Official Language:
Italian
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Currency:
EUR
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Population:
Approximately 70,000 people call Venice home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Venice Italy: Venice is an extremely hot port of call for those visiting in July and August, Climate and current weather information for Venice Italy. Outside these months, however, you will find the weather is very comfortable. Due to it's location, the Adriatic Coast brings frequent thunderstorms and rain showers. Venice is always humid. Keep this in mind, as the cold temperatures will feel colder, and the hots will feel hotter. The water that makes the city so unique also keeps the humidity level at about 90%. while in the summer the temperatures can soar to a dizzy 96°F/35°C . In December, January and February, the average temperature is
32-37°F/[-3] between 0°C. Fog and wind often roll in with the coldest months. In the summertime, the humidity can become very uncomfortable. The hottest months are July and August with average temperatures ranging 86-91°F/30-33°C. Although the climate is variable with influence of the nearby Alps and warm winds sweeping in from North Africa, the humidity remains high all year round. Because of the water that makes Venice so unique, the cooler temperatures feel colder and the warmer temperatures hotter. During the fall and winter months Venice can suffer from flooding, that in November seems to occur almost on a daily basis. The flooding of Venice is directly related to tides in the Venetian lagoon. So high water "aqua alta", normally only lasts a few hours a day.
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Venice is built on 117 islands separated by 177 small canals and one big one; the famed Grand Canal, the city's main thoroughfare. Venice is also linked to the mainland town of Mestre by a road and rail causeway. The waterways of Venice dominate the town. You'll notice that the slap of water against the landings and the buzz of vaporettos (water buses) form a constant backdrop.
Merchants, traders, philosophers and artists transformed Venice into a magical city in the 13th century. And so it remains. The evidence is everywhere, from the elegantly carved gondolas that ply the Grand Canal to the Gothic palaces and architectural wonders that give the city its Old World flavor. Venice's historic center was left almost untouched by the Allies and the Germans during World War II, so you'll see the historic landmarks as they have been for centuries, albeit a little lower, as the city is very slowly sinking. Sidewalk cafes and shops shimmer with colorful glass, Carnival costumes, and handmade lace. The life of the modern city of Venice meshes seamlessly with the living, breathing presence of its past.
Some cruise ships dock near Piazzale Roma, which is located near the train station. Others dock near the Arsenale. Most cruise ships dock rathern than tender.
Crusie ships generally provide complimentary water shuttle transportation that leave passengers in the vicinity of St. Mark's Square. The ride is about 20 - 30 minutes long.
Venice has a fabulous public transportation system called vaporetto, these are water buses that run every 15 minutes.
Venice is a spectacularly unique destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.
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Attractions |
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The Grand Canal is the main avenue in Venice, however you will cruise this famous waterway that is accessible via water taxi, water bus, or gondola. No cars, buses, or vespas. The Grand Canal is two miles long and about nine feet deep. The only three bridges that cross it are: the Rialto, the Accademia, and the railroad station footbridge. As you travel through the Grand Canal you'll see wonderful Gothic palaces, many sidewalk cafes, and gondoliers paddling by visitors through.
St. Mark's Square
The political, religious, and cultural center of Venice. St. Mark's is where elections were the are held, state occasions were celebrated, and where the high and mighty worshipped. This world famous piazza, which sits on the Grand Canal, is home to St. Mark's Basilica, an opulent cathedral built to house the remains of St. Mark the Evangelist; the Doge's Palace, Venice's equivalent of the White House, the Capitol, and Supreme Court; St. Mark's Bell Tower (The Campanile), a 323-foot bell tower that houses five bells; the Bridge of Sighs, a 17th century prisoners passed over the bridge on route to their prison cells, hence the name; St. Mark's Library; and the old Clock Tower. In addition, there are several sidewalk cafes and restaurants, and some days there are more pigeons than people congregating in the square.
Rialto Bridge
At the point where the Grand Canal narrows and boat traffic increases as you approach one of the most photographed bridges in the world. The Rialto stands high above the canal and its archways are filled with stores. The area around the bridge is the commercial hub of the city, with open-air vegetable, fruit, and fish markets and an upscale shopping district.
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection
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honorary Venetian amassed a large collection of art when she lived in this palatial estate. She gave it to the people of Venice and the visitors to enjoy. Though only a fraction of the collection is on display at any one time, you can hope to see works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Modigliani, and Chagall.
Accademia Gallery
was organized by Napoleon and is considered one of the best collections of Venetian art in the world. This gallery houses works by Tintoretto and Bellini in addition to several other famous Italian artists.
San Zaccaria
Here one can see many many paintings. This 16th century church is dedicated to St. Zachary; father of St. John the Baptist, The entire church The one piece that mch is covered in art. Most people come to see the Sacred Conversation by Bellini.
Ghetto Nuovo and Ghetto Vecchio
Where Venetian Jews were confined between these high tenement walls topped with barbed wire from 1516. This is believed to be the first ghetto in history. A gate was locked and drawbridge was raised every night to prevent the Jews from leaving. Visit the synagogues and the Jewish Museum to learn more about this ghetto and its place in history.
Ca' d'Oro
An extravagant estate along the Grand Canal. This estate is considered second to only the Doge's Palace. Today the Gothic-style building houses the Galleria Franchetti, a museum that's home to some of the most well known masterpieces in the world.
Santa Maria dei Miracoli
Venice's most important shrine to the Virgin Mary. It was built in the 1480s to house an image of the Madonna that was said to have saved the lives of a drowning and stabbing victim.
Murano
A island of Venice that is made up of a number of smaller islands that are linked by bridges. The city's glassblowers were relocated here in 1291 to minimize the danger of fire. Lovers of Venetian glass can see the pros creating items right before their very eyes. This is a must see for cruise ship passengers. The big decision to make is which piece to purchase! A gift shop is inside the Murano Factory.
The Lido
Here is the place that "Lido Deck" was named for. Lido means "beach" in Italian and this resort island town on the Adriatic Coast lives up to it's name. Its beach, shops, hotels, and nightclubs make for a very popular vacation spot for vacationing Italians and many other Europeans.
Shopping:
The most interesting shops are located in two areas that lead off San Marco Square. For designer boutiques, head toward Accademia and for tourist shops and other interesting boutiques, follow signs toward Rialto.
Venice is an exciting place to shop, whether you're looking to buy something special or just even window shopping. Hundreds of boutiques and stores line the waterfronts and alleyways that stretch across the city. Not only will you find a wide selection of high-end fashions and leather goods, you'll also have a good choice of locally made handicrafts such as Venetian glass, lace, crystal-ware, and woodwork.
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More Information |
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Web: www.veniceby.com
Web:
www.qni.com/~enj/venice.htm
Web: www.geo.it/venice/venice.html
Web:
www.invenicetoday.com
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