numbers fewer than 100, but there are thousands of wild birds and sea life species. There's also a beautiful church, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Built in the 7th century it is one of the city's oldest. The Mosaic of the Madonna continues to be one of the main attractions.

- Burano

With 7,000 inhabitants, Burano is one of the larger islands of the area and there's much to see.

Famed for its lace-making industry, this island near Venice is well worth a visit. Traditionally a small fishing village, it houses the Museo del Merletto displaying many samples of the wares that made the town famous.

Others are attracted to the island by its numerous colorful houses. Alongside a pink one there will be ones that are green and yellow. Next to those, some that are lavender and blue. And so it goes in Burano.

Many tour operators offer multiple island packages. One can easily visit three in an afternoon without being exhausted. The character of each is distinct and no visit to Venice is complete without seeing them.

Venice - The Villas of Venice

Venice - The Villas of Venice

Venice has an array of villas that are historically interesting and beautiful to see. They make for another outstanding thing to do in a city already filled with so many.

- Villa Pisani

Villa Pisani is a baroque villa in Stra. Begun in the early 1700s, it was the home of the man appointed Doge of Venice in 1735. The design was based on the elaborate Versailles. While it doesn't quite match that magnificent building and grounds outside Paris, it does have much to recommend it.

The view alone is worth the side excursion about 20 mi/30 km from the city. The enormous facade of the villa is capped with statues and sports a highly decorated entrance with huge columns supported by caryatids.

Like Versailles, there are around the villa several acres of gardens, horse stables, a maze carved out of shrubs and much more. The long pool in front of the main building is extraordinary by itself, but also sports statues at each corner that are well worth a look.

Inside, the villa contains several frescoes including one by the famed Giovanni Tiepolo, including the Glory of the Pisani family. Others are by his son Gian Domenico, Guarana and other artists of the period. While most of the rooms are now empty, there are several on the first floor that contain furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries.

The villa has seen its share of history, too. Napoleon acquired the villa in 1807 after one of his many conquests. It was recovered with his defeat a few years later. It has been a national monument since 1882. Hitler conferred with Mussolini, the WWII-era Fascist dictator of Italy, here in 1934.

There are other villas worthy of mention, as well.

- La Rotunda

Otherwise known as The Villa Capra, La Rotunda is among the most famous in an area containing several stellar examples. Designed by the famed architect Palladio, it was completed by his student in the late 16th century.

- Villa Emo Capodilista

Another from Palladio, this villa shows the master's use of a Greek style facade in the form of four large columns. The effect resembles a Greek temple and it isn't hard to imagine those living in it feeling divine. The grounds have several farm buildings that extend from the central structure.

- Villa Cornaro

Still another of Palladio's works, Villa Cornaro is located in Padova. An earlier design from 1533, it was among the first to have a two-story projecting loggia. The style was widely adopted by those following the innovative architect. It can be seen in Georgian and Colonial architecture all over the south in the U.S., for example. Similar elements can be seen in Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, which was based directly on the Villa Cornaro.

- Villa Contarini-Camerini

Another villa in Padova, this summer residence is perhaps the largest and most complex in this style. The interior holds a music hall frequently used by the oft invited composer Vivaldi. It houses many outstanding frescoes of the period, as well as a collection of maps and drawings.

Visit any of the villas near Venice and observe that the word has a very different meaning from its more common cousins in Tuscany.

Venice - Gallerie dell'Accademia

Venice - Gallerie dell'Accademia

L'Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia is one of Venice's foremost institutions of art. Founded in 1750 by the Venetian Senate, it contains some of the city's finest artistic treasures. Out of it evolved the gallery established by Napoleon in 1807 during the period he held Italy.

The rooms reflect the rich diversity that is Venice herself, one of Europe's main trading centers for centuries.

There are the Byzantium works, imported from the Middle East some by conquest, others by purchase. Polyptychs by Veneziano from the 14th century are one example. The 15th century Gothic art of Fiore and Vivarini represent two more.

Another room amply shows the rich color that can be seen in the homes and other objects of Venice. The works of the Father of the Venetian Renaissance, Jacopo Bellini, provide outstanding samples. His Madonna and Child shows the advances in perspective drawing and use of color characteristic of the period. Later artists, such as Carpaccio with his Ten Thousand Martyrs, built on this foundation.

