Venice – Romance and Culture in ‘La Serenissima'

Venice, known as ‘La Serenissima' was a centre of wealth and culture for centuries and is today prized as one of the most romantic cities on Earth. Perching on several islands in the Venetian Lagoon, Venice is a city of canals crossed by hundreds of bridges. These connect vibrant squares to atmospheric piazzas hidden among the city's historic buildings and waterways. As a centre for art and culture, Venice boasts an array of world class galleries, theatres, and museums you will lose yourself exploring in. Experience the grandeur of renaissance Venice with a visit to St Mark's Square or take a boat to the outlying island of Murano to witness valuable Venetian glass being made by skilled artisans. You may wish to take a romantic gondola ride through the canals or enjoy exemplary cuisine in one of the city's many restaurants.

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Top Attractions in Venice

The Doge's Palace – Seat of Venetian Power

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace is one of Venice's most important and symbolic buildings. The building was the seat of government for the Republic of Venice, as well as the residence of the Doge, the top elected official of the Venetian Government, a position held for life. Built in 1340 in the gothic style, the Palace overlooks St Mark's Square, which is perhaps the most important in the city. Today, the palace is open to the public as a museum and visitors can explore the richly decorated council chambers, armoury and internal courtyard, as well as the lavish apartments of the Doge himself.

Basilica di San Marco – The Patron Saint of Venice

The Basilica di San Marco, known in English as St Mark's Basilica, is one of the most celebrated landmarks in Venice and overlooks St Mark's Square. The Basilica is a stunning example of Italo-Byzantine architecture and houses the body of Saint Mark, the city's patron saint.Visitors to the city are often stunned by this extravagant building, boasting soaring arches, gilt domes, and golden mosaics throughout, depicting scenes from the bible. The façade is crested by the famous Quadriga, four bronze horses plundered from Constantinople during the crusades. Upstairs is a museum where you'll find more of the church's treasures on display.

Teatro La Fenice – Venice's Phoenix Theatre

The Teatro La Fenice is perhaps the most famous theatre in Venice, having hosted premieres of work by famous composers including Bellini, Verdi, and Rossini. La Fenice means ‘The Phoenix', a name that nods to the company's perseverance after the loss of three incarnations of the theatre to fire, most recently in 1996.The current theatre that reopened in 2003 is known for its rounded auditorium, lined with elegant boxes and ornately carved decoration. This is all overlooked by a beautifully painted ceiling in the 19th-century style. The theatre still hosts regular operatic performances, as well as tours of the building itself and adjoining ballrooms.

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Located at her former home at the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is one of Italy's foremost collections of modern European and American art. Perched upon the banks of Venice's Grand Canal, the palazzo displays Guggenheim's personal collection of 20th-century masterpieces, arranged around a beautifully maintained sculpture garden. The collection's prominent themes include surrealism, cubism, and abstract expressionism.Visitors here can explore the many chambers and galleries of the palace, weaving at their own pace through an impressive collection of paintings, photography, and sculpture. Alternatively, you can take a guided tour with one of the Collection's experts, whose knowledge will help breathe life into the work on display.

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