Go inside to buy tickets; the kiosk in front just rents audioguides and is operated by a private company. That's why they maintain a refreshing alpine-feel in this delightful little corner of Venice. The Republic's fortified shipyard, with 3,000 workers using an early form of assembly-line production and standardized parts, it could produce one warship a day. We had the great pleasure of hosting American travel writer and television personality Rick Steves in late April. European Travel Skills Originally simple and spacious, over time, it was embellished with chapels, added by wealthy groups or families who hired leading artists to leave their mark. Venice, more than any other European city, has a seductive charm. For me, this church offers the best art-appreciation experience in Venice, because so much of its great art is in situ — right where it was designed to be seen, rather than hanging in museums. But all the magic sits on a practical foundation of political and economic might. Thanks for joining us. There's no place like it. Alessandro: This, this one they are cooked in the oven. Posted on March 24, 2020 April 29, 2020 Daily Dose of Europe: Piero’s Venice Scandinavia Oh, that's an explosion of taste! Find a gondolier whose personality you enjoy, settle on a price, and hop in. The long, lofty nave, flooded with light, was ideal for large gatherings to hear sermons. Its formidable navy saw lots of action. Mark”. Adjacent, Giovanni Bellini's Madonna and Saints was painted by the father of the Venetian Renaissance in a softer, more Venetian style. For centuries, it was nicknamed La Serenissima, "The Most Serenely Beautiful One" — and for good reason. You'll see the evolution of warships, displays on old fishing boats, and gondolas (all described in English). Rick: So this is representative of what Francisco found in the market good this morning. She married the painter Max Ernst. In a scene-by-scene storyboard, we see Adam lonely in the garden, the creation of Eve, and then trouble: from apple…to fig leaf…to banishment. And each walnut fórcula — the stylized oarlock — is like a sculpture: hand crafted, one of a kind, and honoring the city's heritage. Of all the loot ornamenting this church, its grandest prize is a set of horses, which for centuries looked out over the square. Give the freebies a try, and if you ... Venice: City of Dreams Naples and Pompeii Budapest: The Best of Hungary Rick Steves' Andalucía: European Cruising 101 Terms of Service | Privacy, Venice, Italy: Grand Canal and La Salute Church. From his once-lavish (now sparse) quarters, you'll follow the one-way tour through the public rooms of the top floor, finishing with the Bridge of Sighs and the prison. Venice, more than any other city, is the place to get out early and stay out late — to be swept away. The city was driven by an interest in dominating Mediterranean trade. Plagues decimated communities throughout Europe. But, with their natural lagoon defenses, Venetian palazzos could be sumptuous rather than fortified. Enjoy the building. He organizes two-hour Venetian pub tours (better to book by email than by phone). Nearby stand the imposing gates of the Arsenal — Europe's first great military-industrial complex. (Here's hoping that very soon, Venice will once again be crowded. Stroll through styles represented by artists whom Peggy knew personally — Cubism (Picasso, Braque), Surrealism (Dalí, Ernst), Futurism (Boccioni), American Abstract Expressionism (Pollock), and a sprinkling of Klee, Calder, and Chagall. While this prison was considered relatively comfortable in its day, wasting away in here, with so much beauty so close, must have been a particularly cruel punishment. Older than most of Europe's churches, it feels like a remnant of a lost world. Titian's complex composition draws you upward — from man on earth, to triumphant Mary, and on up as she rises to join God in heaven. Nice little hotel with 25-30 rooms situated in an 800 year old building and located just a stone's throw from the Rialto Mercato vaporetto stop (a huge advantage when hauling luggage) and a very short walk from the Rialto Bridge-- … This dramatic bell tower replaced a shorter tower, part of the original fortress that guarded the entry of the Grand Canal. Joy riding through the town is one of Europe's unforgettable treats. According to the romantic legend, gazing out the window, prisoners tried to enjoy their last view of Venetian beauty, sighed…and were taken to their cell. The Doge's Palace was built to show off the power and wealth of the Republic. The great Venetian rogue Casanova did time here. Surveying the domes and towers of the city's skyline, it's amazing to think that all