Butch and I made our first visit to Venice, Italy in October of 2004. Immediately, I was captured by the storied history and culture of the Venetians. Last October, we returned to the magic and romance that this city offers.
Venice is a feast for the senses! From the beauty of the time-washed Venetian architecture, to the taste of the most intense and full bodied espressos, to the haunting sound of a violin in the piazzas, to the smell of freshly baked amaretti cookies, to the feel of the finest silk fabrics, Venice will not disappoint. The best way to see Venice is to simply get lost. Every foot bridge or turn of a corner offers amazing surprises. You can wander for days and never tire of the ancient scenery!
We hope you enjoy our little tour of Venezia!
The Grand Canal is an ancient waterway that snakes through Venice, and is also the busiest. The majority of the city’s traffic cruises up and down this beautiful canal that stretches out over 2 miles!
The most famous form of transportation, the gondola
Most of the buildings were built between the 13th and 18th century. Breathtaking architecture!
Built in the 16th century, the Rialto Bridge is the oldest and most famous crossing the Grand Canal
Piazza San Marco (St. Mark Square) is the principal public square of Venice. According to Napoleon, this is “the drawing room of Europe”.
St. Mark’s Basilica
Campanile of St. Mark’s church (bell tower)
Another view of the Piazza, usually inhabited by very friendly pigeons
Caffe Florian – one of the oldest coffee houses in the world–complete with an orchestra, perfect weather, and the most prime place for people watching! Caffe Florian has been a caffe of choice for notable artists such as Wagner, Lord Byron, and Charles Dickens.
Enjoyed dessert and espresso!
View of the lagoon
Bridge of Sighs
One of hundreds of canals in Venice!
Everyday living in Venice!
Our view from a Gondola ride in 2004
“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.”
Psalm 23:2-3a
SO beautiful.. I’ve always wanted to visit, and you’re pictures and descriptions are making me want to go right now!! 🙂 One day Steve and I will enjoy this beautiful place!