Photo by KaLisa Veer on Unsplash
Venice isn’t the cleanest city you’ll ever visit; it is one of the most beautiful.
I say this because despite its must-see attractions, the city’s waterways are in-fact used as a sewage disposal system.
That means that you want to avoid swimming in the water.
Still, that’s why you have gondolas! And even though Paris has a lot of dirty parts, I still HIGHLY recommend you visit that city. What’s a trip to Europe without it?
Same with Venice. So let’s jump into more reasons why Venice is an unmissable attraction for any traveler, and especially for budget backpackers visiting Italy, or Europe in general.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1. Venturing Beyond the Piazza & Exploring St. Mark's Basilica
Photo by Anna-Philine on Unsplash
In our last article about backpacking Venice, I promised that I’d go into detail about visiting St. Mark’s Basilica.
And that’s exactly what we’re going to do.
This Patriarchal Cathedral was initially built between 829-836 A.D., and then rebuilt between 1063-1094.
It matured into the episcopal seat of the patriarch of Venice in 1807.
It is now considered one of the most important religious and cultural landmarks in all of Venice. Its architecture and opulent decoration reflect Venice's historical ties to the Byzantine Empire, and its status as a major maritime power.
In addition to its overwhelmingly stunning exterior facade - which is adorned with golden mosaics depicting biblical scenes and saints, marble columns, and sculptures -, you’ll definitely want to get tickets - which are €6 - to go inside.
The awe-inspiring interior, which is adorned with shimmering mosaics, marble floors, and ornate altars, also consists of golden ceiling mosaics depicting scenes from the life of Christ, intricate marble floors, and Byzantine-style domes.
Stepping into the basilica gives you the impression that the entire church is gilded.
Be sure to check out the Pala d'Oro, a stunning altarpiece behind the main altar. This masterpiece of Byzantine art is adorned with thousands of precious gems, including gold, silver, pearls, and enamel. It’s considered to be one of the most important treasures of the entire church house.
Definitely visit the basilica's treasury, which houses a collection of religious relics, artifacts, and treasures dating back to the Middle Ages. You’ll see precious liturgical objects, ancient manuscripts, and intricately crafted reliquaries.
You might also want to check out the Basilica's museum, which is housed in the adjacent Procuratie Nuove building. Here, you can explore exhibits highlighting the history, art, and architecture of St. Mark's Basilica, including models, artifacts, and interactive displays that provide insights into the basilica's construction and evolution over time.
Obviously, as with all places of worship, you’ve got to dress appropriately. Avoid wearing shorts - or wear long ones that cover your knees -, sleeveless tops, etc., and be mindful of your behavior inside the basilica. Photography may also be restricted in certain areas, so be sure to respect any signage that says so - I’ll be honest with you, I was pretty bad at this when I visited churches in Europe, and just to avoid getting in trouble, try and pay attention to photography signage.
2. Secrets of the Doge: Exploring Venice's Iconic Palace Without Breaking the Bank
Photo by Denys Barabanov on Unsplash
I remember visiting Doge’s Palace like it was yesterday, particularly the underground prison.
That’s right - Doge’s Palace is home to a subterranean jail complex, where you can explore the frighteningly narrow, cement cells, winding corridors, and dark, shadowy, and haunting dungeons that once housed criminals and political prisoners.
If you take a guided tour, you can learn about the harsh conditions and brutal punishments endured by these inmates during the Venetian Republic's heyday.
I particularly remember looking out the prison windows and seeing the canal waterways outside, almost giving me a sense of hope - especially because it was a really sunny day when I visited this museum - and not really.
And the Doge’s Palace is known for a lot more than just its Piombi - the name of the prison.
Built in 1340, Doge's Palace stands as the symbol of Venetian power and prestige. It once served as the residence of the Doge - the elected ruler of Venice - and the seat of government for centuries.
Built in the Venetian Gothic style, the palace's exterior features a stunning blend of marble colonnades, intricate sculptures, and ornate arches.
When you first enter Doge's Palace, you'll be greeted by the interior courtyard, known as the Courtyard of the Doge's Palace.
Afterwards, you’ll want to ascend the Golden Staircase (Scala d'Oro) to access the palace's upper floors, where you'll find a series of decorated chambers and halls. The gilded ceilings and frescoes across the staircase - which served as a ceremonial entrance for visiting dignitaries and foreign ambassadors - are particularly impressive and cool to see.
The Council Chamber (Sala del Maggior Consiglio), one of the largest and most impressive rooms in Doge's Palace, is also worth seeing - its massive paintings, depicting scenes from Venetian history and mythology, are incredibly impressive. It’s also cool to learn about the political significance of this chamber as the meeting place of the Great Council, Venice's supreme legislative body.
The Doge’s private apartments - now those are worth visiting. These give you a glimpse into the daily life and living quarters of Venice's rulers. From the ornately decorated chambers, including the Chamber of the Secret Chancellery and the Chamber of the Council of Ten, to the luxurious furnishings and artwork that once adorned these regal spaces, you’ll feel like you’re actually living the life that these people lived in the middle ages.
And of course, no visit to the Doge's Palace would be complete without crossing the iconic Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri), which connects the palace to the adjacent prison. Legend has it that the bridge earned its name from the sighs of prisoners as they caught their final glimpse of Venice before being incarcerated. Today, the bridge offers panoramic views of the Venetian lagoon and the city's skyline.
Now as you might’ve already guessed, Doge's Palace is also home to a rich collection of art and historical artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Venetian Renaissance and beyond. Be sure to visit the palace's art galleries and temporary exhibitions to discover masterpieces by renowned Venetian artists such as Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese.
