This short break guide about Venice, Italy will help you to make the most of your trip. Lists of what's on in Venice and recommended hotels will save you time when planning your city break.
About Venice, Italy
While some Italian cities are known for the fiery flare of its locals, distant pasts or deep culture, Venice is known for its canals and commerce. Like many of Italy's most popular cities, Venice dates back to 166BC. And although it is filled with historical landmarks like an olden city, its history is not the most interesting part; where the city is built is much more fascinating!
Venice is built on the spongy, shallow Venetian Lagoon, piled atop 118 small islands that are connected by 400 bridges. The "City of Water" is renowned for its canals, which allowed it to become a flourishing center of commerce, especially in the 17th century Renaissance period. At this time, the city and its residences experience wealth and happiness; spending money to build up many of the great attractions, structures and works of art that remain here today. Cars are banned so get ready to walk or ride the canals during your stay.
Venice is also known for its romantic, fairy-tale atmosphere. A gondola ride down a Venetian canal is the perfect way for lovebirds to enjoy each other's company.
What is on in Venice in 2008
Our mini-guide to what's on in Venice lists the top events in 2008 in a handy Venice Calendar format. If you take your short break in Venice, Italy when these events are taking place, add them to your list of things to do in Venice.
January: Venice Carnival - During the last week of January each year, the Venice Carnival is put on. This famed event is known the world over and all though many cities replicate it, they could never duplicate the real thing. For two weeks Venice is overcome with this traditional event, which began centuries ago in the 1200's. Each year a new theme is chosen and the elaborate costumes and famous Carnival masks are made up accordingly. Processions, masquerade balls, ceremonies, music, performances and other festivities round out this ancient Venetian tradition.
February: Cavalchina Grand Dance - The Cavalchina Grand Dance is the most elite event during the Carnival. Each February the Teatro La Fenice is transformed into a 19th century hall, hailing back to the days when these large galas were regular occurrences in flourishing Venice. Guests dress in full costume and dance to old world, as well as contemporary, tunes. The Teatro only reserves 600 tickets so it is advised that anyone wishing to attend book well in advance. The Grand Dance opens its doors at 8:30pm and goes to the wee hours of the morn.
March: Venice International Boat Show - A city like Venice lends itself to water vehicles, which is why the Venice International Boat Show is such an annual sensation. Thousands converge on land, while hundreds come by sea to display their water craft, compete, attend meetings and conventions and to learn all the ways the boat has guided Venice's history as a flourishing hub of nautical commerce. The boat show is held each March, over a weekend with hours from 10:00am - 6:00pm. Costs are 13EUR at no matter which venue you attend; which include Stazione Marittima (main venue), Molino Stucky Hilton, Vega and Rasenal.
April: Venice Art Biennale - Like its architectural counterpart, the Art Biennale brings together the world's best artists who present their forward thinking minds and talk of the direction that they believe art is going in the future. The fest also pays homage to the many famed artists, like Titian, that hailed from Venice. Hundreds of thousands attend the Art Biennale, making it the most attended Biennale in the world. The main hall is Giardini, while other areas that hold display venues are Arsenale's Corderie and Artiglierie.
May: Feast of the Sensa - This thousand year old ritual celebrates the Venetian marriage of the city and sea. Each year the Doge (head of the city in olden times) would throw a ring into the surrounding lagoons waters while traveling in the Bucintoro, a sea vessel of splendid proportions. He was followed by thousands of decorated boats, filled with joyful seafarers and locals alike that would participate in the re-affirmation of the public and spiritual identity of their beloved city. The procession still goes on today, however, it is more out of tradition and entertainment purposes than anything else.
June: Festival of Venetian Gardens - Made possible by the Wigwam Club, this four day fest allows attendees to explore the renowned world of Venetian Villas along the River Brenta. These tours are filled with educated guides in the realms of landscape art, history, botany and art history as well as entertainment factors like music, performances, readings and workshops. The cost various depending on which tour you take, and all tours must be booked in advance, as they fill up quickly.
July: Festa del Redentore - This festival is insanely popular, holding onto second place just behind the Venice Carnival. Festa del Redentore features gaily decorated boats that abound on the canals to watch the glorious fireworks display over the gleaming waters. The fest kicks off with the decoration of the boat bridge by the citizens of the city, followed by the fireworks, then a feast until dawn. And there is more. After all bellies are full many participants then traipse down to the beach with a bottle of wine and a loved one to start the new day filled with boat shows, competitions and special church services. The festival is free.
August: QuotAmare - August is a lazy month in Venice, with not much else to do beside from cruise the water and lounge the beaches. Venetians and tourists alike hoard QuotAmare on the Lido for some fun in the sun with dancing, drinks and sand from dawn to dusk. People are out and about at QuotAmare from 7:00am - 2:00am the next morn.
September: Venice Film Festival - The Venice Film Festival, which translates in Italian to Mostra Internazional d'Arte Cinematografica, is the world oldest film festival that is still in existence. Internationally known artists, directors, actors and anyone else that brushes with the film industry flocks to the Lido region of Venice for private screenings and entertaining after parties, that are filled with some of the world's most popular glitterati. Costs and hours depend on what you want to pay and do.
October: Race of the Lighthouse - This thirty kilometer long marathon is divided into two parts; 20 kilometers and 10 kilometers for those who just want to dabble. The race begins and ends at the Casino Pattinodromo and features a beautiful route along the sea. The cost of the 10km race is 7EUR while the 20km or 30km are 13EUR. The marathon opens at 10:30am and is held annually each October.
November: Architecture Biennale - During the Architecture Biennale, the world's top architects converge on Venice to present the latest and greatest in the world of architecture. Most focus on large metros like Shanghai, Venice, Tokyo, New York City, London, Cairo and Barcelona to name a few. They share their forward visions for these cities with the world through mixed-media presentations to give the exhibition entertaining.
December: Christmas in the Lagoon - Campo Santo Stefano transformations into a winter wonderland complete with a large, twinkling market place, 30 mini palaces and a real life Father Christmas, who welcomes all children at the lagoon. Everything is free, except for what you buy at the market, and the hours are from 10:30am - 7:30pm.
Recommended Venice Hotels
Hotel review website TripAdvisor allows travelers to thoroughly assess Venice hotels that they have visited. The unbiased evaluations really help to find the best hotels and avoid the worst. The top 10 Venice hotels recommended by review are:
1. Residence Corte Grimani
2. Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo
3. Hotel Antiche Figure
4. Ca' dei Dogi
5. Hotel Ca' Dogaressa
6. Foascari Palace
7. Al Ponte Antico Hotel
8. Ca' Maria Adele
9. Villa Della Palme
10. Palazzo Sant'Angelo sul Canal Grande
Venice Hotels
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