When I first visited the Floating City, the way Venice is called, I had the time of my life discovering the beauty of this amazing city.

I have to admit that when I returned to Venice I had the feeling that I knew this city like the back of my hand. As I was walking down the streets of this lovely city, I had a pleasant feeling of déjà vu. I felt like I had the map of Venice in my mind. In spite of the feeling that I knew Venice by heart, I was aware of the fact that there were new places to explore in this lovely city. It was a real delight to discover new lovely streets, bridges, canals and buildings that I didn’t get the chance to admire during my first trip here.

I must say that I planned my second trip to Venice because I wanted to enjoy the city and its most beautiful tourist attractions also in summer. Visiting new places was of course another priority for me.

In my previous articles about Venice, I said that this city is equally charming in any season, maybe because it is the type of place which has the power to create a strong connection. It was indeed a great pleasure to revisit the charming and vibrant St. Mark’s Square with all its interesting tourist attractions, to eat delicious fries near Ponte di Rialto, to admire again the views of the most beautiful bridges in the city or to lose myself in the narrow and mazy streets.

I could go on talking about the most beautiful places and experiences in Venice, but I think there is no need to do this because I have already written a lot about them, after my first experience there. What I really want to point out in this article is the fact that when you return to a place the feeling you experience is totally different. When you visit a new place it’s about curiosity and excitement, but when you return to that place you experience the enthusiasm of reliving your travel memories.

At the end of this trip, I can definitely say that I will never get bored in Venice and that it will always be a great pleasure to return there.

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Venice doesn’t need any type of introduction thanks to its notoriety and to all the things this city has to offer. Leaving aside the amazing scenery embellished with canals, bridges and gondolas, Venice means much more.

On this note, I would like to talk about my favorite 10 places in Venice, which I consider emblematic for this charming city.

1.St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) is a famous cathedral in Venice which rises majestically in the square with the same name. This cathedral is a real architectural masterpiece, which combines the Byzantine and the Italian styles. Its opulent design displays an interesting blend between columns, arches, spires and sculptures.

Also named the Church of Gold (Chiesa d’Oro), St. Mark’s Basilica was considered a symbol of the Venetian wealth and power, showing the greatness of the city. Situated next to the Doge’s Palace, the cathedral used to serve as a chapel for the famous Doges of Venice.

It is a real delight to stop in the middle of the square which is always full of pigeons and admire the image of this imposing cathedral.

2.The Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) which is also situated in St. Mark’s Square, was the residence of the Doges of Venice. The Doges were the chief magistrates and leaders of the city during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

You should definitely visit this palace in case you want to admire the Opera Museum, the courtyard, the Loggias, the Doges’ apartments, the institutional chambers, the prisons or the armory. This will be an interesting experience which will offer you the chance to find out a lot of details about the history and the culture of Venice.

3.As the name suggests, St. Mark’s Clock Tower (Torre Dell’Orologio) is situated in the same square. Considered another symbol of wealth and glory, the clock tower is positioned between two lower buildings which are practically glued to each side of the tower.

The tower includes a terrace situated close to the top where the tourists can admire two interesting bronze figures, known as the Virgin and the Child. The clock face shows the time, the zodiac signs and the current phase of the moon. St. Mark’s Clock Tower seems to perfectly complete the entire scenery.

4.If you reach St. Mark’s Square, you have no chance to miss St. Mark’s Campanile (Campanile di San Marco), which is the bell tower of the famous St. Mark’s Basilica. This 99 meter tall tower is considered the tallest building in Venice and it goes without saying that it’s also a Venetian symbol.

The belfry of the tower has an interesting bell, even if it used to have five different bells. There is a lodge above the belfry which has the shape of a cube and which gives the tourists the chance to admire a spectacular view over the entire city.

Unlike other bell towers, this one offers its tourists the possibility of reaching the lodge by elevator. An interesting detail is the lovely gilded statue of Archangel Gabriel which is situated right on top of the tower.

5.The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri), another charming tourist attraction is actually a part of the Doge’s Palace. Connecting the New Prison with the interrogation rooms, this enclosed bridge can be crossed only if you choose to visit the interior of the palace. The exterior of the bridge can be admired from Ponte della Paglia, which is situated very close to the entrance of the Doge’s Palace.

Designed by Antonio Contino, the bridge is made of limestone and it is decorated with a few small windows. It is said that the view offered by these windows was the last image of Venice seen by the convicts before they were incarcerated.

I must confess that the feeling you get when you cross this bridge is really strange and unusual and probably because of this harsh reality.

However, there is another local legend which says that if you kiss your loved one under this bridge at sunset, eternal love is granted.

6.One of my favorite places in Venice is Punta della Dogana which is a triangular area where the Grand Canal meets the Giudecca Canal. Situated in the district of Dorsoduro, this piece of land connects the two canals but it’s also the home of a few famous buildings. The lovely Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, the Patriarchal Seminary of Venice and the art museum Dogana da Mar are all situated in this area, which seems to be a small peninsula in the middle of the city.

