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6 Oct 2010
After our long ride on the Semmering Railway and our transfer to bus, we are at last in Venice (Venezia), the city famous for its urbanization and waterways. Venice was the cradle of the economically powerful Venetian Republic that lasted a millennium (697 CE to 1797 CE). Throughout its history, the republic was able to stand up to much larger European adversaries, the Eastern Romans, and later, the Ottoman Empire.
Having arrived by bus we proceeded to drag our luggage across the bridges to get to our B&B for two nights. There's absolutely no other roads except from the main connecting highway bridge and the bus terminal. For today, we will be taking in the night views of the city.
Arrived at Piazzale Roma, near the Venezia San Lucia train station.
The little bridge we had to cross with our 20kg luggage.
Main gate of our Bed & Breakfast place, Alla Vera da Pozzo. Waited for almost an hour because we forgot to update our time of arrival. Worst of all, we were bitten by mosquitoes.
Finally we met the very friendly and helpful owner. The master bedroom with attached bathroom... basically, it's the B&B owner's room rented to us for 2 nights !
Alla Vera da Pozzo is beside the main train station a short walk along a narrow alleyway, Calle Priuli dei Cavalletti. Then again, most of Venice consists of little alleyways.
The Grand Canal near the train station
Aerial view of Venice, with the Grand canal appearing as an inverted 'S'.
Gondolas!!!!
Carnival Masks encountered as we walked towards Campo Del Margherita
It's scenic everywhere!
The Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, Frari for short
Inside Frari
At Campo Del Margherita
View larger
Being near some Universities, we were hoping to find some more reasonably priced food here.
Al Sportivi Pizzeria, no service and cover charge. The "cheapest" place we've found for food. The food's average but do not drink the house wine
Al Sportivi Pizza, tastes okay, €10.40
First tiramisu we had in Italy, one of the nicest although tasted like frozen food.
After dinner we made our way towards Piazza San Marco. This is supposed to be a good place to eat, as recommended by those sitting outside, Casin Del something
Twisting and turning around the dimly lit alleyways, you never know if you'll see something interesting round the corner.
The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute (Basilica of St Mary of Health, completed 1687 CE) at night
Campo San Stefano after crossing the Grand Canal on a bridge
Someone dining by the canal
The famous Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) at night, where the seat of power used to be with iconic St Mark's Campanile(bell tower)
Live music rang throughout the Piazza with almost every cafe here having performances
The Doge's Palace at night, built around 1424 CE. The Doge was the supreme authority in Venice
The Basilica Cattedrale Patriarcale di San Marco, (Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark, i.e., St. Mark's Basilica, 1071 CE) at night. The main church of Venice and an example of Byzantine church architecture.
The Piazzetta San Marco, with the San Marco's Lion, the view towards Piazza San Marco. The Piazzetta and the Piazza are right next to each other!
Gondola parking lots at Piazzetta San Marco
Night shot of Ponte Rialto (Rialto Bridge, built 1591 CE) at the commercial centre of Venice. There are shops on the bridge itself
The night view of the Grand Canal from Rialto Bridge
The tiny alley, Calle Priuli del Cavaletti, near the San Lucia train station to get to our accommodation
That ends our walking trip for our first day in Venice.
Our first taste of Italy in Venice gave us the impression that we were in a vast tourist trap. The place is beautiful but food and drink felt horribly overpriced. This made the earlier part of our trip feel like paradise. Unfortunately, we are to spend the better part of the trip in Italy. Yet, little did we know that Venice is actually the nicest tourist trap to be in!
Tonight, we had a good nights rest before tomorrow where we will walk through other parts of Venice and visit the nearby island of Murano, famous for its glass products.
Check back for the next post soon.
[ Previous ] [ Index ] [ Next ]
Tonight, we had a good nights rest before tomorrow where we will walk through other parts of Venice and visit the nearby island of Murano, famous for its glass products.
Check back for the next post soon.
[ Previous ] [ Index ] [ Next ]
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