(Source: Gellinger @ Pixabay)
By Brent Fernandes
With mesmerizing views of floating masterpieces, narrow by-lanes and cozy boats swaying on the canal, Venice satiates one’s appetite for romance and art. Take a look at some of the best ways to explore the romantic side of this gorgeous city.
A Grand Canal water bus arrives with passengers at the Piazzale Roma. (Source: Didier Descouens @ Wikicommons)
You can hire your gondola at the transport hub, Piazzale Roma, from where a magical journey on the Grand Canal begins. These wooden water chariots are steered by gondoliers who are known to charm patrons with their renditions of folk songs as they paint a picture of Venice through their lyrics.
Your 40-minute ride starts with views of the majestic truss bridge Ponte della Costituzione, also known as Ponte di Calatrava. As your ride progresses, you catch a glimpse of the massive neoclassical beauty the Chiesa di San Simeone Piccolo.
Two gondoliers row toward the Rialto Bridge. (Source: Saffron Blaze @ Wikicommons)
Few minutes into the journey, you glide under the stone-arched Ponte degli Scalzi bridge which
connects the neighborhoods of Cannaregio and Santa Croce. As you approach San Polo, you’ll find locals milling around the ever bustling Rialto Market near the Rialto Bridge, which is the oldest Grand Canal bridge. The market stocks fresh local produce, souvenirs and varieties of flowers.
As you continue towards Dorsoduro sestiere, the Universita Ca’ Foscari comes into view from where your gondola slowly swerves revealing the Palazzo Grassi. The Ponte dell’Accademia is the fourth and final bridge along the canal where tourists huddle to capture memories of the beautiful view.
The ornate exterior of the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. (Source: Moonik @ Wikicommons)
The last leg of the journey is marked with magical views of the intricately-designed Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. Resting behind the Palazzo Ducale is the iconic Saint Mark’s Basilica, a remarkable landmark known for being one of the best structures featuring Italo-Byzantine architecture.
Adjacent to Palazzo Ducale is a narrow canal that takes you to Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs), and is one of the most romantic spots as many consider it to be a stone-arched mistletoe. This water tour showcases Venice as a living and breathing artistic masterpiece. The breathtaking sights and cozy gondola promise you memories of a lifetime.
Enjoy fresh Venetian cuisine and a spectacular view of the Grand Canal at Al Graspo de Ua. (Source: Public Domain @ Pixabay)
Here are a couple of recommendations for a romantic meal after the ride. San Marco’s Al Graspo De Ua overlooks the Grand Canal. With a contemporary Venetian menu and a view to die for, you could enjoy a nice romantic meal on the patio.
InAcqua Restaurant is a fine dining establishment offering secluded tables by the waterfront, and an extensive Italian menu. A favorite among romantics, visitors should make it a point to stop here for a meal before leaving the magical lagoon city.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our short exploration of the various sights, sounds and tastes of wonderful Venice. It truly is a city for romance and the romantic at heart, as a gondola ride through its many scenic canals will prove–a romance in Venice surely won’t soon be forgotten.
__________________________________
As usual with our Cityseeker Guides, we like to collect all the various destinations we highlight using our Collections Feature, that you too can try with destinations you care about worldwide. Give it a go and start planning your next travel itinerary with Cityseeker!