What I really liked about this place was the fact that I had the opportunity to admire a few lovely views and a beautiful sunset.

7.Located on Punta della Dogana, Basilica Santa Maria della Salute is one of the most representative churches in Venice. Also called La Salute, this Roman Catholic Church is one of the most recent churches built to commemorate the victims of the plague. As the name suggests, it was symbolically dedicated to the Lady of Health.

Designed by Baldassare Longhena in a Baroque style, the imposing exterior of this building is dominated by the presence of a dome, which seems to guard the skyline of Venice. An interesting collection of art objects is waiting to be admired inside this church.

8.Rialto Market (Mercati di Rialto) is considered the commercial heart of Venice. This is a market where the tourists can enjoy the freshness of fruit, vegetables, fish and a variety of spices.

Situated very close to the famous Rialto Bridge, along the Grand Canal, this market is in my opinion one of the places which perfectly portrays the Venetian vibe.

Besides all the goods that can be bought from this market, an interesting aspect is the fact that this is a place from where you can admire amazing views.

9.The Church of San Simeon Piccolo (Chiesa di San Simeone Piccolo) is one of the first buildings I’ve seen from the famous vaporetto.Situated in the district of Santa Croce, the church seems to be small and simple at first sight. Designed by Giovanni Antonio Scalfarotto in a simple neoclassical style, the only elements that stand out about this church are the four columns and the green dome which embellish the façade.

Even though I admired this church only when I used the vaporetto to get to different destinations, I must admit that this church is one of the buildings that quickly come to my mind when I think about Venice.

10.Last but not least, the Church of San Geremia (Chiesa di San Geremia) is considered one of the most valuable churches in Venice because it shelters St. Lucy’s of Syracuse grave (Santa Lucia di Siracusa).

Situated in the district of Cannaregio, in San Geremia Square, this church is visited annually by a lot of pilgrims, who are eager to worship Saint Lucy of Syracuse, who was considered a martyr during the Diocletian Persecution.

The church was designed by Carlo Corbellini and it displays a simple white exterior. As the name suggests, the Church of San Geremia is also dedicated to San Geremia.

These are my favorite places in Venice, but this city has a lot more to offer and I’m sure you might find other places as beautiful as these ones. Regardless of the places you consider your favorites the undeniable truth is that Venice is simply charming.

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I must confess that I fell in love with the Floating City, as it is called, since the first moment I reached the Grand Canal, which is considered the central boulevard of Venice. The Grand Canal (Canale Grande) is actually the largest canal in Venice which seems to split the city in two halves.

In my opinion this is the point where you should start your adventure in Venice, in case you want to have a view over the entire city.

Venice is also called the City of Canals and Bridges and as the name suggests, the city abounds in a multitude of canals and bridges. It will be a real delight to walk among them and enjoy a wonderful day in Venice.

There are a few places in Venice which will give you the chance to admire some of the most spectacular views in the city. I’m talking about four lovely bridges built over the Grand Canal. The pictures taken on these bridges are absolutely breathtaking and if you don’t believe me, a simple search on the internet will prove that I’m right.

1. Ponte di Rialto is the oldest and the most famous bridge built over the Grand Canal.  This bridge connects the districts of San Polo and San Marco and it is considered one of the architectural icons of Venice.

Built by Antonio da Ponta, this stone bridge has replaced a few old wooden bridges situated in the same area. Ponte di Rialto offers its tourists a spectacular view, but I have to confess that I was really impressed by the lovely night panorama.

2.The second bridge built over the Grand Canal is the lovely Ponte dell’Accademia. Situated close to the southern end of the canal, this bridge connects the districts of Dorsoduro and San Marco.

Originally made of wood, the bridge was rebuilt and it is nowadays made of steel and wood. The new construction follows entirely the original design of Eugenio Miozzi. Ponte dell’Accademia is my favorite bridge thanks to its spectacular daytime views.

3.Ponte degli Scalzi or the Bridge of the Barefoot is the third lovely bridge built over the Grand Canal. It connects the districts of Santa Croce and Cannaregio and it embellishes the entire area with its elegant presence.

Designed by the architect Eugenio Miozzi, this stone bridge has actually replaced an old iron bridge. Ponte degli Scalzi is another place which delights its tourists with beautiful views. I was really impressed by the image of this bridge from the first moment I saw it in the sunlight from the famous vaporetto.

4.Last but not least, Ponte della Constituzione is the newest bridge built over the Grand Canal. Made of stone, steel and tempered glass, this bridge has a modern design which seems not to fit the scenery at all. This is the reason why there was a real debate over the construction of this bridge.

Also named Ponte di Calatrava, after its architect Santiago Calatrava, the bridge was built in order to connect the railway station Stazione di Santa Lucia and Piazzale Roma.

All things considered, make sure you cross these bridges or at least admire them, in case you want to enjoy some of the most beautiful views in Venice.

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This impressive palace was the residence of the Doges of Venice, the chief magistrates and leaders of the city during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.This Gothic masterpiece is situated right in the heart of the city, in the charming St. Mark’s Square.