I also mentioned that you could join a guided tour if you really want to for a more deep understanding of the palace’s history, architecture, and significance. A lot of tour operators offer skip-the-line access, allowing you to bypass the often lengthy queues so that you could make the most of your time inside the palace.
Tickets are usually about $45 CAD / $33 USD, depending on the exchange rate.
Now, as with any tourist attraction, Doge's Palace will get crowded during peak tourist season, so it's advisable that you book your tickets in advance and arrive early to beat the crowds. Audio guides and informative signage are available in multiple languages to enhance your understanding of the palace's history and significance.
3. Exploring San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice's Hidden Gem
In case you don’t know, Venice is built on over 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea.
One of these islands is San Giorgio Maggiore, which lies east of Giudecca Island, and South of the main islands. It’s a popular island to paint, and has been featured in works by artists such as Monet.
Its Palladian church, which we’ll get into, is an important landmark.
In order to get to the island, you’ll need to take a vaporetto (water bus) from one of Venice's main transportation hubs, such as St. Mark's Square or the Rialto Bridge.
The short ride across the lagoon offers incredible views of Venice and its landmarks, including St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, so it’s worth it just for that.
Now, as I mentioned… the church. San Giorgio Maggiore Church. This is the focal point of the island, and an architectural masterpiece. Designed by Andrea Palladio in the 16th century - 1566-1610, to be exact -, the church is a basilica in the classical Renaissance style.
It is renowned for its white marble, as it gleams above the blue water of the lagoon opposite the Piazzetta di San Marco, and forms the direction from every part of the Riva degli Schiavoni.
After approaching it from the waterfront, step inside to explore its serene interior adorned with masterful artworks, including paintings by Tintoretto and Veronese.
Definitely check out the bell tower for panoramic views of Venice and the entire lagoon. The climb to the top is rewarded with breathtaking vistas that stretch from the bustling streets of Venice to the distant islands dotting the horizon. Definitely a good place to take photos.
Beside the church, you'll find the Benedictine monastery of San Giorgio Maggiore, which dates back to the 10th century. You’ll check out the peaceful cloister, where you can admire the tranquil garden, ancient stone arcades, and sculptures that adorn this historic sanctuary.
You might also want to check out the waterfront promenade that encircles San Giorgio Maggiore, and watch boats pass by on the lagoon. At the island's Eastern tip, you'll find a historic lighthouse dating back to the 19th century, where you can climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
You can also have a picnic lunch and enjoy a leisurely meal in one of San Giorgio Maggiore's many beautiful spots. Whether you choose to sit beneath the shade of a tree in the monastery garden or spread out a blanket along the waterfront promenade, it’s worth your time.
For an unforgettable experience, plan your picnic around sunset, when the fading light bathes the island in a warm golden glow. Watch as the sun dips below the skyline, casting silhouettes of Venice's iconic landmarks against the colourful sky.
4. Venice's Glass Wonderland: Budget Backpacking Through Murano's Factories & Museum
And lastly, we’ve got the island of Murano, which is famous for its traditional glass-making.
In order to get there, you’ll need to take a vaporetto from Venice across the lagoon, which in itself is a beautiful and must-see experience because of the stunning views as well as just riding a boat on the water.
Once you arrive in Murano, you can take off on a self-guided tour of the island's renowned glass factories, such as the Elligi Morano Glass Factory, the Original Murano Glass OMG Factory & Showroom (which you must have an appointment for in advance), the Vetreria Artistica Colleoni - Murano Glass Factory, and many others.
Many of these factories offer free or low-cost demonstrations where you can watch skilled artisans transform molten glass into exquisite works of art using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
You can also learn about the history and artistry of Murano glass at the Venice Glass Museum, located in the Palazzo Giustinian. The museum’s extensive collection of glass artifacts, spanning centuries of glassmaking history and showcasing the evolution of techniques, styles, and decorative arts, will be sure to impress you.
Check out the museum's stunning displays, which include ancient glassware, sculptures, delicate vases and chandeliers, to avant-garde installations and experimental designs, and contemporary glass art by famous artists.
Once you finish exploring the factories and museum, you can take a look at the shops & boutiques scattered throughout the island, where you'll find a wide selection of glassware, jewelry, and decorative items handmade by local artisans.
Whether you're looking for small keepsakes or statement pieces, you're sure to find something for your taste and budget.
Murano's also just lovely to explore the scenery at. From its charming streets and canals, to just soaking up the island's laid-back atmosphere, and admiring its colorful buildings and picturesque bridges, there’s a lot to enjoy, even if you’re just walking around outdoors.
Take a break to buy some gelato, or an espresso at a cafe near the waterfront, like Maison de la Crêpe and savor the tranquility of this hidden gem away from the crowds of Venice.
Don't forget to capture the beauty and magic of Murano with your camera or smartphone, documenting your favorite moments and creations along the way. Whether you're snapping photos of glassblowers at work, exploring the museum's exhibits, or admiring the island's scenic vistas, these memories will serve as lasting reminders of your glass-filled adventure in Murano.
Ticket prices vary, depending on the factory you choose to go to. They can be as little as €5, or €100+ if you choose to take a guided group tour. It’ll all depend on what you value, and why you’re going.
Anyways, that’s all I have for this blog post. I hope that it helps you navigate your way around Venice in a way that gives you an incredible experience, and doesn’t break your wallet.
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In the meantime, enjoy your travels, and stay resilient out there in the world, wherever you are.
See you all next week!