Venice and Veneto
Venice: a (un)believable miracle
There is a question to ask when arriving in Venice. How is it possible for it to exist with its foundations immersed in water for 1600 years? Not to mention the intricate network of canals, small squares, and narrow streets crisscrossed by over 400 bridges. Add to that the 10 million tourists who thoroughly explore it every year in search of its soul. How is it possible that Venice remains so beautiful? What is its secret? Well, the answer lies in your eyes. It is the indescribable emotion of not being able to believe that your eyes can endure such a great miracle (and a city that rises from the waters is like a miracle). You feel your eyes overwhelmed by a profound sense of fullness. Just look at the Grand Canal and the waterway lined with the most beautiful palaces in the city. They widen in front of the arches of the iconic Rialto Bridge, the oldest of the four that cross the Grand Canal. The Rialto Bridge displays the Venetian Renaissance, made of stone, covered, richly decorated. They are gently caressed by the reflections on the lagoon of the Campanile and the spires, finely decorated in Byzantine style, of one of the most beautiful churches in the world, the Basilica of San Marco. There your eyes are awakened by ecstasy’s symphony when facing the Bridge of Sighs. This bridge is so beautiful that, although it was used to transport convicts to the prisons of the Most Serene Republic (as Venice was known), it is considered the bridge of love all over the world. Dominating St. Mark’s Square is the proudly Gothic Ducal Palace, or Palazzo dei Dogi, the historical seat of the Republic. Don’t be surprised if, faced with so much wonder, a tear escapes you- beauty moves.
For art itineraries, the choice is enchanting. The works of Giorgione, Tiziano, and Tintoretto are housed in the Gallerie dell’Accademia. The wonderful Peggy Guggenheim Collection, one of the most important museums of 20th-century art, is located at Palazzo Venier dei Leoni. To avoid being left breathless, breaks are necessary. Take one in the historic bacari – local spots named after “far bacaria” (partying). There it’s a must to have a glass of wine known as “ombra de vin.” You can also enjoy typical “cicheti” (from the Latin “ciccus”: small quantity), which are tasty bites that, in a mouthful, bring back the culinary tradition of when Venice was the world’s most important market. The ultimate test? Try a plate of sardines in “saor” (meaning “taste”) which are sweet and sour with pine nuts or raisins and you’ll start speaking in dialect. Then it’s time to continue. But there’s still one more question: Should Venice be explored on foot, getting lost in the labyrinthine maze of alleyways, small squares, and canals? Or on the water, transported by an elegant and traditional gondola? If you believe that beauty requires time, take it all to discover hidden corners and undiscovered treasures and to admire marvelous buildings. Also, the artisan shops: you can start from the “squerariol” (gondola maker) workshop. Then move on to the “remer” (craftsman who crafts oars and oarlocks), and finish with “mascarer,” the creator of papier-mâché masks for the Carnival, one of the city’s symbolic and captivating events. And then by boat (or vaporetto) you reach Murano, where the ancient art of glassmaking originates. Burano is next, a microcosm of pastel colors, where the art of lace serves as a metaphor for the intricate blend of emotions experienced during the journey in the lagoon.
Veneto all inclusive
In Veneto, there stretches the serene nature of Lake Garda, the vertical charm of the Dolomite peaks, and the vast meadows of the Asiago Plateau. Then, Veneto offers the well-groomed beaches of Jesolo and Caorle, the hills of the Valpolicella which are home to extraordinary wines, and the thermal baths of Padua for body care (frequented since Roman times). For the city experience, the elegance of cities like Verona, Vicenza, and Treviso will capture you. As we’ve mentioned before, Veneto is an all-inclusive region, with a proud popular identity and centuries-old customs, where travel is a naturalistic, gastronomic, and sporting experience. Take Verona, for example. It’s hard to determine where to start exploring it, with its palaces, squares, and gardens. Bathed by the Adige River, it is the temple of love, music, and art. These aspects can already be appreciated by strolling through its cobblestone streets or in Piazza delle Erbe, where the architecture is a fascinating mix of medieval and Renaissance styles. Its top attractions include the iconic Arena, a Roman amphitheater still hosting performances, operas, and concerts; and Juliet’s balcony, a symbol of the impossible love sung by Shakespeare. The culinary experience in Verona, particularly in its typical taverns, is enhanced by a glass of Amarone, a renowned red wine loved worldwide, produced in the hilly area between Verona and the Venetian Prealps.
If you seek relaxation, indulge in the tranquil beauty of Lake Garda for a rejuvenating nature-filled experience. You can then travel by boat to Lazise, Malcesine, or Valeggio sul Mincio for dreamlike moments of rural relaxation. In Vicenza, you’ll immerse yourself in the clear classicism of Andrea Palladio, the Renaissance architect. He left traces of his genius in landmarks such as Piazza dei Signori, Teatro Olimpico, and Loggia del Capitaniato, as well as an array of villas scattered along the Po River. In Padua, don’t miss the Scrovegni Chapel, a masterpiece by Giotto, and the enchanting Botanical Garden, one of the oldest in the world. In the fascinating city of waterways, Treviso, savor the refined risotto with red radicchio. Add to that an atmosphere brightened by the bubbles of Prosecco from Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, produced in one of the most fascinating wine regions in the world. And finally, a very important tip before sitting down at the table: in Veneto, it is a must to have a Spritz, a typical cocktail made with Aperol, Prosecco, soda, ice, and a slice of orange. Be aware, we are not just talking about a pre-dinner drink. The Spritz is a ritual, a tradition, a centuries-old custom (it seems to have originated during Austrian rule, between the 17th and 18th centuries) now widespread throughout Italy. Venetians are proud of it and honor it, gathering with friends every evening after work, chatting and enjoying each other’s company.
