Wow. So this is what everyone comes to see. This is the centerpiece of Piazza San Marco and for good reason. From the glittery mosaics adorning the exterior to the marble floors and 11th- to 15th-century mosaic domes with millions of gilt-glass tiles, this is a show-stopper. Construction began in 828 when Venetian merchants smuggled […]
Masks
Mask-making is yet another centuries-old Venetian trade. The masks are traditionally worn during Carnevale, but are displayed and sold year-round. Venetian masks are characterized by their ornate design and bright colors, use of gold and silver, and baroque styles. The most popular styles are the Bauta (full-face) or the Columbina (eye mask). The Bauta was […]
Venetian Food
Venice is quintessential locavore eating. While Venice is not known for having rave-worthy food, it is known for traditional dishes consisting of seasonal vegetables and fresh seafood. Polenta (Venice’s answer to Southern Italy’s pasta) and Prosecco round out the meals. Venice is also famous for its risotto. The risotto is prepared much more al dente […]
Venetian Boats
Since the center of Venice does not have automobiles, colorful boats docked in the canals are the Venice equivalent of cars parked in front of houses. People climb in and out of them laden with groceries, parcels, fishing gear and anything else they need to go about their day. Traditional boats in Venice are becoming […]
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 […]
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 […]
Bicycling, Venetian-style
Since Venice’s canals are its roadways, is it surprising that the bicycles look like this?
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 […]
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 […]
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).
