Getting lost in Venice, for the fun of it
The Rialto Bridge spans Venice’s Grand Canal. No cars are allowed in the central city, and boats are the primary mode of transportation.
Photo by Barbara Ruben
Venice is an old city. The water-logged foundations date back to the 11th century. The newer building facades are as recent as the 15th.
So many buildings were stripped of paint and plaster on both sides of a small alleyway that I expected them to crumble before my eyes — until I reminded myself they have looked pretty much the same for over 500 years.
This other-worldly city is filled with canals, gondolas, water buses, cobbled streets, alleyways, bridges and cafes. Picture everything that makes any city run — buses, taxis, fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, postal services, FedEx deliveries, garbage pick-ups — but they’re all boats! And the city still runs.
Expect to get lost. And thank goodness for that, because it’s the best way to explore the city and discover those gems that are not part of the major tourist itineraries.
Magical marionettes
For more information, see www.visit-venice-italy.com and http://europeforvisitors.com/venice.
