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 The oldest church of the lagoon |
Via Torcello Venice 30100 Italy +39 41 73 0084 |
This church dates back to the year 1000 and includes elements from 400 years earlier. The beautiful ambo on the left comprises of certain parts of the original sixth-century church. The luminosity of the mosaics that adorn the apse and, above all, the image of 'The Last Judgement' on the west wall (which is rumoured to be a reconstruction) are incredible. Mass is held everyday at 9:30a and 4:30p. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Juergen Schonnop |
 Photo: Kelli Patterson |
 Precious mosaics |
Torcello Venice 30100 Italy +39 41 270 2464 |
This is the oldest cathedral of the lagoon, and evidence of the first settlement here. It was built in 639, but has undergone restoration and modification in the 9th, 11th and 14th centuries. The interior is enriched by splendid decorations, with particularly striking mosaics, which were probably made by mosaic makers from Ravenna. The bell tower, which was built in the 11th century, can only be visited by appointment. The view that can be enjoyed from the top is well worth the climb. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Juergen Schonnop |
 Photo: Tim Hendrix |
 Photo: davoseventyfour |
 Photo: Jared Hayter |
 Photo: Juergen Schonnop |
 Photo: bon.alessandro |
 Photo: Robin J Harries |
 Photo: Kristin Ashton |
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12th-century church |
Murano Venice 30100 Italy +39 41 73 9056 |
Dating back to the 12th century, this church has now been completely restored to all its ancient splendour. While the foundation dates back to the 12th century, its first restoration, when the floor was completed, dates back to the year 1100 AD. The richly decorated apse and the Byzantine mosaic on the vault and the spellbinding mosaic on the church floor are particularly beautiful. Mass is held daily at 8a, 9:30a, 11a, and 6p. On sundays, mass is held at 6p. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Barbara Smith  |
 Photo: Katherine Hall |
 Photo: Barbara Smith |
 Icons from the fourteenth to the eighteenth centuries |
3412 Castello Venice 30122 Italy +39 41 522 6581 |
Located next to the San Giorgio dei Greci church, this museum offers a rich collection of Byzantine icons from Greece and Venice, which date from the 14th to the 18th centuries. Exhibitions include a large variety of religious objects and artifacts from the life of Jesus and the Saints, most of which hailed from Venice. The museum also houses a collection of documents and archives on the history of the Greek colonies in Venice. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Historic relics in Burano |
Piazza Baldassare Galuppi Venice 30100 Italy +39 41 73 0096 |
Subsequent restorations have changed the original architecture of this 16th-century church, which nowadays is also used as a museum for Burano's antiques. Inside there's an early painting by Tiepolo. You can see the influence of Piazzetta and Ricci. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Franciscan convent |
Isola di San Francesco del Deserto Venice 30100 Italy |
This island has belonged to Franciscan monks since the thirteenth century. It takes its name from St. Francis, who arrived on the island at the beginning of 1200, and stayed there for about a month. Some frescoes depicting the visit of St. Francis can be admired here, but the best thing about the island is its peaceful atmosphere and the park. The island can only be reached by private boat, which can be taken from Burano or by arrangement with the monks. Tours of the convent are provided by the monks. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Seventh-century church |
Castello Venice 30100 Italy +39 41 523 8950 |
The main structure of this church dates back to the 7th century, as does the fortress that gives this whole area its name. The church was re-built and enlarged in the 16th century, by the addition to the chapels by Longhena for the Lando and Vendramin families. The front, as we see it today, was designed by Palladio. Peter's throne, made from an Arab sepulchral sculpture, is very interesting. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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I3th Century Mosiacs and Stray Cats |
Via Torcello Venice Italy |
Venice's main attractions are swamped with tourists in the late summer, but there are plenty of places to go to in order to avoid the crowds. Take a boat trip to the islands from Fondamente Nove or San Zaccharia and make sure you spend some time wandering around Torcello. This peaceful and green place was established between the 5th and 6th centuries and boasts of the oldest building in the lagoon. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Dell'Assunta was founded in AD 639 and contains some intriguing mosaics. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Palladio's famous rotunda |
Via Villa Capra Venice 30030 Italy +39 4 4432 1793 |
Joseph Losey would have found it difficult to find a more evocative setting for his Don Giovanni. Palladio's commission from Paolo Almerico in 1567 was of profound significance: here was an opportunity to build something solely on aesthetic principles, in the name of beauty and elegance with no regard for functionality. Unfortunately, this never happened since both the buyer and the architect died of old age before the project was completed. Scamozzi eventually finished the building, for the new buyer: Odorico Capra. It now has four identical Ionic facades, while inside there is a variety of different styles. Whether you like Palladio's design or not, the Rotonda is a visual work of art. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Villa designed by Palladio |
11 Strada statale Romea Padova-Venezia (direzione Fusina) Venice 30030 Italy |
This house was built in the second half of the sixteenth century, designed by Andrea Palladio and paid for by Niccolò and Alvise Foscari. Its name 'la Malcontenta'(the unhappy woman) is said to come from an ancient legend about a lady of the Foscari family who was banished. The house has a central hall surmounted by a triangular gable. Probably the Vicenza architect's first project for the ruling family, it led to several successive commissions. Inside, you will find frescoes by Battista Franco and Battista Zelotti, who succeeded him. Admission: L. 10,000 Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matteo Caldon |
 Photo: Tina Bradley |
 Photo: Atigra |