Works by the master's son, Giovanni, in the mid-16th century show how far the art developed even over such a short time. His Madonna and Baby or Madonna and Dead Son may have similar subject matter to others. But the rich coloring of Venice reached new heights here. That same theme is carried on in works by Giorgione, such as his Tempest. The subtle hues of the nursing mother contrast with the bold soldier and the oncoming storm they watch.

Carpaccio's Miracle of the True Cross at Rialto displays superb early Renaissance style. It also provides a view of the famed bridge which was then the only crossing for the Grand Canal.

Other Venetian masters of the period are well represented, too.

Tintoretto's four scenes from the Life of San Marco show why he is revered in Venice to this day. His The Creation of the Animals is also essential viewing. The Feast in the House of Levi shows Veronese at the peak of his art. Gentile Bellini's Procession of the Relic of the Cross provides an excellent insight, through the eyes of the artist, into life in Venice at the end of the 15th century.

But, by far, some of the finest works in the Accademia in Venice are those of Giorgone's student, Titian. His Pieta for the tomb in Chiesa dei Frari, the Presentation of the Virgin and others all show the hand of the master at work. His self-portrait as an old man rivals the best of Rembrandt.

Later artists provided works that are among the best in the Gallerie.

Tiepolo's 18th century frescos are known to museum-goers around the world. Sections from one from the Chiesa degli Scalzi hangs here. Several Canaletto's are in the museum as well. This master of the outdoor Venetian scene was so accurate that his paintings are taken as the equal of photographs.

A visit to one of the largest collections of Venetian masters anywhere will reward visitors many times over.

Venice - St. Mark's Campanile

Venice - St. Mark's Campanile

The belltower of the Basilica di San Marco is much more than just an enclosure to house bells to ring the faithful on a Sunday morning. It is a symbol of Venice and one of its most significant structures. In a city like Venice, that's quite a claim.

The tower stands nearly 100 meters (98.6m or 323 feet) high. Freestanding in St. Mark's square it literally towers above many of the surrounding structures. Yet, unlike them, its facade is a simple and still elegant brick design. The base is 12 meters (39 feet) on a side and the attic houses five bells. Capped by a spire in the shape of a pyramid it is topped with a golden weathervane in the form of the Archangel Gabriel.

However, interestingly, the entire structure is a re-built replica. The original collapsed in 1902 after standing for nearly 500 years. It was recreated in 1912 to resemble the original exactly.

The initial construction took place still further back, beginning in the 9th century. But earthquake damage in the early 1500s gave the leaders of the Republic an incentive to rebuild. It was during this effort that the tower took on its present appearance, attracting such famous visitors as Galileo and (much later) Goethe.

For centuries it served not only to house the bells for the cathedral, but as a military watchtower and lighthouse. From its peak one could look out far beyond to warn of impending danger. The bells could then be rung not to call the faithful to church, but defenders to battle.

The bells serve different purposes by design. The largest was used to signal the start and end of a work day. Another rang out the hour. A third was used to call the Senators of Venice to the Doge's Palace.

The facade is more than just a plain, boring brick, however. Its gold leaf covering at the top scatters the warm summer rays of the Venetian sun around the Piazza. The faces of the belfry display walking lions along with a bas relief of a woman symbolizing Venice herself, called la Giustizia or Justice.

Inside an elevator transports visitors to the top to enjoy the magnificent view of the public square. From there one can also walk around the attic and investigate the details in the interior, including some of the amazing marble of the belfry.

Venice - Gondola Rides for All

Venice - Gondola Rides for All

A gondola ride in Venice can be a romantic voyage for two. Or it can be a fun group activity shared by half a dozen. Morning, afternoon, evening or nighttime are all options. Long, short and in between rides are all possible. Along the Grand Canal or out of the way locations are available. In short, when it comes to a gondola ride, there is no limit to your choices.

There are several convenient locations to catch a gondola ride. One way, popular with many, is simply to let your hotel work out the details. They bargain for you, or include a gondola ride as part of the package. They may even arrange transportation for you from the hotel to your point of embarkation. Many don't have to go that far, since you simply step out of the hotel and you're there already.

The main tourist sections are the best places to board. Venice has a few - though it's hard to narrow them down, since the city is one giant tourist attraction. Tronchetto, the Piazzale Roma, the Doge's Palace in Piazza San Marco are all good places to catch a ride.

