VENICE, ITALY

Reason to visit

Venice has always been slowly sinking. Over the last 1,000 years, it has sunk by around 2.75 inches (7 centimeters) for every century, but recent reports have stated that in the last century alone, the city of Venice has lowered by around 9.44 inches (24 cm). This may have more to do with global warming and the melting polar ice caps than with Venice sinking into its own foundations.

Global warming is an issue that is taken very seriously and is a major environmental concern for towns and cities that are coastal or built on islands. Reports have shown that the ice caps are melting at their fastest rate ever, and it is becoming a critical issue. Experts are seriously addressing the issue in order to find a solution to the problem.

The level to which Venice is sinking is now seen as critical. Many theories and concepts are being developed to stop the sinking, and city leaders are now considering investing in huge steel gates to block the floods. The cost of this project is estimated at around 2 or 3 billion euros, and it's not clear that will this enormous price tag be enough to stop the problem.

Many experts say that this solution to stop Venice from sinking can only be short term and will only help stem the floods for the next 20 or 30 years. A long-term solution must be found that includes dealing with the causes of global warming. If not, Venice's sinking may be another chapter in world history.

Location

Venice is one of Italy's top travel cities and a beautiful, romantic destination with many attractions. Its small, traffic-free streets along the winding canals make for great walking. You'll find many magnificent churches and palaces, lively squares, and interesting shops.

Venice actually consists of 117 bodies of land connected by more than 400 bridges over its 150 canals. The Grand Canal is like main street, cutting through the center of the city.

Venice is in on northeast coast of Italy. It is protected from the Adriatic Sea by a strip of land called the Lido. The region around Venice is called the Veneto.

Since it's near the sea, Venice has moderate weather although there can be rain nearly year-round. Summers are humid and winters can be foggy and wet. To avoid the large crowds, spring and fall are the best seasons to visit. Venice experiences flooding or aqua alta about 60 days a year, October through early January.

Ways to get there

There are several ways of getting to Venice:

• By car
  The Ponte della Libertà bridge connects Venice to the mainland and ends at Piazzale Roma, the only part of the city where cars can enter. There are several indoor and outdoor car parks in Piazzale Roma that vary in the parking fees asked: find the fees they apply and choose one that is most convenient for you. You can also park at the Tronchetto, which you reach by turning right immediately at the end of the Ponte della Libertà bridge, just before you get to Piazzale Roma. At the Tronchetto there are some indoor and outdoor car parks. You can get to the city center easily from both these points by vaporetto (the Venice water buses), water taxi or on foot.
• By plane
  You can get to the city from the “Marco Polo” airport in various ways: by water taxi, by the Alilaguna motor boat or using the “Venezia Air Terminal” bus.
• By train
  If you come to Venice by train, you will arrive at the Santa Lucia Railway Station, a large building located at the beginning of the Grand Canal in the Santa Croce area of the city. It is easy to reach the city center on foot walking down the Strada Nuova or by taking the water bus from one of the jetties that are opposite the station.

Things to do

1. Doge’s Palace

Palazzo Ducale is definitely a must-see attraction. One of the oldest buildings in town, erected in the mid-14th century as the Doge’s residence, it features typical Gothic architecture. In 1923 the Ducal Palace was turned into a museum, displaying an extensive collection of masterpieces and hosting various art exhibitions. Take a tour inside and go up the Giant’s Staircase into the Courtyard, then visit the lavishly decorated Doge’s Apartment and the Senate Hall. You will have a unique opportunity to walk through the Bridge of Sighs, the only bridge in Venice that is completely covered, where those who had to walk from the court to the prisons could take their last breath of fresh air. Discover the mysteries of the Doge’s Palace on a Secret Itineraries tour.

2. Ca’ Rezzonico Palace and Museum

Explore the Venetian art of the 18th century by paying a visit to this magnificent palace, located close to Campo San Barnaba. Discover halls and ballrooms decorated with splendid works of art by the most important Venetian artists, such as Tiepolo, Tintoretto and Longhi. If you walk to Ca’ Rezzonico from Campo San Barnaba you find yourself in a quiet little garden, where you can take a rest away from noisy touristy spots.

3. St Mary of the Friars Church

Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, located near the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, is a wonderful example of Gothic architecture. Its beautiful façade will leave you in awe, and you’ll be surprised to find numerous art treasures inside, including masterpieces by Titian, Donatello and Bellini.

4. Pasticceria Tonolo

Hidden in the middle of Dorsoduro, this pastry shop, dating back to 1886, is one of the oldest and most renowned in town. This place is very popular with Venetians, offering a wide array of delicacies as well as excellent coffee. Most of the pastries cost €1, an unbeatable price for Venetian standards. Make sure you try their meringues, and during the Carnival period enjoy the delicious fritelle (round donuts with raisins and cream).

Dorsoduro 3764, +39 041 5237209 (closed on Mondays)

5. Ca’ d’Oro

Also known as the ‘Golden House’, this marvellous palace on the Grand Canal is a Gothic architecture masterpiece with a beautifully decorated floral façade. At the moment it is an art museum that houses Renaissance sculptures, as well as paintings by Titian and Guardi. Don’t miss out on the chance to view the Grand Canal from the balconies of the palace.

6. Ai Mercanti Restaurant

This restaurant is well hidden in the area of Campo San Luca and Campo Manin, a bit off the beaten track but still worth going to. You will be pleasantly surprised at the creative combination of the ingredients and the elaborate fusion menu with a great wine selection. Try the sea bass tartare or rabbit terrine.

San Marco 4346, Corte Coppo +39 041 5238269

7. Basilica of St Mary of Health

Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, cose to the Accademia Bridge, was built after the deadly plague hit Venice in 1630. This magnificent white church, often called simply ‘Salute’, is one of the most beautiful and recognizable landmarks of Venice. If you seek peace and tranquillity, step into the church and admire the works of Titian and Tintoretto adorning the interior.

8. Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Find this hidden gem in the sestiere (district) of Cannaregio. The church was built from the money donated by locals to house the icon of the Virgin Mary known to work miracles. Escape the crowds of touri

 9. Rosticceria Gislon

A stone’s throw away from the Rialto Bridge, this is a casual restaurant popular with locals. They have a variety of fried snacks (try olive ascolane and mozzarella in carrozza), fresh sandwiches (the small triangular ones are called tramezzini) and good spritz (a typical Venetian aperitif drink made with prosecco and Aperol or Campari). Here you can also find lots of great dishes that cost around €6-8: lasagna, grilled fish, salads, risottos and many more.San Marco 5424, Campo San Bartolomeo, +39 041 5223569

10. Suso Gelatoteca

This is one of the best ice cream shops in Venice. All their ice cream is made with natural ingredients and without using any artificial colourings. Besides the classic selection, the place also offers original flavours. Ask for the Quella – a chocolate praline with Nutella on top, a specialty of the shop. If you want to taste authentic Italian gelato, you won’t be disappointed.

San Marco 5453, Campo San Bartolomeo, +39 348 5646545