Back in 1867, when he visited Italy for the first time, Mark Twain galvanized: “In the glare of the day there is little poetry about Venice, but under the charitable moon her stained palaces are white again.” Today, the turquoise silky streams that flow beneath the decrepit bridges marked by the ancient canals are just as beatiful as they were back in the 19thcentury. Situated across a group of 118 small islands, they are separated by canals and linked by over 400 bridges, one of which, the Rialto Bridge, is one of the oldest pontoons spanning the Grand Canal.
A photo of me taking in the beauty of Venice and the beauteous canals we passed
A quick picture I snapped of the mesmerising view
Walking past what appeared to be the stalwart buildings, through the water however, our perceptions change. Lichen coat the bottom of the structures and cracks scamper to the arched windowsills, it’s only a matter of time before they collapse, or so we think. The buildings of Venice are constructed on closely spaced wooden piles which are still intact after centuries of submersion. They are tall, tightly packed providing good shadow for when the blazing heat strikes. The ecru colours- camel, beige and sand along with the beryl waters give the city a vivid and appeasing look. Celebrated throughout the world for its singular beauty, Venice and its lagoon were added to the list of world heritage sites in 1987 for its outstanding universal value. Florian Henckel Von Donnersmarck’s The Tourist was filmed in this undeniably beautiful scenery, homage to the adventure and intrigue. With some of the best places to dine at, views of gothic palaces and Byzantine mosaics, this underwater city does not fail to attract the many.
WHERE TO STAY IN VENICE
1. HOTEL L’OROLOGIO
Hotel L’Orologio
Offering accommodation beside the Grand Canal, it’s close to all the top attractions including a 5-minute walk from Rialto bridge and 650 yards from Campo San Polo Square. The beautifully elegant air-conditioned rooms are all soundproofed and hypoallergenic. They are equipped with satellite TV, a private bathroom and parquet floors. Guests have access to a terrace and a snack bar. Restaurants, cafes and bars and shops are within 100 yards of the property. St. Mark’s square and Santa Maria Formosa Square are 1,000 yards away and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is 1.2 miles from the L’Orologia. San Polo is a great choice for travellers who are interested in photography, walking and exploring the old town.
2. AL THEATRO PALACE
Al Theatro Palace
A spacious and luxurious suite that’s in a quiet location that’s close to several top class restaurants as well as mesmerising views of the red city roofs. Situated in the centre of Venice, in the same piazza as the Gran Teatro La Fenice and 200 metres away from St. Mark’s Square, Al Theatro is the place for all those who are a lover of art and music and choose to visit the wonderful city of Venice. The four-star hotel is a combination of grandeur and luxury customer service. After a recent renovation, it hosts the comfort and services of an extremely modern hotel.
Dina Nazari 