La vita è bella / Life Is Beautiful (A day in Italy)
Our next stop from Munich to Venice was through a beautiful overnight train journey. One of the easiest ways to get around Italy and the rest of Europe is to travel by train. Europe has an extensive and travel-friendly train system that you can explore easily.
A light note on the city’s history :
The construction of Venice began in the fifth century AD, following the fall of the Roman Empire, when refugees from the mainland fled to the lagoon islands. They needed more space as they grew in number, so they drove wooden poles deep into the clay beneath the ground.
On top of the wooden poles, they built wooden platforms, and then on top of that, they constructed their buildings, all of which means that Venice is basically built on wood and water. Because the wood is underwater and not exposed to oxygen, it has miraculously escaped decomposition through the millennia, and the saltwater has hardened the wood into a more durable stone-like substance.
Romantic Gondola Ride :
When you tell your friends, family, or coworkers about your trip to Venice, the first thing they ask is, “Did you take a gondola ride?
That’s because no trip to Venice is complete without a trip on a Gondola ride. It’s like visiting New York and not seeing the Statue of Liberty, or going to Paris and not visiting The Eiffel Tower.
For centuries, the narrow waterways that run through this floating Italian city have served as roads. Gondolas (pronounced gone-duh-la) have been used to transport goods, people, and treasures from palace to cathedral, business to buyer, and home to home since the 11th century.
They are about 11 meters / 36 feet long and surprisingly roomy, propelled by a lone ‘gondolier’ at the back of the boat with his single oddly shaped long, broad oar. When you see the canals that branch out like a capillary network through the islands, you’ll understand why these flat-bottomed asymmetric wooden boats are so narrow and low-lying – and why they’ve survived for nearly a thousand years despite competition from a variety of other boat types.
It is estimated that there were 10,000 gondolas in Venice in the 17th century, which decreased to 4,000 in the late 19th century. There are only about 400 left today.
Cost Of Gondola Ride :
A gondola tour costs 80 euros before sunset and 100 euros after and during sunset. The price is not per person but per gondola, so if you’re visiting Venice with your family, it won’t be 80 or 100 euros per person but for the entire family.
Where to find a gondola ride in Venice :
The locations where gondolas begin their journey are known as “stazi” and can be found throughout Venice. Most people want to take gondola rides near Piazza San Marco or along the Grand Canal because they believe they will have the best views.
What to expect during the ride :
Most gondoliers interact with tourists on a daily basis and should be able to communicate in at least basic English, possibly French and German as well. The image of a singing gondolier is inspired by Hollywood films, but in reality that’s not the case. Gondoliers are not required to sing, and while some may do so, it is best not to expect it. Some gondoliers may provide sightseeing commentary during the ride, but don’t count on it.
Libreria Acqua Alta :
The term “Libreria Acqua Alta” means “high water library” in English. Each year, the water levels in Venice rise and, in some cases, flood the streets. During the early winter seasons, the bookstore may get flooded, which is awful for anything made out of paper!
To combat the problem, the bookstore’s owner, Luigi Frizzo, piled all of the books into waterproof bins, bathtubs, canoes, and even gondolas. When I first arrived, I didn’t think the bookstore looked particularly impressive from the outside. It appeared to be like most other storefronts in Venice. I was unsure if I was in the right place. But Then I saw a handwritten sign claiming Libreria Acqua Alta to be “the most beautiful bookstore in the world,” I loved the confidence and got into the store.
The store sells new and used books on a wide range of topics and in a number of languages. This is where you can buy books about Venice, art books, history books, maps, calendars, and postcards.
At the back of the shop, we found a staircase that was made out of old encyclopedias, yes “Encyclopedias”.
There were some writings on the wall that instructed us to climb the staircase of books to reach the top. I have never in my life walked up a stairway made of books before. The short climb was worthwhile, as we were rewarded with a beautiful view of the canal.
A few things you can expect to find at the bookstore :
- Stacks on stacks of books, in a variety of places, including a bathtub and gondola.
- A courtyard full of books, that have been arranged into a stairway that leads to a beautiful view of the canal.
- A canal-side exit with gondola access.
- Resident cats, hiding between bookshelves and calmly awaiting you at the cash register.
When in Venice, I will highly recommend visiting Libreria Acqua Alta. This is not only one of the most beautiful bookstores I’ve ever seen, but also one of the most eccentric and fascinating one’s.
Piazza San Marco / St. Mark's Square :
Piazza San Marco, also known as St. Mark’s Square is the main square located in the heart of Venice. It is also one of Europe’s most photographed squares. The Piazza San Marco’s history can be conveniently divided into four periods, but the only pre-renaissance buildings and monuments that remain are St Mark’s, the Doge’s Palace, and the two great columns in the Piazzetta. This beautiful square is surrounded on three sides by shops, cafes, and palazzi, including the historic and pricey Caffè Florian. According to local legend, Napoleon referred to the Piazza San Marco as “Europe’s drawing room.”
