Romantic, opulent, unique: Venice is one of the most loved cities by Italians and foreigners thanks to its unique characteristics, to the point of making it an exception in the world panorama. The Serenissima has been the most prosperous of the Maritime Republics, over the centuries has been able to conquer riches, territories and international prestige, to the point that in many areas of the eastern Mediterranean you can see the Lion of San Marco, now in a flag, now immortalized in the facade of a building.
It was precisely the wealth accumulated in the Middle Ages and the 17th century that made Venice an ideal destination for anyone wishing to spend a holiday among art, history, culture and, why not, good food. Here are five things to do in Venice if you’re thinking about spending Easter 2023 in the city.
- A visit to the Basilica of San Marco
The first word you’re gonna say when you lift your head in will be wow. We are sure of this, because it is the effect that the incredible mosaics of San Marco have always had for pilgrims and tourists. The Basilica of San Marco is a must on a Venetian tour: admission is free, while the visit to the dazzling treasure of the saint costs 5 euros.
- A gondola ride
You think running a gondola is easy? This is not the case: a great balance is needed, not to mention an attitude to entertainment to meet the many requests of tourists. Gondolas symbolize the city as much as the bell tower of San Marco, and that of the gondolier is a craft that is still handed down from father to son. Do not miss the squeri, the shipyards where these typical boats painted black are built and repaired.
- The “tour of bacari”
The Venetians have the habit of celebrating the anniversary by moving from one place to another, consuming in each course different and a glass of wine. They call this tradition “bacari tour“, which are nothing more than the popular taverns of the city. The etymology of the name is uncertain, while the activity is very clear: it is there that the Venetians invented the “cicchetti”, real delicious snacks served as tapas, which accompany a shade of wine or a Spritz. From “sardines in saor” to creamed cod, through meatballs and fried fish, the bacari will satisfy the palate of all lovers of good food. Discover what else you can eat and drink in Venice.
- See Palazzo Ducale
The Doge’s Palace, seat of the government of the city, is a work of art that holds others. It represents not only the power, but also the pomp of a city that from the lagoon has been able to become a European reference point for the traffics with the East. It is no coincidence that the most important medieval testimony about China is the memoir of the Venetian Marco Polo, written by Rustichello da Pisa, as he was a prisoner of Palazzo San Giorgio in Genoa. The merchants of Venice were privileged interlocutors of many Eastern rulers, including Kublai Khan, at whose court Messer Polo lived in the 13th century. Do not miss the infamous Piombi, the prisons of the palace, which between 1755 and 1756 also hosted the famous Giacomo Casanova.
- Get lost
No, do not get lost, but walk through the streets without caring about the destination. Venice is an unparalleled open-air museum, its architecture is unrepeatable. The simple walk through the city is a feast for the eyes. Discover what else you can do and see in Venice.
The lagoon is waiting for you: discover the GO-ON-ITALY offers for next Easter and book now.
Easter 2023 in Venice will be wonderful!
