| One of the jewels of Italy, Venice is known | | | | |
| throughout the world for its stunning | | | | Rocco and a host of churches. The city is |
| architecture and miles of canals. Consisting | | | | also home to countless trendy shopping |
| of 117 separate islands linked by a series of | | | | |
| historic bridges, canals and pavements, | | | | areas, which are lined with local boutiques |
| Venice is visited each year by many thousands | | | | and specialist shops, together with a |
| of tourists. Home to some of the world most | | | | |
| stunning buildings, impressive museums and | | | | number of colourful markets.Some of the most |
| art galleries, and a large selection of top | | | | outstanding art galleries and museums in the |
| restaurants, Venice has much to offer and | | | | city include the |
| rarely disappoints.Central Venice consists of | | | | |
| six main regions, Cannaregio, Castello, | | | | Marciano Museum, the Archaeological Museum |
| Dorsoduro, Santa | | | | (Museo Archeologico), the |
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| Croce, San Polo and San Marco, each full of | | | | Accademia Gallery and the Contini Gallery. |
| local charm and appeal. One of the | | | | The watery city of Venice is also home to |
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| most famous landmarks in the city, San Marco | | | | a surprising number of green spaces and |
| Square is the only public square in | | | | parklands, such as the Royal Gardens |
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| Venice and offers a rich heritage, with the | | | | (Giardinetti Reali) and the Giardino Giusti. |
| magnificent buildings of Doge's Palace | | | | Nearby Venice you will find a many |
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| and the Basilica San Marco nearby. Castello | | | | interesting and appealing towns worth a |
| is the most historical area of the city | | | | visit, such as Burano, which is just a short |
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| and is known for its Arsenale ship-building | | | | trip by ferry and is known for its lace |
| yard.On the northern side of Venice, | | | | making.Throughout the year, many major events |
| Cannaregio contains the Santa Lucia Railway | | | | are held in the Venice area and consist of |
| Station, | | | | |
| | | | religious festivals, cultural events and |
| with nearby Santa Croce linking the city to | | | | sports. Events not to be missed include |
| Italy's mainland. The smallest area of the | | | | |
| | | | seasonal carnivals, the Festa di San Marco |
| city is the San Polo district, which offers | | | | at the end of April, the Festa Medioevale |
| many local eateries and inns. On Venice's | | | | |
| | | | del Vino Soave Bianco Soave each May, the |
| southern side you will find the district of | | | | Vogalonga rowing regatta in May, the |
| Dorsoduro, which contains the notable | | | | |
| | | | Venice International Film Festival at the |
| 17th-century Dogana da Mar.Transport in | | | | end of August, and also the New Year's Eve |
| Venice:Central Venice is easy to traverse on | | | | |
| food, being generally well pedestrianized. | | | | masses in the city's Catholic |
| | | | churches.Venice Shopping:Full of elegant and |
| Popular methods of transport include | | | | trendy boutiques, independent shops and |
| inexpensive water buses and more pricey | | | | vibrant markets, the |
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| motorboat taxis, both of which offer a | | | | city could be called a 'shopper's paradise' |
| convenient and extremely scenic way to | | | | and offers plenty of genuine bargains. |
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| travel around the canals. Connected by rail | | | | The best shopping areas in Venice are around |
| to many large cities in both Italy and | | | | the San Marco region, the Mercerie |
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| Europe, Venice stands on the A4 | | | | and also close to the Calle dei Fabbri. |
| Autostrada.The city is home to a large and | | | | Also, regular fish markets are held alongside |
| busy airport, which is located around 8 miles | | | | |
| / 13 | | | | |
| | | | the Grand Canal and are popular with both |
| km from the centre and caters for many | | | | locals and visitors to the city.Venice |
| international airlines. Venice's Marco Polo | | | | Restaurants:With a vast selection of |
| | | | restaurants, cafes and eateries, Venice |
| International Airport is easy to reach by a | | | | offers many |
| range of transportation, such as buses, | | | | |
| | | | traditional Italian dishes, which include |
| cars, taxis, boats and rail.Venice | | | | freshly made pizzas, pastas, paninis, |
| Tourism:No trip to Venice would be complete | | | | |
| without a trip in a traditional gondola and | | | | cheeses and salads. Many other types of |
| the | | | | cuisine are also available aimed at tourists |
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| city is geared up towards the tourist trade, | | | | visiting the city, such as fast-food outlets |
| with many must-see sights and | | | | and bars. Al fresco dining is particularly |
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| attractions. Some of the most popular | | | | popular in the city and around the San Marco |
| things to see in Venice include the numerous | | | | area, known locally as the 'Piazza San |
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| palaces and historic structures, such as the | | | | Marco'.Nia Rees writes for World Guides - |
| Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto), the | | | | |
| | | | providers of travel and tourist information |
| Palazzo Mocenigo, the Palazzo Ducale (Doge's | | | | for major cities throughout the world. |
| Palace), the Scuola Grande di San | | | | |