“Getting lost
is the only place worth going to”, says the wise man. If I were ever to
get lost, I would choose to lose myself in Venice. The city of Venice is an
enigma, a city that combines old world
charms and the authentic beauty of Italia with an experience you will not find
anywhere else on his earth. The Gondola Rides, the Italian serenades, the
glorious piazzas, the sparkling Murano Glass, the vibrant masks of the Venetian
Carnival, the charms of Venice has something to offer everybody.
History
The Queen of the Adriatic is nestled in the
marshy lagoon of Venice, between the Po and the Piave Rivers. Its unique location grants is stunning
visual beauty and an unparalleled appeal that can not be imitated. Historically
the city was the capital of the Veneto region. It was an important maritime
center during the Renaissance and the Crusades and trade of luxury goods, wine
and fine silk flourished. Venice is also home to the exotic Murano Glass
Factory. This beautiful city is completely devoid of cars and is also called
the ‘Pedestrian City’. People walk and use water buses and water taxis ( called
Vaporetto) to get around. Tourists can also avail the historic Gondola rides to
enjoy a scenic tour along the Grand Canal.
It is believed that the original population of
Venice consisted of refugees from surrounding Roman cities and countryside who
were fleeing from Hun and German invasions. It became an imperial power after the end of the fourth Crusade, with the
sacking of Constantinople. Venice carries a rich legacy of heritage. It was a
center of excellence in art during the period of renaissance. The city is also
the seat of magical symphony and operatic music. Thus when you are visiting
Venice, you know that you are in cohorts with history.
The beautiful cityscape, rich art and musical
heritage and the magical ambience of time standing still has made Venice one of
the most sought after international tourist spots. The city has earned a
bouquet of endearing sobriquets, ranging from a living museum to the most
beautiful city in the world. Tourist magnets include the imposing structures
like St. Mark’s basilica, the Grand Canal
and piazza San Marco. Tourists also splurge on luxury destinations,
hotels and cafes of Venice that offer an unique experience away from the
mundane daily life strives.
Art Music and Architecture
Venice boasts of the beautiful Venetian Gothic
school of architecture characterized by generous doses of Byzantine, Ottoman
and Phoenician influences. The city also has some beautiful buildings built in
renaissance and Baroque styles.
The Venetian School of music is celebrated
throughout the world. The Polychoral style is characterized by the splendor of
multitude of celebrated music composers including Antonio Vivaldi and Giovanni.
Thus, when you are in Venice. The one thing you can cannot miss is definitely a
music recital.
Talking about art, venetian style is
characterized by warm color pallet and a vibrant use of hues. Venetian Glass is
also famous all over the world. The ornate glasswork techniques unique to Venice
are splendid to say the least. The delicate and beautiful jewelry made from
hand blown Murano Glass is adored by the world to behold the masters create
beauty in the fire.
The Carnival of Venice
Every year the annual celebration of the
Carnival of Venice begins with the end of the period of lent forty days before
Easter. People dressed in elaborate costumes and intricate masks flood the Venetian
streets, making it a marvelous spectacle to behold. Originally started in the
Middle Ages to commemorate the victory of Serenissima Republica against Ulrico
in 1162, the carnival made a comeback in 1979 when the Italian Government
decided to reconstruct the appeal of Venetian Heritage. Today the Carnivals
sees a footfall of around 50 million people from all over the world. Masks have
always been an integral part of the
Venetian way of life. It is believed that people used to cover their faces in
response to the prevalent social hierarchy of old Venice nice. Today however the Venetian mask
is a relic of past legacy. The masks are made of everything from leather to
intricate glasswork, gilded in gold and elaborately hand painted.
Most recognizable masks include the Bauta,
Columbina and the plague Doctor. One of the
most appealing parts of the Venetian Carnivals is the most beautiful mask
contest at the last weekend of the Carnivals.
Gondola Ride
No mention of Venice can ever be complete
without a dreamy ride I a Gondola. Though today Vaporettos are used for
transportation across Venice, tourists prefer a ride in a historic Gondola to
admire the beautiful city of Venice. The Gondolas are usually wooden flat
boats0, adorned with luxurious cushions and rugs for tourist comfort. The
Gondoliers dress in striped shirts and dark trousers and often sing magical
Italian serenades, adding to the romance of the environment. They say a nighttime
ride on a gondola in the Grand Canal of Venice is the most romantic
experience one can ever enjoy. Just close your eyes and imagine the serenades
of your gondolier under a startlit sky
with your loved one and you will know why.