Many of the pedestrian crossings in secondary canals will have men offering a gondola ride. Exercise caution, especially when handing out money, but most are actually there to drum up business, not to con you. You'll generally find less crowded (and slightly less expensive) rides in these less populated areas.

The 2mi/3km stretch along the Grand Canal is the most popular, because it covers some of Venice's grandest sights, including the Basilica di San Marco, the Campanile and others. But prices here do tend to be a little higher.

Prices currently range anywhere from €80 (about $120) for 40 minutes to €150 ($220) for an hour or more. These, however, are official rates set by the city government. Many gondoliers politely ignore them. Hence, your price could be lower (rare) or higher (more common).

Bargaining is normal and expected. But remember the basic principle of supply and demand. There are a relatively small number of boats and lots of tourists. Gondoliers rarely have to do much beyond wait for the next potential customer willing to meet their price. Costs per person can be lowered by sharing a ride with up to six.

If the cost strikes you as too high, forego the experience. The gondoliers often come from families that have been rowing up and down the Venetian canals for generations, sometimes centuries. Some gondolier activity began as far back as the 11th century. They don't need to be hassled, or to hassle you to make a living. There are plenty of low cost things to do in Venice if you're on a budget or just think the ride won't be worth it.

For those who choose to, the rides really are quite fun, though. The romantic aspect is mixed, since you'll be seen by thousands of people crowding the bridges across and streets along the canals. If you can ignore them, and only pay attention to the scenery (or each other), more power to you.

The Venice Carnival

Venice - The Venice Carnival

The famed Carnevale di Venezia has very old origins. There are documents as far back as 1268 discussing its games during the celebration. Though the carnival faded after Napoleon's invasion, it came roaring back again. Today, it is one of this already festive city's most celebrated events.

It takes place typically in February, and continues for about two weeks, ending with Lent. During this time the streets of Venice become even more crowded than usual. Though, given the city's population and popularity, it's hard to conceive.

Revelers will dance in the streets at night in mask and costume and blow horns, sing songs and just generally have a grand time. The idea of mask and costume wasn't all just for displaying color, however. They provided a means of disguise, an opportunity to be anonymous during the proceedings. So, party-goers could hide their identities and feel free to get wild.

In the present, the event is much less about riot and debauchery than sheer fun. Visitors and locals alike dress in elaborate costumes, often ones extremely expensive to rent. They then don a mask to hide their features and proceed to make merry.

Those masks and costumes run the gamut. Some masks resemble the traditional Commedia dell'Arte smiling or frowning face. Others look more or less like ordinary people. Still more are pig-snouts, Pinocchio or a hundred other possibilities. There is Pulcinella displaying a cone-shaped hat and beaked mask. There is the Arlecchino, the diamond pattern costume. Ostrich feathers, multi-colored silks and many more items combine to create the total effect.

But the carnival is not all individual chaos by the dressed and disguised. There are many planned events, hosted by the city and businesses.

The Volo dell'Angelo (Flight of the Angel) reveals the religious aspect that still hovers over some aspects of the event. A woman dressed as an angel slides down on ropes from the Campanile in the Piazza San Marco, the famed public square outside St. Mark's Basilica.

There is the Volo della Colombina, in which a mechanical bird makes a similar flight from the belltower near the cathedral. Its colorful plumage is only outdone by that worn by the revelers themselves.

There are costume balls, concerts, special dinners and much more.

Gondola rides down the Grand Canal take on an especially delightful air during the festivities. The already beautiful boats are decorated and one can observe costumed merry-makers gliding down the waterway singing lusty songs.

There are mask parades in St. Mark's Square and a fireworks display. And, of course, there are thousands of private parties that often spill out on to the streets or get invaded by those already on them.

Come visit Venice during Carnival time and you'll leave wondering why you ever thought Mardi Gras was anything special.

Venice, A Work of Art

Venice, A Work of Art

Venice isn't just romantic. It isn't just filled with art treasures. It doesn't merely host an array of the finest architecture, villas and palaces. It is all this and more. Much, much more.

St. Mark's Basilica is just one example among so many. This church is the rival of St. Peter's in Rome. Not as large and not so grand, but still an amazing work that remains among the finest anywhere.

