Viking Traveller 2nd Issue

CITY GUIDE
Venice may be one of the most visited cities in the
world, yet it has retained its charming and unique
character. Amid its authenticity, its historic
landmarks are still very much alive and brimming with
their original character.
MUST-SEES
The Rialto Bridge, straddling the Grand Canal, is a
breathtaking site and is as beautiful to look at as it is
to look out from. The Grand Canal, the watery “Main
Street” of Venice, is peppered with gondolas and vaporetti,
and overlooked by picturesque and stately Renaissance
palaces. Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark’s Square, is
the centre of Venetian culture and social life. In this
magnificent expanse of true Venetian splendour, you
might visit the Doge’s Palace, once the seat of government
for the Venetian Republic and Courts of Justice. Also
within Piazza San Marco, travellers can admire St. Mark’s
Basilica, a beautiful cathedral built in the shape of a Greek
cross. Facing the lagoon is the Bridge of Sighs —rumour is
that the bridge got its name from the prisoners who would
sigh as they crossed the bridge to the executioner.
EATING
It is not unusual to stand up in bars to eat and drink in
Venice—in fact, usually, you pay more to sit down for a cup
of coffee. Al Mercà, near Rialto Market, is a serving counter
with delicious Aperol spritz and cicchetti (small traditional
snacks). In Cannaregio, you will find some of the best local
restaurants. Try Anice Stellato, an unassuming frontage on
Fondamenta de la Sensa.
SHOPPING
Venice is known for its masked balls, so visit mask atelier
Tragicomica of Gualtiero Dall’Osto and try to gain behindthe-scenes
access to the workshop to see true artistry at work.
A short boat ride away is Murano, an island known for its
amazing handblown glass.
EXPLORE VENICE THE VIKING WAY
Viking offers a number
of included and optional
excursions in Venice.
Secrets of the Doge’s Palace
Enter the secret passageways
of Venice’s Doge’s Palace, the
halls, rooms and chambers
hidden from the public
eye. With your local guide,
you will slip away from the
crowds through a small door
into the lowest levels of the
palace. Here, stone cells held
prisoners of the Venetian
Republic behind thick doors
and wrought-iron locks.
Ascend to the upper floors via
narrow, steep stairways to the
sparse offices of the staff who
performed the delicate work
of building and maintaining
a republic. Heading farther
upward still, you will see the
cells reserved for political
prisoners and spies, including
its most famous captive,
Casanova, who was arrested
for seduction in 1753. Return
to the palace’s public spaces to
tour the luxurious staterooms
and the breathtaking Great
Council Room.
X Main image: Canal Grande with Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
Images left to right: Fish market in Venice; Venetian gondola; Basilica di San Marco
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