Venice
A unique place in the world, which elegance, particularity and its several aspects can’t be properly expressed by simple words.
Art and history are joined together in this city, which has been a crossroad of trades and several cultures, and preserves also nowadays its particular charm.
Some suggestions for the places to visit.
St.Marks’ square and the Basilica
The square is the heart of the city. Here rises the Basilica of St.Mark with its mosaics, which show the history of the “Serenissima” (Republic of Venice). The building has 5 domes and a Greek cross pattern. It is the third Basilica dedicated to St.Mark, the previous two were destroyed. The interiors of the Basilica are covered with mosaics on golden background, showing biblical and allegorical scenes.
The Doge’s Palace
Placed near the Basilica and constructed in the XV century, it was the seat of the government of the Serenissima.Now it is a splendid museum where works of the best venetian artists can be admired. Inside there is also the Biblioteca Sansovina, which becomes often centre for contemporary    exhibitions. Not to be missed: the hall of the “Maggior Consiglio” (Major Council), the Bridge of Sighs and prisons.
In front of the Doge’s Palace there is the Bell tower. Made in 1173, restored in the XV century, and reconstructed after a collapse in 1902.
Rialto bridge
The bridge as we can see it today was built in 1591 by Antonio da Ponte. It presents two shop lines and on one bank there are the fish market and the church of San Giacomo di Rialto. 
Other venetian monuments
Arsenal: ancient factory, and great example of pre-industrial architecture. Today it is the centre for the exhibition “Biennale”.
Church of Santa Maria della Salute: constructed from the venetians as vow for the pestilence of the year 1630.
Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari church: it is dedicated to the Ascension of St.Mary and situated in Campo dei Frari.
The principal canals
The principal canals of Venice are:
- The Canal Grande, which divides the city in two parts.
- The Canale della Giudecca, which separates the historical centre from the Giudecca isle.