| A trip to Venice offers an unforgettable glimpse into | | | | Square and is dedicated to the art and history of |
| life in one of the world's most unique cities. Venice is | | | | Venice. Filled with all sorts of fascinating artifacts and |
| made up of six main neighbourhoods, all separated by | | | | paraphernalia, the museum also gives access to the |
| the Grand Canal. The heart of the city is considered to | | | | Museo Archeologico (Museum of Archaeology) which |
| be San Marco which lies in the great lower bend of | | | | is one of the oldest museums in Venice and home to |
| the Grand Canal. | | | | rich collections from Greek, Egyptian, Roman and |
| Several of the 'must-see' parts of Venice can be | | | | Assiryan-Babylonian civilizations. |
| found here and the key sights of San Marco are linked | | | | To the east of the city is Castello, a hard-working, |
| by three main thoroughfares which form a rough | | | | lived-in and traffic-free side to Venice. Bohemian-chic |
| triangle: from the piazza San Marco to the Rialto | | | | Dorsoduro is crammed with artistic treasures and lies |
| Bridge, from the Rialto to the Accademia Bridge and | | | | to the south of the city whereas the peaceful north |
| from there back to the piazza. | | | | area of Cannaregio is a great escape if you need to |
| Sumptuously laid out in Byzantine, Gothic, classical and | | | | get off the beaten track. |
| late Renaissance styles, the Piazza San Marco - or St | | | | When you're looking at hotels in Venice remember |
| Mark's Square - is the principal square of Venice and a | | | | there are certain times each year when Venice gets |
| central landmark and meeting place for visitors and | | | | busier than usual. |
| residents. | | | | For the ten days leading up to Shrove Tuesday, the |
| The square is crowned by the Basilica di San Marco | | | | Venice Carnival takes over the city with pageants, |
| (St Marks Basilica), a remarkable place of worship that | | | | street theatre and masked balls. The start of summer |
| is the most famous of the city's churches and one of | | | | brings the Vogalonga rowing regatta in June followed |
| the best known examples of Byzantine architecture. | | | | by the Redentore Festival in July. What's more, Venice |
| Also accessible from the square is the Palazzo Ducale | | | | International Film Festival - usually in August and |
| or Doge's Palace, the residence of Venice's elected | | | | September - is a high profile event whilst the |
| leader and a political centre that consists of grandiose | | | | Architecture Biennale - in September to November - |
| staterooms, adorned with priceless works of art. The | | | | draws over 100,000 visitors. |
| Biblioteca Marciana, or National Library of St. Marks, | | | | As you can see, regardless of the time of year that |
| can also be found on the square and holds one of the | | | | you choose to visit Venice, you really will not be short |
| greatest classical texts collections in the world. | | | | of things to see and do on a trip this popular Italian city. |
| The Correr Museum also branches off St Mark's | | | | |