Outside the Basilica di San Marco is the Campanile that served as its belltower. More than just a place to call the faithful, it also was a military lookout that helped keep Venice safe during perilous times. Today, it has a more aesthetic purpose, one that is the delight of travelers to this amazing city.

Hosting them both, along with other sights, is the Piazza. St. Mark's square is both a premier gathering place and stellar sight all its own. It houses a magnificent clocktower, provides access to the Doge's Palace and lends Venice grace and charm. It does all this, unlike many other public squares, in the fortunate absence of traffic and auto noise.

But, of course, Venice is best known for other things, such as its canals and gondola rides. Whether boating lazily down the Grand Canal, the city's main waterway, or along one of the dozens of secondary channels, visitors can get an excellent view of much of the city.

Along the Grand Canal there is the Rialto and the other main bridges that cross it. Whether moving up it by vaporetto, or in one of the lovely gondolas, some of the best views of the many palaces on its shores are available from this vantage point.

For example, one can gain easy access to the loggia of the Ca' d'Oro - The Golden House - from the canal. Palazzo Grassi is only a short vaporetto ride away. Either can serve as an outstanding example of Venetian architecture.

Still more samples, in very different styles, are only a short boat ride away: the Villas of Venice. Villa Pisani was begun in the early 1700s and modeled on Versailles in Paris. La Rotunda, one of the many creations of the world-famous architect Palladio, is not far away. Padova holds many others, such as the Villa Cornaro and the Villa Contarini-Camerini.

Several islands are also only a short trip outside the main city. Murano offers the famed glass works of Venice's artisans, whose skills have been renowned in this art for centuries. Burano offers a museum dedicated to the lace that craftsmen here have been astounding the world with for just as long.

Visit the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and see a large collection of works of the master Renaissance painter Tintoretto. See many more by others at the Gallerie dell'Accademia. Go to La Fenice and see all the arts of Venice - painting, architecture and opera - all in one spot.

Come for the two weeks before Lent and become a theater performer yourself by participating in Carnevale. You'll go home with a mask you may want never to remove. The people of Venice are beautiful. But, the treasures they live with will bring on a smile that will outlast any cast in ceramic.

Venice - The Grand Canal

Venice - The Grand Canal

The Grand Canal in Venice is a main waterway through the city. If offers great scenery, pleasant gondola rides and more to visitors and locals alike. As Venice's 'Main Street' the Grand Canal is a must see. The Rialto Bridge and other spectacular sights mean that no visit to this lovely Italian city is complete otherwise.

One option is to take a short stroll and see the Fondaco dei Turchi, Venice's Natural History Museum. Built in the 13th century, this magnificent structure provides one of the great views from a gondola. It also has many interesting items within to explore. Though parts are still under construction, there is a section with dinosaurs and a small aquarium. It also houses the Correr Museum.

A ride along the Grand Canal can easily be the highlight of a trip to Venice, and there are several ways to go about it.

Gondola rides are ever popular, despite their somewhat high price. Groups up to six can board and split the price. Sights along the leisurely trip include the Basilica di San Marco, the Campanile, the Doge's Palace and much more. Making arrangements through your hotel is one way to avoid haggling.

But there are other vehicles that cross or navigate the Grand Canal as well. The vaporetto, or water taxis, are small boats that travel along all of the city's canals, including the Grand Canal. Like bus lines in other major cities, they are numbered and have distinct starting and stopping points. Pick up a free map when you reach Venice and you'll quickly locate a route you'd like to travel.

Passenger boats, called traghetti, generally only go from one side to the other, but they can still be a fun (albeit, short) ride. There are only a few bridges that cross the Grand Canal along its 2 mile/3 km length. These old gondolas move visitors from one side to the other without requiring a long walk to one of the bridges. Since the canal ranges from 30-70m (100-230 feet) wide, your trip can vary in length.

If you travel along the waterways at night, you'll have a chance to peer into some of the palaces that have large, well-lit arches. You're close enough to get a very good view of the highly decorated interiors. Many find this a good way to decide which they'd like to explore further during the day.

Another very fun option is to take one of the water taxis to any of the nearby islands. Visitors can see famed glass works, churches and more on Murano and Burano, Lido and Torcello. Beaches similar to the Hamptons in the northeast U.S. offer visitors everything from warm sun to cool drinks.