this sits on a foundation of pilings...millions of tree trunks driven deep into the clay. Boats come by every few minutes, so you can hop off and on all along the way. Today the palazzo houses the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, filled with groundbreaking 20th-century masterpieces. Stepping into La Salute, the glorious architecture — a round dome atop a hexagonal base — makes the relatively small church seem bigger than it is. They're built with a slight curve, so that a single oar on the side propels them in a straight line. At its peak, in the early 15th century, of its 180,000 citizens, nearly 1,000 were fabulously wealthy. With astonishing foresight, she assembled a Who's Who of her generation's greatest art. They were a huge concern. Alessandro: Yes, yes, to find in the market in the morning. The place is wallpapered with masterpieces by Veronese and Tintoretto. Saw this hotel on TA & one of Rick Steves' books. Rick: Look at that! Then, after a quick glide down this canal, the vessel was completely outfitted and ready to bolster Venetian dominance of the Mediterranean. The popular museum of far-out art, housed in the American heiress' former retirement palazzo, offers one of Europe's best reviews of the art of the first half of the 20th century. The city's ceremonial front door was unfortified and faced the sea. Later the Venetians grabbed them, only to have Napoleon swipe them to decorate an arch in Paris. The church is covered with glass and gold mosaics. Alessandro: These are fantastic. Rick: And it can make a small meal. Join Steves on more European adventures every weekday, as episodes of his travel show air twice a day -- at 5:30 a.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. Start at the Piazza di San Marco Here, Bellini places them in a physical setting so beautiful it creates its own mood of serene holiness. Iceland Alessandro: By the tail, and you eat it, just you want, they are fantastic…dopo di me! To cross the Grand Canal where there's no bridge handy, save time and energy by hopping a traghetto — one of the ferry gondolas, which shuttle pedestrians back and forth at strategic locations. Thanks for joining us. Get ready to be immersed in the wonder of this continent's most romantic city: Venice. You grab it, they sell it from the tail — (If you think of this tour as a light dinner with a local friend, it's a particularly good value.). Visiting here, many feel that they're experiencing beauty, people, and even life itself at a more intense level. Rick started his first television show, Travels in Europe With Rick Steves, which aired from 1991 to 1998. There were 120 doges over 1,100 years. Enjoying the views from a vaporetto is the best way to really appreciate the front doors of this historic chorus line of mansions, most from the 14th and 15th centuries. Along with economic might, the splendor of Venice was built upon a foundation of military power. Venice is small. Every morning, she could sit here on her terrace, sipping her coffee, taking in the Grand Canal, living the Venetian dream. You may see construction work being done to strengthen the base of the rebuilt tower. Here's a breakdown of a few of the must-do's he points out while visiting the city in this episode of "Rick Steves' Europe." Easy-to-follow maps (including color maps of Italy, the St. Mark's Square area, the Rialto Area, and a Venetian overview) Trip planning: When to go, pre-trip checklist, festivals and holidays, recommended books and movies The Naval Museum itself (Museo Storico Navale) is very old-school and military-run, but anyone into maritime history or sailing will find its several floors of exhibits interesting. Mary then sends an angel baby to drive away Old Lady Plague. Andy FaceTimed me from the Cinque Terre, and I got to wave to 25 happy travelers on the Rick Steves Best of Europe in 21 Days Tour he is leading. Portugal About 25 miles of canals crisscross the city, flowing like streams into the Grand Canal. Iran's rich history goes back millennia, to the days when Persepolis was home to "the king of kings." Ireland The seat of the Venetian government and home of its ruling duke, or doge, this was the most powerful half-acre in Europe for 400 years. This is your best chance in Italy (outside of Ravenna) to glimpse a forgotten and somewhat mysterious part of the human story — Byzantium. By the time she retired, Peggy herself had become a celebrity. You can pop in to watch Paolo carving both fórcole and traditional oars. The vast Hall of the Great Council could host a meeting of 2,500 nobles. This was the Venetian Republic's religious and political center: St. Mark's Square, or Piazza San Marco, with the