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Gondoliers

Every gondola that silently slides through Venice’s water streets is operated by a skilled gondolier. The rowing style, voga alla veneta, which involves standing up and facing forward, is a skill passed through generations. For centuries, no formal training or qualifications were required. Only since 2007 must the gondoliers undergo 400 hours of instruction and […]

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Chiesa di Santa Maria della Salute

This beautiful baroque church is Venice’s gift to the Sainted Mary of Health for sparing the city further devastation after a 1630-31 plague wiped out a third of the city’s population in 18 months. Reportedly, over 100,000 pylons were driven into the mud banks that form Venice’s foundation to support the structure’s immense weight. The […]

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Bicycling, Venetian-style

Since Venice’s canals are its roadways, is it surprising that the bicycles look like this?

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Glass Blowers

Ventians have been working in crystal and glass since the 10th century, passing techniques and secrets from generation to generation. Due to the fire hazards inherent in the trade, most of the industry was moved to the island of Murano in the 13th century. Some artisans remain in the city center, crafting small items in […]

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Evening in Venice

There was a full moon this week, but luckily no high tide. Venice is always prepared for the acqua alta. There are piles of risers all over the city, which serve as raised sidewalks when the floods come. Also, homes have door dams, which can be pulled up to prevent the flow of water from […]

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Burano

Burano

This island of brightly colored houses is a fishing village known for the freshest seafood in Venice (that’s really saying something!) and lace. Burano is about 90 minutes from San Marco on the vaporetti (ferry boats).

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Venice Evening

Twilight in Venice

Twilight in San Marco.

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Morning Deliveries

Each morning, the canals are jammed with boats carrying the cargo necessary to sustain life on the islets.

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Venice Intersection

Venetian Intersection

An unusual sight: traffic lights control the flow at this three-canal intersection. Typically, when gondolas or other boats arrive at intersections, they slow down and announce their presence by yelling to alert other drivers.

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The Last Supper, Behind the Scenes?

Paolo Veronese’s Feast in the House of Levi was originally called Last Supper until the Catholic Church condemned the artist for featuring drunkards, dwarves, dogs and Reformation-minded Germans among the apostles. Veronese agreed to change the name, but refused to revise the painting. In defiance against Rome, Venice stood by the painter. See this wall-sized […]

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