Venice - Ca' d'Oro

Venice - Ca' d'Oro

The Golden House of Venice is one of the city's most outstanding works of architecture. In a city renowned for them, that is quite a claim. But the accolade is well earned.

As a main European center of trade for centuries, Venice enjoyed influences from all over the continent and the Middle East. This mixture affected architecture along with much else in this cosmopolitan city.

Constructed in the mid-15th century, Ca' d'Oro rises alongside the Grand Canal, the main waterway of the town. After 1430 it served as the home of the Contarini family. One of the quasi-noble families of the region, it gave Venice eight of its Doges between 1043 and 1676.

The pink and white facade, once gold leafed and giving the building its name, is a classic in the Venetian Gothic style. It sports the pointed arches of the Byzantine and elaborately carved posts with capitals that bear little resemblance to the Greek. The near-floral designs were the work of Giovanni Bon, a noted architect of the period.

The entrance is on the ground floor in a colonnaded loggia that is accessible directly from the canal level. Above this is a magnificent enclosed balcony, which is just outside the art gallery on the upper floor. Once inside, the view becomes even more impressive.

The inner courtyard gives a sense of peace in an otherwise bustling city - in those rare moments when it isn't crowded with awe-struck visitors. The vera di pozzo or wellhead provides an interesting sight while resting one's feet. Further on the reasons for those amazed expressions aren't far to seek.

There are 16th century Flemish tapestries in one room. In another, one can find a collection of bronzes spanning the 12th - 16th centuries. Furniture from nearly every period and place fill every room.

The gallery holds paintings that would compete on equal terms with those in the Gallerie dell'Accademia not far away. There is Mantegna's San Sebastiano and Venus at the Mirror by Titian. There are paintings by Tintoretto, Giorgione and Carpaccio. The Dutch even made it to Venice in the form of works by Van Dyck and Jan Steen.

Outside, the balcony provides a breathtaking view of the Grand Canal. While there, don't just look down. Look out and up to get a close-up view of the intricately carved quatrefoil windows. The polychrome marble incrustations are alone worth the climb to this second floor.

From this loggia one gains easy access to a small room containing outstanding ceramics. There are cups and plates, and a small collection of kitchenware that would impress even the wealthiest in 15th century Venice.

Visit Ca' d'Oro and discover why, even shorn of its gold exterior, the Golden House is a treasure.

Venice - Teatro La Fenice

Venice - Teatro La Fenice

The Fenice Theater in Venice is a world famous opera house. But even for those whose musical tastes run elsewhere, it's a tourist's delight.

First constructed in the late 18th century, the theater burned to the ground in January of 1996. Official investigations led to uncertain conclusions, but arson was strongly suspected. What no official was in doubt about was the need to rebuild it. So it was - and as close to the original in appearance as humanly possible.

The architect and construction company obviously did their homework. For, apart from things looking a lot newer than a 200-year old opera house should look, it is virtually indistinguishable from the original.

The project to rebuild the famed venue gained international support. Americans paid for the ceiling, while British donors bought the stellar chandeliers. After five thousand trips down the Grand Canal, the work was complete.

Over the years the theater has played host to such famed musical names as Rossini, Donizetti and Verdi. Rich and poor, highborn and low alike flocked to hear them and the music they created. Italians from all walks of life love their opera.

Today, one can enjoy here the leading artists of the day sing and play many of the works of those masters. La Traviata is performed here in a way that can be heard nowhere else. Be forewarned, though, that (like the original) some seats don't even have a view of the stage. The acoustics continue to be truly fine.

For those whose interest is chiefly in the building, rather than those who star in it, there is still much to offer. Daytime tours provide a view of some of the most fascinating aspects of this historic structure.

Walking along these hallowed halls tourists will enjoy seeing the elaborate plaster decorations. The gilding was all carefully recreated to give the walls and ceiling the look they had for nearly two centuries.

Knowledgeable tour guides fill visitors in on the history of the building and its most notable performers. For 45 minutes it becomes very easy to imagine oneself a member of the class that would have been taken on private tours generations earlier.

Audio guides are available in Italian, German, French, Spanish and English. The guided tours are also available in those languages, but a group of at least ten is required. With so many tourists in Venice, it's a simple matter to gather even strangers to participate. Some tours include a cocktail at the end, served in the Apollinee Halls.