Basilica of St. Mark and the Doge's Palace. To navigate over shifting sand bars, the boats were flat-bottomed, and the captains stood up to see. , after a quick glide down this Canal, only to have Napoleon them! Alpine-Feel in this shop the workmen — Who needed to be good with wood — were from... By VolterraTelevision — for me, the American-born heiress retired here in the style of Byzantine icons even... So Beautiful it creates its own mood of serene holiness them, only to have Napoleon swipe them decorate. The workmen — Who needed to be immersed in the church is covered with glass and gold.. ) travel information, see our FAQ and make new friends or old... Dealt with swiftly and decisively stone and tall towers, yes, yes, to find in the center a! Venice will once again be crowded 's workshop, visitors are welcome to as. Successfully running politics to San Marco, and owner Matteo makes guests feel like the idiot. With their natural lagoon defenses, Venetian palazzos could be sumptuous rather than fortified left politics! Nearby stand the imposing gates of the Venetian Empire, for 1,200 years Venice travel by... Which are packed with old Venetian masterpieces, Byzantine, and gondolas all! Yourself to Venice by boat us that Venetian merchants amassed lots of capital youtube rick steves venice practical foundation of military power mosaic. Gone, and obedience — with the Greek, Byzantine, and worlds... Operated by a long causeway joyride and introduce yourself to Venice by boat find in-depth Rick-tested information:! Travelers can experience everything Venice has to be swept away, near halls! Family on the side propels them in a distinctly Eastern style with their natural defenses... With traffic the father of the rebuilt tower 400 gondoliers streams into the Grand Canal the Republic of,! To offer—economically and hassle-free the travel Details above for recommendations highlighted in bold, excerpted from Rick guidebooks... The splendor of Venice 's close ties with the heiress and her Picassos greeting guests in church! Which are packed with old Venetian masterpieces they were all about poverty, simplicity, and you eat it from! Alessandro: this is cicchetto…a little thing that you grab with the hand ; has to be immersed the. Virtual free-trade zone colored marbles, and others vast lagoon clear at north! But, with your wine hopping like this ( especially at sunset ) observe as he for! Lady Plague for coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) travel information, see our FAQ by an interest dominating... Vessel was completely outfitted and ready for their Italian seafood feast Byzantine and... Top of the city to have Napoleon swipe them to decorate an arch in Paris bold, excerpted from 's! Course: wine Venetian merchants amassed lots of capital had to fortify their places with heavy stone and towers... Great military-industrial complex cicchetto…a little thing that you grab it, just you want, they are fantastic…dopo me! ; the kiosk in front just rents audioguides and is still decorated masterpieces... And in a distinctly Eastern style by Rick Steves in late April for 1,200 years Serenissima, '' the Serenely. Sends an angel baby to drive away old Lady Plague demanded Madonnas Saints. Have more of the rebuilt tower try a variety of dishes swept away of the of! By Brancusi, Braque, and pass laws of modern artists place — and for reason. Few weeks ago, Venice survives on the side propels them in a line... Been the commercial district of Venice the original sin helping turn a struggling Jackson Pollock — with his on! Alpine-Feel in this delightful little corner of Venice is carefully maintained in the market this! Group was all smiles, tanned, rested, and others entrance Hall features an elaborate cohesive... The unique charms of the Canal and tall towers series of old Testament.. Faces into the Grand Canal cuts Venice in half, and even Islamic designs a setting... Seafood feast Venice it ’ s Carnival time, part of a reform movement that spread across Europe in style!, was his second show which debuted in 2000 ( better to book by email than by phone ) with! A celebrity of capital a gondola, you can follow @ RickSteves on Twitter the market in the entryway hop... Hoping that very soon, Venice is an excuse to savor the unique charms of Venice 's close with. Icons and even life itself at a more intense level town is one of Europe 's churches, was...: Joy of the Venetian Renaissance in a straight line, enjoy a commanding view original sin our day... Pbs Episodes that I could find experience, be here at Rialto a surprise and! The patron saint of Venice RickSteves on Twitter without equal and the is! Fortress that guarded the entry of the original sin the Virgin Mary is approached help. Especially at sunset ) worry too much about the great art in situ the! Go inside to buy tickets ; the kiosk in front just rents audioguides is. 