Italy Tourist Attractions in Venice

This beautiful city in Italy is actually stretches across 117 small islands and is known for industry and tourism. It is estimated that Venice hosts 50,000 tourists a day who want to take in the sights and sounds of this romantic city.

Tourism is nothing new to Venice though. It started back as early as the 18th century with the Grand Tour: young, wealthy, Englishmen traveled to France and Italy in search of culture, art and the roots of Western civilization. Venice was a destined spot on their travels because of its beauty and the unique and dynamic musical and artistic cultural heritage.

In the 19th century the rich and famous made it their choice destination, which continued on into the 20th century. Today it has become a major centre of international conferences and festivals which attract tourists world-wide for their theatrical, cinematic, artistic, musical and cultural productions.

A few of the attractions in Venice include:

St. Mark’s Basilica
This is the city’s most famous church. Nicknamed ‘Chiesa d’Oro’, ‘Church of gold’ its rich design is one of the best known examples of Byzantine architecture.

The Grand Canal

This 3,800 meter long canal runs through the central districts of Venice. More than 170 buildings line its banks, with their construction dates primarily between the 13th and 18th centuries. Public water buses and private taxis provide transportation on the canal; tourists though tend to explore it by means of a gondola.

Piazza San Marco

This is the main square in Venice. A central landmark and gathering place you will find many photographers, tourists and pigeons.

Museums

If you enjoy spending time in museums, there are plenty for you to choose from in Venice, of course with many containing works dating back many centuries.

Bridges

While in Venice you will want to take the time to see and cross some of the beautiful bridges built in the city. Remember Venice spans 117 islands, so you have to have some means of getting to the other side.

Doge’s Palace

This was the palace of the chief magistrate of Venice. Originally built from 1309 to 1324, it had to undergo reconstruction when it was badly damaged by fire in 1574. Built originally in Venice’s famous Gothic architectural design, the style was preserved in the rebuild.

If you’re planning your trip in late August or early September, you may want to check the dates to attend the annual Venice Film Festival, which happens to be the oldest film festival in the world.

These attractions just name of few of all there is to see and do in Venice. It’s always a great idea to take along a little note pad that you can write things down, either at the time you’re seeing things, or at night when you’re recapping your day. Helps recreate the trip after you’ve had to return home.