Venice Italy for a Romantic Break
There are few European cities more romantic than Venice in Italy. Accessible all year round, it is ideal for a short break from the UK of three to five nights. For those travelling from outside Europe, a few days in Venice could be combined easily with a visit to London, or other European cities.
The most unforgettable way to arrive in Venice, from airport or station, is to take a private water taxi across the lagoon and view the imposing approach towards the Piazza San Marco.
Venice, Romantic City of Gondolas and Masks
Venice is an ideal destination for those who seek an interesting cultural experience combined with romance. The city has always attracted artists, musicians, film makers and lovers. The most famous lover of all, the Venetian Casanova, was part of the city’s decadent 18th century life.
With a myriad of narrow alleyways, canals and bridges, it is easy to get lost, but part of the fun of Venice is wandering around on foot to come across tiny shops or impressive churches.
Each February, the exciting Carnival takes place over ten days, when the city comes alive with revellers in exquisite masks and costumes. An annual event from the 11th until the 18th century, it was discontinued until it was revived again the late 1970s.
The Grand Canal
First time visitors to Venice should take the Vaparetto, a motorised waterbus, along the twisting Grand Canal, the main thoroughfare. The Number 1 waterbus takes in the whole canal, stopping on the way for passengers to alight whenever they wish.
The glory of Venice and its architecture is a magnificent sight. Gracious, crumbling or renovated palaces and ornate aristocratic homes line both sides of the canal, including the beautiful Ca’ D’Oro with its ornate Gothic façade.
Some Romantic Sights of Venice
- The Bridge of Sighs: the high arch over the canal leading from the Doge’s Palace to the prison gave condemned men their last view of the outside world.
- Doge’s Palace and Basilica: the Gothic 15th century Doge’s Palace contains lavish rooms and Tintoretto paintings. The impressive Basilica was built in the 11th century as a chapel for the Doges. The interior includes a feast of mosaics, and a gold and jewel-encrusted altar screen.
- St Mark’s Square and Florians: the Piazza San Marco is a gathering place for tourists during the day. The 324ft Campanile (Bell Tower) is worth an elevator ride to the top as it offers stunning views of the area. Relax with a drink at Florians, the famous café where musicians add to the romance. Beware of the cost, however, which includes a seating charge.
- Rialto Bridge: walking across the Rialto Bridge takes a while, as it is a busy and colourful marketplace, famous when Venice was the wealthiest trading centre of the world.
Music, Art and Churches of Venice
Venice is synonymous with Vivaldi, the great Baroque composer. Visitors should take in one of the many concerts available, with musicians in 18th century costume. A popular venue is La Chiesca di Vivaldi (church), where the composer wrote his music from 1705 to 1740.
Most of the churches in Venice are veritable art galleries, containing works of Tintoretto, Titian and Bellini, among others. One of the prettiest churches is the tiny, 15th century Santa Maria del Miracoli in the Castello district. Often used for weddings, the inner and outer walls are covered in marble veneer.
The Accademia art gallery is home to centuries of impressive Venetian art, and is limited to fewer than 200 visitors at a time. Nearby, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a testament to modern art and is one of the best collections in Europe.
Islands of Murano and Burano
It is easy to take a waterbus (vaporetto) to the famous nearby glass-making island of Murano. Visitors can watch the colourful glass being made and there are factories and showrooms selling the glass.
Burano is also within easy reach by waterbus. Famous for lace-making, this is a charming fishing village with brightly painted houses.
To fully appreciate Venice, visitors need three or four days. With so many day tourists around St Mark’s Square, or taking a trip down the Grand Canal, the best idea is to wander down the myriad of alleyways and discover the lesser known canals, bridges and squares.
A gondola ride is the epitome of romance, with the gondolier in his navy and white striped shirt, dark trousers and beribboned straw hat, but it is very expensive. Negotiate a price and duration before setting off.
In the evening, when the day trippers have gone, the square is bathed in romantic light, and the background music accompanies the wanderers. In the distance, the gondoliers serenade their passengers as they expertly steer their black gondolas through the canals. This is the romance of Venice.
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