Venice is certainly one of the most important cities in Italy and one of the most fascinating and romantic in the world, offering tourists so much history, art and panorama. It is an unmissable destination, to visit at least once in a lifetime.
Don’t miss
Basilica of Saint Mark
As Venice was entirely built on water, you must visit it on foot, resisting – at least for the first time – the temptation to take the vaporetto. Only then will it be possible to appreciate every aspect, photograph the most charming corners, bridges and hidden canals. But of course, a visit to the Basilica of Saint Mark, in the wonderful square of the same name is a must. Home to the Patriarchate of Venice, the cathedral is an authentic masterpiece and represents, together with the famous bell tower, one of the symbols of Christianity.
The bridges
The city is rightly famous for its many bridges, among which the most important are: the Rialto Bridge, a wonderful construction that crosses the Grand Canal from which you can photograph one of the most beautiful views of Venice, and the Bridge of Sighs on the Lungomare degli Schiavoni, built from Istrian stone. Its name comes from the fact that it connected the Palazzo Ducale – a Venetian Gothic-style masterpiece, already home to the Doge, which contains masterpieces by Tintoretto – to the prisons. Tradition has it that the prisoners sighed while they were crossing it because it was the last time they would have seen the outside world.
The gondolas
A typical gondola trip is a must – expensive but also very impressive. Plus, if you have time for a real boat trip in the surrounding area, Murano and Burano are very picturesque islands, with colourful, painted houses and artisan workshops where you can buy objects made from blown glass.
Museums
If you love culture, then Venice is a real paradise: it’s almost impossible to visit all the museums there. If you love modern art then you should start from the Peggy Guggenheim Collection on the Grand Canal with masterpieces by Picasso, Magritte, Pollock, Fontana and many more. If instead you prefer classical art, the marvellous Gallerie dell’Accademia house works by Titian, Tintoretto, and Canaletto, to name but a few.
The Bàcari
Finally, for those who love food and drink, a trip around the bàcari, typical Venetian bars or eateries, is a must: a glass of white wine and some nibbles (called ‘cicheto’) and you’ll feel like a real Venetian!
Travel Documents
Identity Card
An identity card valid for leaving the country allows entry into European Union countries. However, please note that there have been reports of difficulties in some countries with the recognition of renewed and stamped paper identity cards, as well as the refusal of electronic ID cards renewed with a certificate issued by the municipality.
Passport
An ordinary passport is valid for all countries whose governments are recognized by the Italian one, except for any legal restrictions, and can be obtained by all citizens of the Republic. A passport is issued (and renewed) by the police and abroad, by diplomatic and consular representatives. It is valid for 10 years, but in some cases provided for by current legislation, this validity may be shortened.
For more information, see www.poliziadistato.it
