Destination guides
Venice Travel Guide
Venice, the unique and famous sinking city built on a cluster of tiny islands, has long been known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. With such fabled sights as the Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge and St Marks Square, its faded grandeur should not be missed.The best place to start a visit is St Marks square, with its covered galleries, expensive shops and cafes and crowded, animated atmosphere.
Venice is an enchanting city, built in 452 AD and is rich in culture and architecture. Situated in the Veneto in northern Italy, the 118 islands of central Venice are divided into six districts which are inter-linked by a network of bridges. Over 12 million people visit Venice each year, intrigued by its historic past and maze of canals.
Getting to Venice is straightforward, parking on the mainland and then taking a vaporetto or ferry. A good alternative is to take the train to Santa Lucia station, which runs almost into the centre of the city. As all cars are banned in Venice, the only way to get around is to walk or take a boat.
Venices historic centre is divided into six sestieri (quarters): San Marco, Dorsoduro, San Polo, Santa Croce, Cannaregio and Castello. It covers a deceptively small area. The city's 'main street' is the Grand Canal, which passes each of the districts as it twists along the length of Venice from the railway station to San Marco.
Venice continues to sink, the process of restoration is perpetual, and the answer to the citys problems remains elusive. Nevertheless, the citys Serenisssima tag still seems to hold true, as Venices enchantments float wonderously above the ruckus of modern living.
In May 2003, the Mose project was set in motion. Its hoped that this system of mobile flood barriers will protect the city from further damage.
Venice has always been a busy retail centre, with an emphasis on luxury goods, famous for its high quality lace and glass. Venice also offers excellent fashion and leather goods. The main retail areas are the Mercerie and the streets. Which wind between campo San Fantin and piazza San Marco itself. The big-name fashion houses are in calle Larga XXII Marzo, just west of the piazza, where Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Fendi and Ferragamo huddle together exclusively.