The buildings facing the Basilica at the end of Piazza San Marco and to the left of the arcade with Caffè Quadri are known as the Ala Napolenica (Napoleon Wing), so named because Napoleon rebuilt it in 1810. This wing is primarily occupied by shops, as well as the grand staircase leading to the Correr Museum.
Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) :
The Piazzetta (square) to the right of the Basilica is known as the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace). In fact, the original Palace was built in 1340 and expanded towards the Basilica in 1424. The Palace is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. The Palazzo Ducale served as the residence of the Doge of Venice (the city’s chief magistrate) as well as the city’s seat of government. It’s now a museum.
At its peak, Venice was the most prosperous city in Europe, dominating the entire Mediterranean region. Most of the wealth came from trade and by control of the sea. The sheer wealth of the city has been beautifully expressed through the magnificent architecture of the Doge’s Palace. The stunning architecture which can still be seen today, was a declaration to the world of Venice’s strength, power, and position.
Venice’s Water Taxis :
The water taxis of Venice are more like the Maserati’s of the city. The classic wooden motorboats, known locally as motoscafo’s, exude luxury with their leather-upholstered seating, private drivers, and open-air seating to the rear, providing a unique view of the city as you travel. If you’ve ever seen photos of Hollywood movie stars arriving at Venice’s famous film festival, you’ll notice that they travel in these water taxis, and you can experience the same feeling while sitting in a taxi. One of the most significant advantages of taking a water taxi is that they can go places that other modes of transportation cannot, navigating the city’s smaller canals and quieter districts and pulling up to the water dock of any hotel that has one. So, if you’re fortunate enough to have a hotel on a canal or within a short walk of a canal, a water taxi is the way to go.
Most importantly, unlike other modes of transportation into the city center, taking a water taxi is the most convenient when it comes to managing your luggage. Once you arrive at the taxi pier, your driver will take care of loading your luggage and keeping it secure throughout the journey.
Instead of wrestling heavy bags yourself, you can just hop on-board and enjoy the scenery. The same is true at the hotel, so you arrive relaxed, rested, and ready to explore.
Ironically, my kids were so fascinated with the water taxi that they didn’t feel like getting down after reaching the destination. Phew!
Headed To The “Leaning Tower of Pisa” In The Beautiful City Of Florence :
Florence, the capital of the Tuscany region, is a cute little city with stunning architecture and a delectable food culture. There were so many sites to visit in Florence, but since our time was limited, we visited only the top spots of the city.
They are,
- Florence Duomo
- Florence Cathedral
- Giotto’s Bell Tower and
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
Florence Duomo :
Climbing the Duomo is a must-do when in Florence, because it is the city’s most iconic landmark. While the 463 steps to the top are strenuous, the 360-degree views of Florence are well worth the effort!
The Duomo, Florence Cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistry are all UNESCO World Heritage monuments in Florence’s historic center – Piazza del Duomo. The Duomo, or dome, is actually a part of the Florence Cathedral, and it was the largest dome in the world when it was constructed!
Florence Cathedral :
The Florence Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore, is connected to the Duomo. While it is one of Italy’s largest churches and undoubtedly rich in history, it is also one of Florence’s most beautiful architectural masterpieces.
Underneath the cathedral is a fantastic museum showcasing how the church has evolved over the centuries while remaining the epicenter of life in Florence.
Giotto’s Bell Tower :
We took a walk around (and inside) Giotto’s Campanile, which has stood in Florence for hundreds of years. After all, it’s one of the most well-known and best things to do in Florence that you simply cannot miss.
The tower is right next to the Florence Cathedral and a short distance from the bustling Piazza della Signoria. This makes it extremely easy to see while visiting the Uffizi galleries or after visiting the Duomo (cathedral).
Leaning Tower of Pisa :
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, which is only an hour’s drive from Florence, is one of the world’s most famous sites to visit. It is known for its nearly four-degree lean, the result of an unstable foundation. The tower began to lean during construction in the 12th century, due to soft ground which could not properly support the structure’s weight. It worsened through the completion of construction in the 14th century.
By 1990, the tilt had reached 5.5 degrees. The structure was stabilized by remedial work between 1993 and 2001, which reduced the tilt to 3.97 degrees. Pisa is now a peaceful provincial university town known for its artistic and architectural treasures.
The city also keeps much of its 6.5-mile wall circuit. Pisa is most notable for a remarkable collection of buildings in the Piazza del Duomo, also known as the Square of Miracles, located at the northwestern end of the medieval walled city.
Here are some additional pics from our travel to Italy.
When I was in Tuscany, I went on day trips and enjoyed visiting the Etruscan towns of San Gimignano, Arezzo, and Sienna.