The boat cut through the Adriatic sea waves as we headed to Venice, the heart of Veneto region. Even a grey and gloomy day couldn’t put too much of a damper on the intricate beauty of the old “City of Canals”.
The island greeted us with a cold and wet wind, prompting a first souvenir purchase: a gondolier sweatshirt. Bundled up and looking like real tourists, we swam through the sea of other tourists and admired in the grandeur of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. We crossed Piazza de San Marco and explored the city by foot.
Following the meandering pathways between old buildings with bas-relief faces quietly observing us, we crossed stone and iron bridges, getting lost but not minding it too much.
We crossed quiet piazzas where tourists and locals alike stopped for a respite and a cup of good coffee.
Elbow to elbow with visitors from all around the world, we explored the incredible 400-year-old Rialto Bridge. I felt overwhelmed by the crowds and commercial abundance, but had the chance to admire the bridge’s lasting architecture from the water’s edge.
Venice is famous for its masks, so we stopped to admire the skills of a local mask artist.
The city displays its full artistic capabilities during the annual Carnival. Unfortunately, we haven’t had the chance to attend one. Luckily, I know someone who is very familiar with this celebration. As a professional photographer based in Zurich, Switzerland, my friend Carmen (Carmen.photo) travels to Venice and the other colorful nearby attractions (such as Murano and Burano village) to capture the mesmerizing beauty of the area at its best. Here are some of her most recent photographic memories for your enjoyment.
If you are venturing out to visit Venice, be sure to check Venezia Autentica, for a comprehensive list of authentic and local Venetian vendors and experiences.
