We arrived in mid November, only days after Venice had experienced the “Acqua Alta” the high tide which saw a devastating flood affect the city. This flood was the highest Venice had seen since the 1960’s. It was amazing, however, to see a city so quickly equipped with planks arranged above street level for those on foot to still be able to access the city without too much disruption. The city was quiet, it was as though the waters had sent everyone home, however, as always Venice served up an incredible display of beauty and hospitality. Venice never disappoints it could be a cold day in November or a day in July of overbearing heat, regardless this city always holds a certain amount of awe.
Stepping into a world without cars amongst an array of bridges that pass over the greatest series of intertwining canals ever constructed define Venice’s cityscape. No two bridges are the same in Venice, which adds to the city’s allure and charm. Some critics have come to write Venice off as nothing more than a tourist town with overpriced souvenirs. However, beauty aside the majestic architecture belonging to Venice including the Rialto Bridge, Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica stand as testament to a city that deserves nothing but the greatest of admiration. The Doge’s palace is one of the most extraordinary buildings in the world and in it is seen a marriage of eastern and classical western architecture. It was once the seat of the Doge, the highest elected government official of a total 2500 member system who ruled over the republic. The position could not be inherited and was always selected via ballot elections. This system of government lasted close to 1000 years.
Venice’s origin is born from the collapse of the Roman Empire when invading tribes drove the inhabitants off the mainland and into the marshy lagoon. Situated in the north-east of Italy what started as clustered dwellings of local fishermen became an independent empire by its own will. At its height the territory reached even as far to the south-east along the Adriatic into today’s modern territory of Greece. It was during the Middle Ages and Renaissance times that Venice had grown to be one of the most important cities in all of Europe. Venice’s fishermen became merchants and grew the city’s power through a mercantile economy which not only bolstered the economy but also led it to being a dominant artistic centre. Today Venice’s past legacy and dominance is still reflected in the city’s colourful architecture of the palaces that boarder the sides of the grand canal. Each major city of Italy is known for an individualistic iconic architectural design and Venice’s style reflects colour, glittering mosaics and delicate design that appears to almost float on water.
It’s hard to imagine that the city is sinking. Pausing to think about this makes the experience even more special. On a cold day standing on the balcony of the Doge’s palace looking out on the lagoon it’s hard not to almost be transported to a time when this city was the Maritime power of the Mediterranean. A number of tours help to orientate people visiting the spiderweb of streets whilst explaining the legend of the lagoon. I would suggest optimising any travel to Venice especially during the peak season to incorporate a tour that combines both a visit to St Marks’ Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Also, for any art lovers of the Venetian masters during the high Renaissance period a visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia is a must. Otherwise getting lost amongst the backstreets whilst stopping into quaint bars for a light snack and either Campari or Aperol Spritz adds to the authenticity of a visit. It’s one of my favourite pleasures to see a multitude of glasses arrive at tables containing the wonderfully coloured orange and red liquids that will fill any belly with happiness.
We were lucky to be one of the last groups leaving the Doge’s Palace on our visit, and because I was lamenting over which book to buy it meant that without realising I had almost the entirety of this palace to myself. I was then lucky to walk along the corridors alone feeling the grandeur of the perfect symmetry the building follows of where powerful men in politics had once frequented dedicating themselves to the ideals of a republic. It’s hard not to fall in love with a city whose very identity is represented as a beautiful woman in the city’s artworks. The beauty of Venice is reinforced from the incredible artistic talent of Titian, Veronese, Canova who influenced painting and sculpture decoration, where as architecture is defined by Palladio and his clever mathematics whose classical structures would be marvelled at even by ancient Romans. At every corner of the built-up city there is a hidden gem, an intricate street name or delicate design feature all waiting to be admired. Although the city is small it is drenched with culture and history from every era. From the Rialto to the Jewish Ghetto, The Peggy Guggenheim collection, St Mark’s square and more Venice definitely deserves the attention of at least three nights stay to scratch the surface of what has to be, the most unique city in the world.
I cannot explain the joy I feel when I am in this city. Venice was the very first international city I travelled abroad to as a solo traveller all the way from Australia ten years ago. The city has always provided me with a genuine hospitality and friendliness that shines just as bright as her beauty. If you were to ask me whether a week’s visit to this incredible water city would be enough I’d advise if you can… stay for two.
