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The method of transport favoured by Bond in his high-octane
chases through Venice is nothing new to the Venetians. Because in
Venice they use water, not tarmac. With approximately 150 canals
weaving through the city you're better off taking a passenger ferry
or good old-fashioned gondola - a quicker, and without doubt more
stylish, way to view the stunning façades of the 12th century
palazzos, old trading houses and fish markets that line the waterways.
The customary evening passeggiata, or stroll, as the city lights
up over the water, will add that extra touch of mystery and romance
should you need any final convincing.
Plus Points:
Proximity to beaches
Intricate canals & backstreets
Abundance of churches & palaces
Spectacular Carnevale festival
Original home of tiramisł!
Dark paths suddenly emerge into the clear, bright daylight of a
church-filled square or cross the city's myriad canals by way of
numerous and wonderful little bridges. The atmosphere is magical
and inexplicably festive.
The city is built on 117 small islands, and is linked to the mainland
service town of Mestre by a road and rail causeway. The Grand Canal
insinuates itself around the city, emerging at the unforgettable
vista of Piazza San Marco, boasting its campanile, Doges' Palace,
St Mark's Basilica and elegant pigeon-filled piazza. The Bridge
of Sighs links the palace to the gloomy old prisons, and the bobbing
gondolas are overlooked by the stunning Santa Maria della Salute,
San Giorgio Maggiore and del Redentore churches. It takes only half
an hour or so to walk from the train station to San Marco: that
is if you can resist the temptation to take one of the many paths
that diverge from the main drag (Lista di Spagna).
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