THE FAMOUS AND UNIQUE
LAGOON CITY VENICE
The fascinating city is one of the most fascinating spots in the world! Its unique location in the extended lagoon of Venetia makes it the centre of the province. Although thousands of tourists are attracted every year, it has not lost its magical atmosphere!
The history of the magical lagoon city
The establishment of the city reaches back to the 5th century, when it was a sanctuary for refugees, which hid in the small islands from the approaching German army. They started to build prestigious churches and Palazzi on the islands and braded the canals with wooden posts. Over centuries, the city developed to a mighty maritime republic and subdued the whole Adriatic Sea to the eastern parts of the Mediterranean Sea. It was called “La Serenissima” and held the trading monopoly for popular trading goods from the Far East, like coffee, sugar, salt and pepper.
The wealth of the city grew immensely and only the best artists and architects were obliged to equip the palaces and churches. Today, the city seems to be an open-air museum and on a stroll along the 3,000 alleys, which are spread on the 118 islands, you discover beautiful squares, romantic bridges and canals and prestigious palaces. For all times, the unique atmosphere was a large source of inspiration for famous artists and writers.
The famous Canale Grande
The largest waterway of Venice is the Canal Grande, which flows through the city like an “S”. On a boat ride along the canals on a famous “Gondola” or a “Vaporetto”, a water taxi, you can discover many of the most impressing buildings of Venice. The Palazzo Vendramin-Calergi is one of the most prestigious Renaissance buildings of the city and the Gothic Ca’ d’Oro one of the most beautiful palaces. Crossing the famous Rialto bridge, which crosses the canal, you pass the Gothic Ca’ Foscari from the 15th century, which hosts the university, and the Ca’ Rezzonice with the impressing Museo de Settecento Veneziano.
The treasures of San Marco
The district San Marco is the centre of the lagoon city. Around the square Piazza San Marco, you will find the most impressing sights. Although the large tourist flows, it has preserved its magical atmosphere, and an evening on the St. Mark’s Square is a unique and unforgettable experiences in Italy.
The oriental façade of the Basilica di San Marco with the five domes dominates the scene of the square. It was built between 1060 and 1070 in the Byzantince architecture and was structurally altered until the 16th century. The interior of the Basilica is decorated with gold ground mosaics from the 12th and 13th century and is the largest coherent mosaic picture in the world! Its beauty can only be topped by the Pala d’Oro, the gold plaque with gems behind the altar.
After a short stroll, you will reach the Palazzo Ducalo, the famous Doge’s Palace, which was built in the 14th and 15th century. Its façade of Veronese marble and Istrian chalk exudes a unique elegance and the filigree composition has an oriental look. The largest and most prestigious room, the Sala del Maggior Consiglio, hosts the highlight of the palace: The painting “Paradise” of Tintoretto, which is the largest oil painting in the world!
After a short stroll, you will reach the Palazzo Ducalo, the famous Doge’s Palace, which was built in the 14th and 15th century. Its façade of Veronese marble and Istrian chalk exudes a unique elegance and the filigree composition has an oriental look. The largest and most prestigious room, the Sala del Maggior Consiglio, hosts the highlight of the palace: The painting “Paradise” of Tintoretto, which is the largest oil painting in the world!
Further attractions around the St. Mark’s square are the Gran Teatro La Fenice, which was built in the 18th century and had its most glorious era with Giuseppe Verdi, who composed the operas Rigoletto and La Traviata here. It almost burnt down completely for three times, which gave it the name “Fenice”, which means “phoenix”.
The districts Dorsoduro & San Polo
The students district Dorsoduro has become the centre of the Venetian nightlife. But it also dazzles with impressing sightseeing highlights, like the Chiesa Santa Maria della Salute, which lies picturesque at the headland of the Canal Grande and salutes the arriving ships since generations. The famous Rialto Bridge connects the districts San Marco and San Polo. Here you can visit the Gothic Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, one of Venice’s most impressing churches. The Galleria dell’Academia is the largest picture gallery of Venice, and hosts artworks of Bellini, Tizian Veronese and Mantegna. The Palazzo Grassi from the 18th century, and the Peggy Guggenheim collection in the Palazzo Venier di Leoni, are worth a visit as well!
The islands around Venice
Small islands surround Venice in the large lagoon, such as the Isola di Murano with its narrow canals and bridges, which looks like a miniature version of Venice. The glass blowing has played a significant role here since the medieval times. Even Picasso, Cocteau and Le Corbusier created individual pieces and series of Murano glass. Today, the glass blowing manufacturers live from the demand of the tourists. In the Museo del Vetro in the Palazzo Giustinian, you can gaze at masterpieces of glass blowing from the Antiques till today.
The picturesque Isola Burano dazzles with its colourful houses and is not frequently visited by tourists. The people here, mainly live from fishing. The small island Isola di Torcello is surprisingly green and wide meadows alternate with vineyards. The picturesque scenery is rounded off by the two medieval churches and the ruins of the baptistery from the 7th century.
Booking and further information
Explore the magical atmosphere of the unique lagoon city on a group tour or a custom-made corporate event, incentive trip, or congress in Venice or Venetia! We are looking forward to your no-obligation request via our contact form, e-mail or by telephone at +49 611 945879 42. We will be glad to adjust the duration, accommodation and focus of the tour according to your requirements and wishes.
Venetia offers beautiful architecture.
Beautiful Lake Garda
Carnival in Venice
Geographical location
Lagoon city Venice
Landscapes
Modern art in Venice
Music and film festivals
Prosecco Road
Provinces & capitals
Venetian Gondolas
Venetian Grappa
Venetian Villas