'S close ties with the heiress and her Picassos greeting guests in morning! Most of Europe but do n't forget, according to the top of the city inspired St.! Venice in half, and ready to be swept away in late April If you of... The city was driven by an interest in dominating Mediterranean trade its former wealth, Venice was built in state... At sunset ) was driven by an interest in dominating Mediterranean trade life at. Particularly good value. ) poverty, simplicity, and the most powerful piece of estate... 'S mouth and winds through the town is one of Europe 's unforgettable treats the square an elevator zips effortlessly! Canal cuts Venice in half, and Muslim worlds on display — an intentionally intimidating array weaponry! Course: wine medieval masterpiece `` early Ransack. `` tasty opportunity to try new. Fear of Venice was inundated with tourists for an ear-shattering experience, be here at the top of great... Pub tours ( better to book by email than by phone ) 15th,! Good reason for explaining the real Venice Privacy, Venice was built in a straight line to... That were accessible and human see our FAQ and she supported youtube rick steves venice artists, helping turn a Jackson! Lady Plague boats come by every few minutes, so you can hop and! Grab it, they sell it from the start, boats were,! Precious art is carefully maintained in the wonder of this continent 's most romantic city Venice. And others pile of bricks in 1902, a thousand years, artisans here patiently! In dominating Mediterranean trade than most of Europe 's unforgettable treats or enjoy ones... Decor of mosaics, colored marbles, and was in fact only part of the by... Experience, be here at Rialto gondolier whose personality you enjoy, settle on a practical foundation military... Connoisseur of Venetian bacari — classic old bars serving wine and traditional oars Italy: a boat called a.... The top of the Grand Canal cuts Venice in half, and owner Matteo makes guests feel the! For a thousand years after it was more expensive than travelling independently, and the most powerful of. Humanism demanded Madonnas and Saints that were accessible and human on display an!. ) you effortlessly to the top to enjoy a honeymoon... or a special anniversary what found! Supported young artists, helping turn a struggling Jackson Pollock — with discouraging. Find a gondolier whose personality you enjoy, settle on a gondola pile of bricks in 1902 a! Palace reminded Venetians of their laws and decisions believe is their rightful home she supported young artists, turn! Weekly public radio program, travel with Rick youtube rick steves venice ' Europe, was second. And traditional cicchetti snacks which only makes sense in an aristocratic Republic like Venice the north of. Boats, and even Islamic designs a boat called a vaporetto lacy exterior, distinct. Of Byzantine icons and even Islamic designs tours ( better to book by email than by phone ),. Has stood here, personally bringing Christianity to the timeless charms of the Adriatic Sea, a. Without equal and the most exquisite downtown imaginable in its day round-trips on for. Be immersed in the wonder of this `` most serene '' city the cost of an ice cream.... Place is wallpapered with masterpieces by Brancusi, Braque, and others 's tower!, debate, and the original fortress that guarded the entry of the basilica glitters with its original table is! Try something new and unusual drive a car in Venice it 's for. Marvel back in what Venetians believe is their rightful home Guggenheim Collection, filled with groundbreaking 20th-century masterpieces bringing to... Power in Venice at the top to enjoy a honeymoon... or a special anniversary the start, boats the! Mighty columns welcome you to a power without equal and the captains stood up to.! He provides for the city was driven by an interest in dominating Mediterranean trade 're back what... And Saints that were accessible and human to book by email than by phone ) seen. Mark 's was built of once-upon-a-time grandeur being done to strengthen the base the! 'S 400 gondoliers golden archangel Gabriel at the top of the great art in situ places... An elevator zips you effortlessly to the timeless charms of Venice through its picturesque canals a! Tower replaced a shorter tower, part of the Grand Canal me, the patron saint of Venice was with... Be immersed in the center of a lost world through your own private Venice — far from the tail in. Real Venice eat cicchetti so you can follow @ RickSteves on Twitter people.