Our adventure began at the airport lounge in Vienna, where we boarded a flight to Treviso. We spent the night there before catching a morning train to Venezia Santa Lucia, marking the true start of our Venetian journey.
Day 1: The Heart of Venice
Upon arrival, we decided to walk to our booked apartment, taking in the city's unique charm. Halfway through our walk, we paused for a refreshment stop at the sunlit
1.Calle de Traghetto, a quiet street offering a peaceful moment before diving into the Venetian labyrinth.
2.Hotel Check-in Hotel Do Mori – Our accommodation was conveniently located, making it the perfect base for our explorations.
We set off to explore the grand heart of Venice 3.Piazza San Marco, where history and elegance blend seamlessly.
History & Facts: Known as “the drawing room of Europe,” this famous square has been the political, religious, and social center of Venice for centuries.
Fun Fact: The piazza often floods due to Venice’s unique tidal system, creating the famous water reflections seen in photos.
4.Campanile di San Marco
History & Facts: Originally built in the 9th century as a watchtower, the Campanile was reconstructed after collapsing in 1902. It now offers breathtaking panoramic views of Venice.
Fun Fact: Galileo Galilei used this tower to demonstrate his telescope to Venetian leaders in 1609.
5.Basilica di San Marco
History & Facts: A masterpiece of Italo-Byzantine architecture, this basilica is famous for its golden mosaics and relics, including the remains of St. Mark.
Fun Fact: The four bronze horses above the entrance were stolen from Constantinople in the 13th century.
6. Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
History & Facts: Once the residence of the Doges, this stunning Gothic palace was the seat of Venetian power. It housed government offices, courts, and even a prison.
Fun Fact: The secret passageways of the palace reveal hidden prisons, including the cell of Casanova, who famously escaped in 1756.
7.Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs)
History & Facts: This enclosed limestone bridge connects the Doge’s Palace to the old prisons.
Fun Fact: Its name comes from the sighs of prisoners as they took one last glimpse of Venice before imprisonment.
After soaking in the grandeur of St. Mark’s Square, we sought a peaceful retreat at 8. Giardini Reali, a rare green space in Venice. Surrounded by lush trees and flowers, it was a perfect spot to recharge before getting lost in Venice’s enchanting streets.
9.Peggy Guggenheim Collection
History & Facts: A modern art haven housed in an unfinished Venetian palace, featuring works by Picasso, Dalí, and Pollock.
Fun Fact: Peggy Guggenheim's ashes are buried in the garden, alongside her beloved dogs.
As evening fell, we made our way to the iconic 10. Rialto Bridge, beautifully illuminated at night.
History & Facts: The oldest of Venice’s four Grand Canal bridges, completed in 1591, it was the main commercial hub of the city.
Fun Fact: Merchants once rented shop spaces on the bridge to sell luxury goods and spices.
After 25,000 steps, we returned to our hotel, ready for another day of adventure.
Day 2: Uncovering Hidden Gems
We started our second day at 11. Scala Contarini del Bovolo, an architectural wonder.
History & Facts: A Renaissance-style spiral staircase, blending Gothic, Byzantine, and Venetian styles.
Fun Fact: The name “Bovolo” means “snail” in Venetian, perfectly describing the staircase’s spiral shape.
12.Campo San Luca
History & Facts: One of the busiest squares in Venice, a favorite meeting point for locals.
Fun Fact: This campo has been a hub of Venetian life for centuries, where merchants, artists, and politicians gathered.
13.Casanova’s House (Casa Bragadin)
History & Facts: This was the residence of Giacomo Casanova, Venice’s most famous adventurer and seducer.
Fun Fact: Casanova was arrested for “immoral conduct” and famously escaped from the Doge’s Palace prison.
We made a second visit to the 14. Rialto Bridge—because seeing it in daylight was just as breathtaking.
15.Campo San Giacomo di Rialto
History & Facts: Home to the Church of San Giacomo di Rialto, the oldest church in Venice, built in 421 AD.
Fun Fact: The square houses one of the few 24-hour clocks in the world.
16.Gobo Statue
History & Facts: The “Gobo” is a well-worn marble statue used by town criers in medieval Venice.
Fun Fact: Venetians used to rub the statue’s foot for good luck.
17.Narrowest Street in Venice (Calle Varisco)
Fun Fact: So narrow that only one person can pass at a time—definitely a fun challenge to squeeze through!
18.Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo
History & Facts: One of the largest squares in Venice, surrounded by stunning monuments.
19.Statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni
History & Facts: A Renaissance-era equestrian statue of the mercenary leader. (pic 18. on the right)
20.Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo
There is a Monumento Funebre del Doge Pietro Mocenigo to the Doge Mocenigo made by Pietro Lombardo and finished in 1481.
History & Facts: A grand funerary monument dedicated to a powerful Venetian Doge.
21.L’Ospedale Civile di San Giovanni e Paolo – A striking Renaissance building, now serving as a functioning hospital. (pic. 18 on the left & pic. 20 on the left).
22.Building on the canal washed by water from three sides
On the spot where this odd house is located, the Rio Santa Marina branches off to form two other canals – the Rio di San Giovanni Laterano and the Rio Tetta – and it is this that makes this house one of the most unique in all Venice.
Fun Fact: One of Venice’s most unique architectural wonders, where walls are continuously shaped by the water.
23.Libreria Acqua Alta
History & Facts: A whimsical bookstore where books are stored in gondolas and bathtubs to protect them from floods.
Fun Fact: Visitors can climb a staircase made entirely of books for a spectacular canal view.
After a quick refresh at the hotel, we spent the evening in the 24.Cannaregio district, where we witnessed the lively Santo Martino festivities. Children ran through the streets banging on doors with cutlery, collecting candies in celebration of the beloved saint.
Day 3: Farewell Venice
Our last day was dedicated to a peaceful walk back to Venezia Santa Lucia train station, soaking in Venice’s morning charm one last time before heading to our next destination.
Summary
Venice is a city like no other—filled with breathtaking architecture, hidden alleys, and endless surprises. From the grandeur of Piazza San Marco to the magic of Cannaregio’s celebrations, every moment felt like stepping into a storybook. Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, Venice never ceases to amaze!
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