A Very Brief Background
Sometime during the 1 st century AD a community of people took refuge from the aggressive barbarian hordes on mainland Italy, seeking safety on the muddy islands of a lagoon, which were to become the City and State of Venice.
These inhospitable islands developed richly over the next few centuries into the romantic, ethereal city of Venice we know today. In spite of the unlikely start, Venice became a powerful nation, and the most prosperous in Europe by the end of the 13 th century. She commanded a mighty navy and her influence was felt across the known world. The city traded exotically and vibrantly with the East and this strongly affected all aspects of the culture, most evident today in the architecture.
Your Visit to Venice
A first visit to Venice can be daunting and some have described it as a "cultural onslaught". There is literally too much beauty and history, so you need to take it slowly in order to capture the special mood of Venice. In fact, a great devotee of this magical city once said that, if possible, you should not attempt to enter any museum, art galley or church on your first, even your second, visit - to allow the senses to prepare for and adjust to the sensational treasure that is Venice.
But this is not practical for most of us, so here are some suggestions to help make your first trip to Venice unforgettable.
Top Tips for Visiting Venice
Take some time to choose a guide book you find easy to navigate. Sometimes its difficult to read up on an unfamiliar destination before you go there, so watching movies set in Venice, or reading novels, poetry, and non-fiction about the city will help you.
Buy a notebook and jot down ideas for your visit that might spring from your reading.
Learn a few basic words of Italian if you don't speak the language. "Good morning", "good evening", "please" and "thank-you" are a good start.
The city has no motorised transport whatsoever: no cars, no trucks, no scooters or motorbikes. To get around you must walk, or take some form of water transport. Enjoy the tranquillity, and the sound of footsteps and lapping water. A comfortable pair of walking shoes is essential.
Travel in mid-season to avoid the heat of summer and the tourist hordes. Take wet weather gear, including umbrella and especially waterproof shoes if you decide on a winter trip.
Marco Polo airport is the most conveniently situated airport for Venice. Take the vaporetto - the public water taxi - from here to St Mark's Square, and enjoy your first view of the magnificent, palace-lined Grand Canal.
Try and stay in a quiet area away from the main tourist attractions in the centre. This will give you a chance to identify and experience Venice's peaceful beauty.
Ask for a map at your hotel and mark the hotel on the map. Then put the map in your pocket and just walk. Yes, you will get lost, among the over 100 islands separated by some 150 canals and joined by about 400 bridges, but not permanently!.
For your evening meal, take advice from the hotel. Ask where the local Venetians eat, and avoid the tourist areas. You will get a better meal at a better price.
Take time to enjoy an evening drink on St Mark's Square, either before or after dinner. Choose the Caffe Florian or the Gran Caffe Quadri, both of which have small orchestras. Relax and observe. This is not a cheap outing, but how often do you get a chance in life to drink an aperatif in "The Drawing Room of Europe" (a description attributed to Napoleon)?
Read your guidebook properly when you get home, and use your notebook to record all your special experiences, plus ideas for your next visit.
Top Sights for your First Visit
Rialto Bridge: Landmark bridge and its and surrounding market
Ca d'Oro: Charming palace on the Grand Canal
Gondola Ride: At sunset, with a bottle of champagne
Clock tower on St Marks Square: See the bronze "moors" strike the hour
St Mark's Basilica: opulently decorated with gold mosaics
Greek Horses: Well over 1000 years old
Accademia: Art museum representing Venetian artists up to the 18 th century
Doges' Palace: Gothic residence of Venice's one time leaders, the Doges.
Buon Viaggio! Have a great first trip to Venice