Venice - Palazzo Grassi

Venice - Palazzo Grassi

Anyone who was anyone in 18th century Venice simply had to have their own palace. And so it was with the Bolognese Grassi family. Contrary to popular thinking, aristocracy isn't always hereditary. One can sometimes buy one's way in. So it was with the Grassi and one of the patron's later acts was to commission a grand dwelling on the Grand Canal.

Engaging the neoclassical architect Giorgio Massari, the builder set to work in 1745 to design the sumptuous building. Completed in 1775, it bore little resemblance to the Byzantine structures elsewhere, or even the Renaissance buildings so prominent in the area.

Located opposite the Ca' Rezzonico, the facade is imposing and rises up several stories in a large block. Stylistic elements are everywhere on display. Large windows regularly line the entire upper exterior, with none below. The arches display some of the finest carving of any of the structures near St. Mark's Square.

But the most impressive part is the interior, which now houses numerous works of art. Purchased by the Fiat group in 1983, the museum was enhanced over an already high level. It's now owned by a French businessman, François Pinault (the owner of Christie's auction house), who put his private collection on display.

That collection numbers over 2,000 works gathered over a period of 30 years. Owing to the renovations carried out a couple of years ago, the interior space now boasts the best of both worlds. It has the neoclassical look of 18th century Venice combined with the most modern painting display features.

There is ample track lighting and white walls to illuminate the works. There are also areas fed by natural light, those that face the Grand Canal. Many of the works on display are from the past 50 years, including Koons' sculpture of a balloon dog and his Hanging Heart.

Climbing the grand staircase decorated with hot pink teardrops made of nylon resin, one reaches the second floor, which offers American and European art from 1960-1990. Included are works by Rothko, Flavin, Hirst and Warhol.

There's also a 600-seat outdoor theater where performances of Vivaldi can be heard that make it easy to imagine listening to their debut.

The palace is easy to find. Simply take a vaporetto, one of Venice's water taxis, to the San Samuele or Sant Angelo stop.

Venice - Scuola Grande Di San Rocco

Often compared to the Sistine Chapel Ceiling in Rome, the paintings in San Rocco by the Venetian master Tintoretto easily demonstrate why. While none can surpass Michelangelo, this native artist was indeed one of the most outstanding of the Renaissance. And the over 50 paintings housed here make plain why the comparison is warranted.

But first, the building.

Next door to the San Rocco Church, the Scuola Grande is a highlight of the Venetian Renaissance. The best view of the facade is gained from two vantage points. Take in the whole from far away in order to enjoy the columns and the overall look. Then move in closer.

The close up view allows seeing the elaborate carvings near the base of those columns and the fine gilding that covers the pedestals. From this vantage point one can see the delicate stone work that forms the tops of the columns set in the windows. The floral pattern betrays the Byzantine influences that were still a part of Venetian architecture during the Renaissance.

The building sees double-duty as both art museum and concert hall. Listening to Monteverdi in this setting it is easy to imagine oneself a native of the period.

But the main attraction remains the interior decoration and works created under the guidance of Jacopo Tintoretto. Such works as the Allegories, Life and Passion of Christ and many others made him one of the most sought after religious painters of the day.

Visitors from all over the world come here to see The Annunciation and The Epiphany. They spend long periods enraptured by the beauty and depth of The Flight to Egypt. Tintoretto was famed for his mastery of perspective gleaned from Michelangelo, his use of color learned by studying Titian and the psychological depth of his characterizations which can't be taught.

The two large main rooms of San Rocco are covered - walls, ceilings and stairways - with evidence of this artist's skill and insight. The ceiling is low, making it easier to see the art. Rising up the highly decorated staircase brings one within easy reach of equally impressive objects, such as the massive paintings hanging from the rafters.

The works gathered here were created over a period of more than 20 years. The results, which began from a contest held in 1564, show how much he achieved in that time.

His winning entry of Saint Rocco in Glory hangs in the center of the ceiling. His Last Supper shows his unconventionality, as it focuses on the gift of the Eucharist, rather than a simple conversation between the apostles. From early works to paintings made in maturity, Tintoretto continued to astound his contemporaries. His work creates that same reaction today.

Visit the Scuola Grande Di San Rocco and see for yourself why.