Experience
Italy

BUCKET LIST TRAVEL : VENICE

The lagoon city

The ultimate romantic and touristic museum city, Venice is genuinely unique. Today, many palaces are shops and hotels, warehouses have become museums, and central convents house critical works of art. The charm of this stunning city, where past and present are equal, attracts visitors for many reasons.

ADD TO YOUR PERSONAL LIBRARY

Venture slightly from St. Mark’s Square and find yourself in the Castello district, home to Venice’s most famous book collection. This spot probably also wins the prize for the world’s most unique bookshop! Step through the door and be transported to another world. A gondola filled with books occupies the middle of one room. Elsewhere, a boat serves as unusual shelving while encyclopaedias are used as stairs. Everywhere you look, stacks of second-hand books and only the owner, Luigi Frizzo, knows where to find the one you’re looking for. This true Venetian welcomes tourists and locals with authentic Italian charm. This welcome is also extended to those arriving by water. The door at the back opens onto romantic views of the canal, meaning you can visit the Libreria Acqua Alta bookshop (Calle Longa S.M. Formosa, 5176) by boat. Rummage around a little and find books on Venice, some of which are in English, children’s books, best sellers, an erotic novel section and much more. If you don’t find a book, you can always leave with a picture or print of the city and new ideas for organising your book collection!

Must-sees in Venice

THE DOGE’S PALACE

On the edge of Saint Mark’s Square, full of shops, cafés and outdoor orchestras, the arches of the Procuratie lead to Doge’s Palace. This stunning Gothic building was once the seat of government and home to the Doge of Venice and his family. It’s located next to St. Mark’s Basilica, an impressive 11th-century building with five domes. It was once the centre of religious life in Venice.

MURANO

On a cluster of small islands connected by bridges, Murano has been the centre of glassmaking in Venicesince 1921. Visit to see a traditional glassblower at work. Using a simple iron rod, the glassmaker starts with a piece of molten glass, turns it, and blows it to create a precious vase, glass or ornament.

RIALTO BRIDGE

Rialto Bridge is one of the city’s iconic landmarks with familiar stone archways. Cross on foot in both directions and observe the activity on the Grand Canal from the parapet.

CA’ PESARO

This impressive marble baroque palace on the Grand Canal has been the permanent home of the International Gallery of Modern Art for more than a century. It features world-renowned artists such as Klimt, Bonnard, Chagall, Kandinsky, Klee, Matisse, De Chirico and many others.

SAN POLO

In the commercial heart of Venice, this bustling district is very popular with tourists. Charming cafés recall times gone by. Why not visit a bacari? These traditional wine bars are very popular with Venetians, where guests enjoy everything stood up.