Venice Wine Trip

This is a collection of the original papers of the Repubblica Serenissima, preserved between 1815 and 1822. This was done in accordance with a decision by Austrian Emperor Franz I. Political, administrative and legal documents from the 9th Century, notary archives, as well as convent archives are all kept here. Temporary exhibitions are held here and a visit to the cloisters is worthwhile.

Venice, Italy (Venezia in Italian) is one of the most interesting and lovely places in the world. This sanctuary on a lagoon is virtually the same as it was 500 years ago, though it has certainly begun to decay since its heyday. Tourists slightly outnumber residents, but the city’s romantic charm remains.

Venice is made up of different parts. The most famous is the area comprising the 118 islands in the main districts of Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, Isola Della Giudecca, San Polo, San Croce, San Marco and Lido di Venezia where the main monuments and sights are located.

The Most Serene Republic of Venice dates back to 827, when a Byzantine dukedom moved its seat to what is now known as the Rialto, and for the following 970 years prospered on trade and under the rule of a Roman-style Senate headed by the Doge. In 1797 the city was conquered by Napoleon, a blow from which the city never recovered.

The summer may be the worst time to visit: It’s sometimes very hot, the canals sometimes stink (in the most literal sense), there are occasional infestations of flies and there are more tourists than usual. Spring and fall are probably best. Ride a Vaporetto (water bus) down the Grand Canal right before sunset. The Vaporettos are inexpensive, but the sites are priceless: amazing architecture, soft seaside sunlight, and a fascinating parade of Venetian watercraft. Or shop. Venice is packed full of little stores in every corner and crevice. The most common local specialties are Carnival masks, glass and marbled paper.

Designed by 20-year-old Longhena, this church is a masterpiece of 17th-century architecture. The dominating feature is its octagonal dome, which contains a lantern showing an image of the Madonna; while the smaller dome has a statue of San Marco. The interior consists of a nave, three chapels and a floor made of multicolored marble with a design of five roses in the center. The magnificent altar, also designed by Longhena, is particularly ornate. To its right is Tintoretto's Le Nozze di Cana, while the ceiling of the vestry is adorned with paintings by Titian.

This osteria is usually full of Venetians and a few of the more intrepid tourists who have escaped from the more normal tourist areas.

This boutique takes its name from the nearby theatre. Among the famous brands stocked are Thierry Mugler, Rena Lange, Cesare Paciotti, and Blumarine. It has an excellent reputation for quality in the city.

The Venice Carnival is a two-week celebration of mysterious masked balls, parades, theatrical productions, music and general gaiety. In the costumed tradition of carnivals of the 18th Century, the streets and various venues throughout the city are filled with activity. The many masked balls and galas held throughout the festivities are a perfect opportunity to don the traditional hoods, capes and black masks, concealing one's identify and making carnival mischief all the more fun! Many events and activities are free.

Built in the 9th century, this church has a 16th-century façade by Sansovino. On the portal there is the portrait of Tommaso Rangone, a benefactor of the church and the first ordinary man to be portrayed in a Venetian church. Due to the work of Sansovino and Alessandro Vittoria, its style today is late Renaissance. A window by Serlio adorns the front of the church, while inside there are numerous paintings by Palma il Giovane.

Built in 1076, Ateneo di San Basso is one of the oldest churches in Venice. Restored after the fires of 1105 and 1661, the church has been privately owned, used as a marble and sculpture camp by the Fabbriceria di San Marco and finally reconstructed and furnished as a conference hall during the 1950s. Also used as a classical music venue, visitors can enjoy the sounds of Vivaldi and Mozart in this historical landmark.