Travel to Venice

The Doge's city of Venice has so much more to offer than just St Mark's Square and its romantic canals and bridges. Visit other neighbourhoods to avoid the crowds, such as Cannaregio or Giudecca. Venice is famous for its sights like St Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. But there's more. We have written a lot about our favourite hidden gems in Venice, but the canal city never ceases to surprise.

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What's Venice's best kept secret?

Venice is a city with a rich history and there are many secrets and mysteries hidden in the city and its buildings. One of Venice's most famous secrets is the story of the Dead Man of Venice, a legend that tells of a wealthy nobleman who was murdered and whose ghost haunts the city forever.

There are other secrets hidden in the city, such as the secret canals and tunnels that run underneath the city. These were once used as escape routes and links between different parts of the city. Some of these canals are still visible today, while others are hidden beneath the streets and buildings of the city.

Venice's great palaces and buildings also have several secret rooms and areas that were once used as hiding places or as hidden rooms where valuable works of art and treasures were kept.

Why should you visit the islands in the lagoon of Venice?

There are many islands in the Venice Lagoon that can be visited. Below are some examples of famous islands and what you can see there:

• Murano: This island is best known for its glass blowing. You can attend glassblowing demonstrations or visit a museum with glassware from different periods.
• Burano: This island is famous for its colourful houses and lace-making. You can visit a lace factory or just walk around the colourful streets and enjoy the view.
• Lido di Venezia: This island is famous for its beaches and is a popular destination for people who want to relax on the beach or take a stroll along the promenade.
• San Giorgio Maggiore: This island is home to the church of the same name and the ruins of the convent of San Giorgio Maggiore. The island is also known for its beautiful gardens and offers a great view of the city.
• Torcello: This island is one of the oldest inhabited islands in the lagoon and is best known for its cathedral, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta. You can also visit the Lagoon Museum, which offers information about the history and life of the island.These are just a few of the islands you can visit in the Venice Lagoon.
• There are many other islands worth visiting, such as San Lazzaro degli Armeni, San Servolo and San Francesco del Deserto.

What is the famous film Death in Venice based on?

Death in Venice is a famous film based on the novel of the same name by Thomas Mann. The film is about the German composer Gustav von Aschenbach, who travels to Venice to relax and work on a new piece of music.

In Venice he meets a young, attractive Polish boy, Tadzio, who fascinates him. Von Aschenbach becomes increasingly obsessed with Tadzio and begins to be driven by his feelings for him, which eventually leads to his own downfall.

The film was directed by Luchino Visconti and is set in the beautiful city of Venice, which adds to the atmosphere of the film. The story is a meditation on love, passion and the passage of time, and has a tragic, romantic atmosphere. The film is a classic and is still considered one of the best films ever made about Venice and the art of composition.

How did the masked Carnival in Venice get started?

The masks worn during the Carnival of Venice have a long and fascinating history. The origins of the Carnival of Venice date back to the Middle Ages, when the city was an important cultural and commercial centre and a hub of trade and diplomacy. At the time, Venice was a wealthy and cosmopolitan city, and Carnival was a way for people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate.

One of the most striking features of the Venice Carnival are the masks worn by many of the participants. These masks, often intricately designed and made from a variety of materials, serve as both a form of disguise and a means of communication.

The tradition of wearing masks during the Venice Carnival dates back to the ancient Roman festivals of Saturnalia and Lupercalia, held in honour of the gods Saturn and Faunus. During these celebrations, people wore masks and costumes to honour the gods.

Over time, the Venice Carnival developed its own unique traditions and customs, and masks became an integral part of the celebration. Today, the Venice Carnival is known throughout the world for its elaborate masks and costumes, and it remains a popular and beloved celebration.

Is Venice expensive?

Venice is generally considered an expensive city, with high prices for accommodation, food and attractions. However, there are ways to save money by staying in a cheaper hotel in Mestre or Airbnb, eating at local trattorias and markets, and buying a tourist pass for discounts on attractions.

Remember that from 2024 there will also be an entrance fee to visit the lagoon city, with the price starting at 5 € depending on the day/time.

Is it safe to visit Venice?

Venice is generally a safe city to visit, but as with any tourist destination it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions.

It is also important to note that Venice can flood at certain times of the year, so check the weather forecast and wear appropriate footwear; with the new Mosedam in the lagoon, this will hopefully be less likely in the future.