Arriving in Venice by boat was a dream come true. I took a ferry from Rovinj, Croatia (Ulica Giordana Paliage Rovinj) to Venice, Italy (Terminal Passegeri San Basilio, Stazione marittima, Venezia) at 7:00 am. It took about 3.5 hours, and was 65€. Arriving by boat was so much different than the mini taxi-boats that ‘regular’ tourists use throughout the day. I was able to experience so much more of its surrounding area as it approached the city (rather than taking a bus).
While in Venice (2 nights), I stayed at the Best Western Albergo San Marco. Finding this place was harder than finding Waldo. It is in the PERFECT location (right next to San Marco Square), however all of the little houses/allies all looked the same! My Google Maps also led me to the wrong Best Western. So yes, if you’re staying at the Albergo… it’s right next to the square! Just look up!!
Although the location was fantastic, the room itself was a little outdated (especially for the price I paid – summer rates too!). I’d stay somewhere else on my next trip to Venice (if I ever do go again), and explore the city a little more (rather than being right next to major attractions).
This was my second time in Venice, having been with my family in 2004. It was so much more crowded and different this time around. I can see why, and how Venice is slowly sinking… The amount of passengers that would come off of cruise ships was INSANE. To be honest, I am shocked that it is still a port.
My trip to Venice this time around wasn’t the best. Due to the city’s placid canals, curved bridges and car-free cobblestone streets, Venice is one of the world’s most beautiful places, BUT it is way too crowded. Most locals have also moved out of the city, due to this factor. I was disappointed in the amount of non-Italian restaurants as I was hoping to have some exceptional pasta, however that too was hard to find… AND I WAS IN ITALY!
It makes me very sad to see what Venice has become. Venetians do not want to live in Venice any longer as cruise ships, and tourists are dwarfing its port, and endangering the environment of the city and its lagoon. Locals are constantly being pushed out of their jobs, homes, and city in favor of Airbnb’s, souvenir shops, and an incessant stream of cattle wearing cruise-ship stickers and following umbrella-toting guides. It was disgusting to watch. Despite visiting Venice when I was younger, I still remembered it being beautiful in terms of how authentic, and full of culture the city was. This time, it was the complete opposite. There is so much beauty in Venice, however it will all be gone if we don’t respect it. Just like the rest of the world, Venice is changing. Sadly, within 80 years, it is predicted to be completely underwater. I’d love to see Venice become what it was 30 years ago (before I was even born), but it is too late. We can only do so much, as we try to preserve as much of the city as possible.
Venice has so much to offer. Venetian architecture, neighborhood churches, priceless marbles, and a Titian painting that mysteriously lights up an entire basilica… there is so much to see. Apart from Venice itself, there are also many surrounding islands that specialize in different crafts and specialties. I went to Murano, which specialized in Murano Glass. It was really nice to explore and see the various types of glass, and how everything is fired/made. The craftsmanship for each piece is unbelievable! I would definitely recommend this island.
During my 2 night stay in Venice, I visited the following sights:
Grand Canal: Lined on either side by palaces, churches, hotels, and other public buildings in Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles it is the main waterway of Venice. It follows a natural channel that divides the city into two parts.
Doges’ Palace: Was used as a seat of the government of Venice, and a venue for its law courts, civil administration and bureaucracy. There have been numerous expansions of the Doge’s Palace throughout subsequent centuries due to different fires. Currently it is a public museum.
St. Mark’s Basilica: First built during the 9th century to house very sacred objects. There are more than 85,000 square feet of mosaics. They are mostly done in gold, while also using different colors, scenes etc. In addition to the many mosaics, there are also more than 500 columns.
St. Mark’s Square: Center/Square
La Fenice Opera House: Famous opera house
San Giorgio Maggiore: Separate quiet island that offers spectacular views of Venice, the lagoon and the islands. The church of San Giorgio Maggiore is the third, as the previous two were destroyed.
Santa Maria Della Salute: Church that guards the Grand Canal. Built in the 17th century, it houses 12 paintings by Titian.
