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| Gondolas at San Marco piazza |
Buongiorno!
It's been a busy winter season (and a long while since my last post), but it was not without some fun. This March I spent a week in Venice, Italy -- an urban labyrinth of canals and commerce, selling glass goodies galore. I started my trip by exploring the city's many museums, galleries, and churches. Situated in the famed San Marco piazza, the San Marco Basilica (circa 11th century), Byzantine in style with its ogive arches and gilded glass mosaic designs, features the most beautifully patterned marble, echoing the city's fascination with water. Located in the city's outlining neighbourhood of Cannaregio, Chiesa di S. Maria Assunta I Gesuiti, a Jesuit church from the 18th century, stands tall along the quiet, canal-side back-roads. From the outside, it resembles a Roman temple. From the inside, it an operatic stage, made entirely out of marble furnishings and stone-inlay walls. (Unfortunately, I was not allowed to take any pictures of these dramatic interiors.)
In addition to touring the city's many artistic and religious venues, I also managed a quick gondola ride, under the Rialto Bridge and through the city's waterways - a historic transport tradition that is now a tourist trap, but still a surreal experience. At an osteria near the Rialto, I quenched my thirst with the refreshing Venetian cocktail -- Spritz -- made up of Aperol, prosecco, and soda, garnished with a blood-orange slice and a giant green olive. A delizioso treat at the end of a tour!
Until next post...Ciao! Jenn
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| San Marco Basilica and the Doge Palace |
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| Cannaregio's back-streets |
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| Chiesa di S. Maria Assunta I Gesuiti |
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| The Rialto Bridge, as seen from a gondola |
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| Spritz cocktails and veggie panini |
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| Venice port at twilight |
Hotels
Palazzo Abedessa - located in the quiet neighbourhood of Cannaregio.
Starwood Splendid Venice - centrally located in between San Marco piazza and the Rialto Bridge.
UNA Hotel Venezia - located in the quiet neighbourhood of Cannaregio.
Restaurants
Il Refolo - an excellent, and reasonable priced, pizzeria, with a large, outdoor canal-side seating area - perfect for a romantic evening or night out with friends.
Campo S. Giacomo de l'Orio - Santa Croce 1459
Ostaria Boccadoro - a small restaurant, sprinkled with art, serving mainly seafood.
Campo Wildmann - Cannaregio 5405/a
Shops
Le Perle - sells beautiful Venetian beaded jewelry in 3 locations near San Marco and the Rialto Bridge
