5 Things to Do in Venice
The tradition in Venice of dressing up in masks comes from antiquity and continues to this day. In former times, noblemen and ladies would hide behind masks when going out to revel and wishing to remain anonymous ...
(article published in the newspaper "Rītdiena" 13.01.2007.)
1. You must purchase one of the many splendid carnival masks. If it proves useless for New Year's festivities, it will make an original wall decoration in your living room. Masks can be tried on and purchased both from souvenir vendors in stalls set up only for the peak tourist season, and in shops in the heart of Venice where genuine masterpieces are to be found. Prices vary too - for on average 15–25 EURO one can purchase a splendid mask.
The tradition in Venice of dressing up in masks comes from antiquity and continues to this day. In former times, noblemen and ladies would hide behind masks when going out to revel and wishing to remain anonymous. Today during carnival, wearing a mask is a matter of honour for every Venetian and for the many tourists. Carnivals and various festivities were held every year in the period between Christmas and Easter, but under the influence of the church this period was shortened over the years. Now the true carnival time in Venice is February. Of course, the epicentre of the celebrations is St. Mark's Square, where Venetians and the city's guests gather.
2. You must ride up St. Mark's Campanile and view Venice from above. This pleasure costs only 6 EURO, but the view is fantastic. The bell level of St. Mark's Campanile is at approximately the height of 11 storeys, from which the many islands near Venice and the network of the city's canals can be viewed. St. Mark's Campanile has been known since the 8th century, but collapsed centuries later and was rebuilt only in the 12th century. Open to the public since 1912.
3. Of course, you must take a gondola ride through the city's canals, to confirm for yourself that the ground floors of the ancient buildings have long since flooded and that gondoliers observe traffic rules similar to those of motor vehicle drivers. In gondolas it is best to travel in a group of four (maximum 6 passengers + gondolier), as there is then enough room and it costs considerably less. One should never agree straight away to the price quoted by the gondolier - bargaining is expected. The first price quoted to us was 150 EURO per hour; eventually they came down to 100 EURO for four people.
The gondola landing stage is located not far from St. Mark's Square in the Bacino di S. Marco bay. Rides usually follow the customary routes, during which the gondolier points out the most famous structures and tells of what notable personalities have lived there.
4. You must have lunch at one of the restaurants in Venice's narrow alleys. I have never tasted such delicious spaghetti with grilled seafood and red wine anywhere else! I recommend choosing a restaurant deeper in the city's interior, as near the Canal Grande the prices of food and drink are considerably inflated. When choosing a place for lunch, pay attention to the menu so that you can sample something Italian and avoid fast food offerings. For a cup of coffee and to enjoy the interior, you can go to St. Mark's Square itself and the oldest café in Europe, "Florian."
5. You must visit St. Mark's Basilica, both for the splendid architecture and for the sense of awe - I am so close to the saint's relics. One just needs to have a sizeable shoulder shawl at hand - women with bare shoulders and in shorts are not admitted. St. Mark's Basilica is located on the right side of the square and together with the Doge's Palace forms a magnificent ensemble of ancient buildings. If you have booked a guided excursion to Venice's most notable sights, entry to the basilica is free and through a separate entrance for groups. For other visitors to the city who wish to view the basilica's halls, a few EURO and a wait in the queue should be expected.
The tradition in Venice of dressing up in masks comes from antiquity and continues to this day. In former times, noblemen and ladies would hide behind masks when going out to revel and wishing to remain anonymous. Today during carnival, wearing a mask is a matter of honour for every Venetian and for the many tourists. Carnivals and various festivities were held every year in the period between Christmas and Easter, but under the influence of the church this period was shortened over the years. Now the true carnival time in Venice is February. Of course, the epicentre of the celebrations is St. Mark's Square, where Venetians and the city's guests gather.
2. You must ride up St. Mark's Campanile and view Venice from above. This pleasure costs only 6 EURO, but the view is fantastic. The bell level of St. Mark's Campanile is at approximately the height of 11 storeys, from which the many islands near Venice and the network of the city's canals can be viewed. St. Mark's Campanile has been known since the 8th century, but collapsed centuries later and was rebuilt only in the 12th century. Open to the public since 1912.
3. Of course, you must take a gondola ride through the city's canals, to confirm for yourself that the ground floors of the ancient buildings have long since flooded and that gondoliers observe traffic rules similar to those of motor vehicle drivers. In gondolas it is best to travel in a group of four (maximum 6 passengers + gondolier), as there is then enough room and it costs considerably less. One should never agree straight away to the price quoted by the gondolier - bargaining is expected. The first price quoted to us was 150 EURO per hour; eventually they came down to 100 EURO for four people.
The gondola landing stage is located not far from St. Mark's Square in the Bacino di S. Marco bay. Rides usually follow the customary routes, during which the gondolier points out the most famous structures and tells of what notable personalities have lived there.
4. You must have lunch at one of the restaurants in Venice's narrow alleys. I have never tasted such delicious spaghetti with grilled seafood and red wine anywhere else! I recommend choosing a restaurant deeper in the city's interior, as near the Canal Grande the prices of food and drink are considerably inflated. When choosing a place for lunch, pay attention to the menu so that you can sample something Italian and avoid fast food offerings. For a cup of coffee and to enjoy the interior, you can go to St. Mark's Square itself and the oldest café in Europe, "Florian."
5. You must visit St. Mark's Basilica, both for the splendid architecture and for the sense of awe - I am so close to the saint's relics. One just needs to have a sizeable shoulder shawl at hand - women with bare shoulders and in shorts are not admitted. St. Mark's Basilica is located on the right side of the square and together with the Doge's Palace forms a magnificent ensemble of ancient buildings. If you have booked a guided excursion to Venice's most notable sights, entry to the basilica is free and through a separate entrance for groups. For other visitors to the city who wish to view the basilica's halls, a few EURO and a wait in the queue should be expected.
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