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The Grand Canal
The first thing you may think of about Venice is the city's Grand Canal. This place is truly unique and draws people from all over the world to experience this city with a difference. The best way to view the Grand Canal is from a waterbus ‘vaporetta'. Wind through the heart of the city on the canal in comfort. The world famous gondolas of Venice have been part of the city since the 11th century. Today a ride on a gondola is expensive, but it's possible to barter with the gondoliers. So if this is something you've always wanted to do, then see if you can negotiate a reasonable price. This certainly is an experience not to be overlooked.
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Piazza San Marco
Considered to be the heart of Venice, Piazza San Marco ‘St. Mark's Square' is home to some of the city's greatest sights. Visitors are drawn to this historic square to visit two of the main attractions of the city, the Palazzo Ducale and the Basilica di San Marco. Palazzo Ducale was once home to Venice's rulers, and the impressive Basilica is where you'll discover magnificent 13th century mosaics. Other attractions within the square are the Campanile, and the Museo Correr where you can view some of Venice's beautiful pieces of artwork. Experience open air orchestras, soak up the atmosphere and watch the world go by in one of the square's Italian cafes.
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Palazzo Ducale
Possibly the best known building in Venice is the Palazzo Ducale, which was the official residence for each of the Venetian rulers (dodge). Its unusual exterior of pink and white marble in a gothic style makes this Palace an extraordinary sight. The famous ‘Giant's Staircase' is one of the highlights found leading to the courtyard within the Palace, here you'll see two marble statues at the top of a huge staircase. Another feature you will come across is the Porta della Carta, an ornate 15th century gothic gate. The whole Palace is bursting with stunning architectural features.
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The Bridge of Sighs
Another of the city's great sights, is the famous ‘Bridge of Sighs'. The bridge was used as a link between the old prisons in the Doge's Palace and the new prisons. Its arched profile, suspended over the water makes it one of the most famous bridges of the city. Its name comes from literature that claims that from this bridge you could hear the sighs of the condemned as they were being led to prison.
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District of Dorsoduro
This quarter of Venice is where you'll find stunning architectural gems amongst the bustling area filled with market stalls, cafes, shops and students from Venice University. One of the highlights of this district is Ca' Rezzonico, which is a magnificent building which houses the museum of 18th century Venice. Discover the frescoes, paintings and historic pieces of the city here. Some may say that the most important attraction of this area is the Accademia Gallery. This building which was once a convent and a school is now home to an impressive collection of paintings.
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Scuola Grande di San Rocco
This magnificent building was built during the Renaissance, and was founded in the honour of San Rocco, a saint who dedicated his life to helping the sick. The building was financed by Venetians who donated money to a fund making the Scuola one of the wealthiest in Venice. The interior decoration was entrusted to Tintoretto, whose stunning works, such as the ‘Crucifixion' and ‘The Temptation of Christ' can be found throughout the building on ornate walls and ceilings.
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Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
More commonly known as the Frari, this huge Gothic church boasts an impressive collection of religious art. The building itself isn't the most beautiful in the city, but once inside you'll realise why this place shouldn't be overlooked. Perhaps the most stunning piece within this church is Titan's ‘Assumption of the Virgin'. This spectacular work of art shows the Virgin Mary floating up towards heaven, with a crowd at her feet. Other highlights within the building include Bellini's vibrantly coloured ‘Madonna and Child' and the ‘Monk's Chair', stalls carved into Venetian city scenes. But visit this place for yourself and be amazed by all there is to see here.
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Shopping in Venice
Italy is famous for its shopping, and if you come here you certainly won't be disappointed. Whether you're looking for designer clothes or more traditional Italian products, you'll find both modern stores as well as the city keeping hold of its traditional skills. Craftspeople make their goods in workshops which are open to the public to watch them at work. There are also elegant boutiques where you can browse unusual antique furniture. The most famous shopping area is the Mercerie which are the narrow streets linking St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Browse these shops for designer clothes, shoes, handbags and traditional glass, leather and wood goods.











