Venice is the capital of northern Italy's Veneto region, and is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. For those of you who haven't experienced such a unique destination, it is interesting to note that there are NO roads. Just canals. Fun Fact- There are more than 400 bridges in Venice!
The central square, Piazza San Marco, contains St. Mark's Basilica, which is tiled with Byzantine mosaics. If you are looking for the grandest view of Venice, the Campanile bell tower offers a tremendous glimpse of the city!
The gondolas is the most romantic and famous means of transportation. It is a little expensive to ride the gondola, but is definitely something everyone has to experience at least once while visiting Venice!
The best way of getting around Venice, is either by walking, or by renting a boat. If driving, you can park your motor vehicle at the entrance to the city, thanks to the Causeway, and then enter the historic city by foot.
Venice felt like a fairy-tale to me.... Have you ever been to Disneyland? I have, and this city reminded me of the feeling I got while exploring Disneyland! It is so unlike anything you can imagine.... No noise of cars, just lots, and I mean, LOTS, of people. After all, it is a famous hot spot. Another thing I remember, was the crazy HEAT. I could hardly handle it. I would go from one building to another, scouting out shade. From local water fountains, I would drench myself in water. Other than that, I loved Venice!
Venice has many shops around the canals. Most of which were layered with MASKS!!! Venetian masks are a centuries-old tradition in Venice. The masks are typically worn during the Carnival (Carnival of Venice), but have been used on many other occasions in history. I was told that many individuals would wear a mask as a device for hiding the wearer's identity and social status, allowing the wearer to act more freely in social scenarios. It was useful for a variety of purposes, some of which were criminal, and others just personal, such as romantic encounters. Below are a few pictures of my favorite masks.
Do any of you own a Venetian mask?
To wrap up my post, I truly believe that travelling is not something you're good at. It's something you do. Like breathing.
Your opinions are so important to me. Please take a moment of your time and comment on my post. Have any of you been to Venice? What were your thoughts of the place?
Find me on Instagram to follow more of my adventures! https://www.instagram.com/soul.searching.traveler/
Best wishes,
Stephanie