After our Swiss adventure, we took a 1 1/2 hour plane ride to the famous Italian city of Venice. We figured since we were fairly close, we might as well check that city off our visit list.
This was my favorite stop in our Trilogy, a place unlike any I have visited. The narrow, vintage streets, small bridges and soothing canals gave me a feeling of excitement. The muted, soft colors made me feel comforted. The cool nights and comfortable days made me smile. I even heard one of the gondoliers whistling a typical Italian tune, one you would hope to hear when eating spaghetti on red and white checked table clothes. Or maybe a tune you might hear on the movie Ratatouille.
No cars are allowed in the city of Venice, so extra noise is at a minimum. Transportation is mostly accomplished by boats in the canals. There is an outdoor market that sells produce grown by locals, and the restaurants in that neighborhood buy the goods for their dishes. The outdoor eating tables along the canals are an experience from dreams.
Venice was founded in the 5th century, named after the ancient Veneti people. They built the town out in the water so that enemies couldn’t reach them easily. The town is built on thousands of wooden poles that are dug into the sea floor. The wood doesn’t rot because it is sealed by mud. (By the way, Amsterdam is built in this same manner.)
There are 118 islands around Venice, built in the same way. Not all are completely developed. Some were thriving in the past but now are abandoned.
Because these towns are built just above water level, the streets get flooded during high tide. The locals are used to wearing their rubber boots and shoe covers through the streets. But the city sometimes puts up walking platforms as well.
What to do in Venice? Tour the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Cathedral, a few art galleries, a couple islands close by, but mostly it is just a special experience to just be there. Walking the unique streets and tasting their special dishes is worth the trip alone.
Arriving in Venice
Our hotel in Venice advised us to take the water taxi from the airport to the city of Venice. It is the most direct and takes the least time. Turns out that the water taxi leaves from the airport and takes a route that has 12 stops. We were to get off at stop 10 to walk to the hotel.
The water taxi stopped at a couple of islands before going to Venice. Below is our view when approaching Venice. So fascinating.
The water taxi parked at the airport.
Inside the water taxi.
One of the islands next to Venice.
Venice from a distance.
The water taxi parked by Venice.
Also Venice from a distance.
Arriving to this Fabulous Town
When walking to our hotel, I was amazed at the feel of the cobbled streets and welcoming buildings. Our hotel had an amazing view of the canal and gondolas below. It was my favorite hotel room ever. The Cavalletto.
The Beauty of the Town
I have already said what I think of the town. Just walking around and soaking it all in is sublime. It just feels cozy and warm. Because the buildings are very close together, it is sometimes a little tricky to get good pictures. But I do my best.
Speaking of warm, we were in Venice in February, but the weather was perfect, around 60 degrees for a high. The people there wore heavy winter coats, but us Iowans thought sweatshirts were perfect.
One of the many wells in the city that are no longer in use.
Rialto Bridge
Rialto is the main bridge in Venice that connects the two equal parts of Venice. It is a gorgeous bridge with shops in the middle of it! The pictures below are of the bridge and the views off the bridge.
Gondola Ride
We took a short ride in the infamous gondola boats! The men who drive the boats, the gondoliers, are well trained. They have to go to school for years to master the craft. There are younger men who apprentice with them for several years while attending gondolier school. These young men clean the boats, help riders in and out of the boats, and practice steering in the off hours.
Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica
In years past, the Doge was the elected leader and chief magistrate of the Venetian Republic serving as a life long sovereign symbol. We toured the palace where these leaders lived. We also toured St. Mark’s Basilica. It is a gorgeous catholic cathedral where supposedly the apostle Mark’s remains are buried. There are over 8,000 square meters of gold leafed mosaics in the ceilings and walls.
Doge’s Palace.
Counsil room inside the palace.
Inside the palace courtyard. There are two wells that are no longer in use.
The passage way to the torture chamber. Offenders took this way after they were convicted.
One of the prison rooms.
St. Mark’s Basilica.
Bridge of Sighs. It connects the interrogation rooms in Doge’s Palace to the prisons. The name comes from the fact that the prisoners sigh at their last view of the outdoors through the bridge windows.
High tide in front of St. Mark’s Basilica. This water was a couple inches deep.
These are an example of the platforms the city sometimes puts up at high tide. People can walk across town without getting their shoes wet.
Food
Italy has some the of the BEST food. We tried some new things that are unique to Venice.
Cicchetti are the Venice forms of tapas. Bread with all kinds of toppings.
Squid cicchetti. I didn’t try this but it made an interesting picture.
Black ink squid (cuttlefish), polenta and cauliflower.
Select liquor. Made in Venice. This is their version of Aperol Spritzer.
Jeremy tried the seafood pasta.
Cannoli
Wish I could better explain the atmosphere of Venice. Hopefully all the many pictures portray the vibe accurately. I hear mixed reviews on Venice. Some people don’t like it at all. But I am on team Venice!
This ends the Travel Trilogy! Thanks for sticking with me through the series. I appreciate your interest! We were pretty exhausted after this trip but our hears were full.
Hi Jodi,
Sonya’s sister, Roxy, here. Your blog and travels are a complete joy and inspiration!
I thoroughly enjoy hearing about your travels and experiences… what a life you are living right now!!
We are living vicariously through you!!
Blessings on your springtime in the Netherlands!!
Roxy Hoekman