A visit to this place will give you the opportunity to plunge into the Venetian history, culture and art. The itinerary begins with the Opera Museum, the courtyard, the Loggias and finishes with the Doges’ apartments, the institutional chambers, the prisons and the armory.

It is an interesting journey into the doges’ world which will give you the chance to find out a lot of details about their lives, principles and values.

In my opinion you cannot leave Venice without visiting the interesting Doge’s Palace. In case you are curious about all the things you can admire there, take a look at the following pictures!

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Regardless of the temperature, the only thing you need in Venice is the sun shining in the sky. The sunlight gives this amazing city a magical appearance and it also plays an important role when it comes to a good mood and positive emotions.

Situated in northeastern Italy, the capital of the Veneto region is considered the pearl of Italy thanks to its beauty and notoriety. It was built in a lovely lagoon, on a group of 117 small islands which are separated by canals and linked by bridges. It seems that the entire city is floating on water and this is why Venice is also known as the Floating City or the City of Canals and Bridges.

The image of the beautiful gondolas floating on water perfectly completes the simple but lovely architecture of the city. In front of this scenery you get the feeling that Venice is cut out of a medieval story.

It seems to be an open air museum. Everywhere you look you have something to admire. From the lovely canals, bridges and squares to the marble palaces, the imposing basilicas and churches, everything will give you the feeling that you are part of a fairytale.

The multitude of houses with lovely shutters on windows and the attractive souvenir shops perfectly complete this fairytale scenery. Venice is that type of city that should be discovered at a slow pace, loosing yourself along its narrow and mazy streets that lie on both sides of the Grand Canal (Canale Grande).

Ponte della Constituzione, Ponte degli Scalzi, Ponte di Rialto and Ponte dell’ Accademia are the four famous bridges built across the Grand Canal, which is a sort of central boulevard in Venice. Probably the most gorgeous pictures of Venice are taken on one of these bridges. In my opinion Ponte dell’ Accademia will offer you amazing views during daytime and Ponte di Rialto will impress you with its spectacular night panorama.

The lovely squares full of restaurants and cafes are the places where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere of Venice. Considered the heart of the city, St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is the most famous square in Venice. You should take your time to visit this square and admire St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco), the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), the Clock Tower (Torre dell’ Orologio), St. Mark’s Campanile (Campanile di San Marco) and the Museum of the Venetian Civilization. Full of pigeons, St. Mark’s Square has a special charm and vibe.

Ponte della Paglia, the place from where you can admire the image of the famous Bridge of Sighs is also situated close to this square. You should know that you will have the opportunity to cross the Bridge of Sighs if you choose to visit the interior of the Doge’s Palace. I have visited this imposing palace and I definitely don’t regret my choice.

Another lovely place in Venice is Mercati di Rialto, a famous market situated right next to the water which delights its customers with fresh food and inviting spices.

Venice abounds in historical buildings, castles, palaces, museums, basilicas and churches. The first that come to my mind are: Ca’ d’Oro Palace, Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, Punte della Dogana, Chiesa di San Simeon Piccolo, Chiesa di San Geremia, Chiesa di Santa Maria del Giglio, Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena, Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto or Chiesa di San Nicolo. I definitely skipped some important buildings and edifices, but there are too many and it’s really difficult to remember all of them.

In my opinion each of these places is like a puzzle piece which perfectly completes the beauty of Venice. Taking into account all the tourist attractions that you can visit there, it goes without saying that you have to spend at least three days in this magical city.

As I have already said, Venice is equally charming in any season, but you don’t have to take my words for granted. Pictures speak louder than words and this is why I will let the following pictures convince you.

I wish you sunny days in Venice, regardless of the season you choose for your trip!

1.Lovely image with Canale Grande & Ponte degli Scalzi

2. Ponte di Rialto

3.Chiesa di San Simeon Piccolo

4.Image seen from Ponte dell’Accademia

5. Image seen from Canale Grande

6.Canals in Venice

7.Canals in Venice

8.Canals in Venice

9.Canals in Venice

10.Canals in Venice

11.Canals in Venice

12.Canals in Venice

13. Lovely sunset seen from Punte della Dogana

14.Lovely sunset seen from Punte della Dogana

15.Breathtaking view seen from Punte della Dogana

16.Image seen from Ponte degli Scalzi

17.Image seen from Ponte degli Scalzi

18.Ponte degli Scalzi

19.Mercati di Rialto & Ponte di Rialto

20.Lovely view seen from Ponte dell’Accademia

21.Lovely view seen from Ponte di Rialto

22.Basilica Santa Maria della Salute

23.Beautiful building seen from Canale Grande

24.Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto

25. St.Mark’s Square

26.St.Mark’s Campanile

27.The Clock Tower

28.St.Mark’s Basilica

29.The Doge’s Palace

30.The Doge’s Palace

31.The Doge’s Palace

32.The Bridge of Sighs

33.Chiesa di Santa Maria del Giglio

34.Chiesa di San Geremia

35.Beautiful masks

36. And more masks…

37.And more canals…

38.And more canals…

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