7 Tips to discover an alternative Venice Italy

Venice has much to offer and the first time visitor’s first wish is to see the most iconic sights. The Rialto bridge , San Marco’s Square and its Basilica and Ducal Palace are all rightly renowned for their beauty. However, if you have a little more time, you might be interested in a few little tricks.

Here are a few tips on how to experience another side to Venice: A few little less well-known but certainly authentic and memorable suggestions and details.

All of Venice from the bell tower of San Giorgio

Okay, so the view from the top of San Marco is considered a must, but if you really want to embrace Venice from above, the bell tower of San Giorgio is the right choice. San Giorgio Maggiore is a small island relatively unknown to tourists even if it is located right in front of Piazza San Marco. The history of the island is linked to the Benedictine monastery, a splendid complex that houses the famous basilica designed by Andrea Palladio and which today is the seat of the Giorgio Cini cultural foundation.

Here, after visiting the beauties of the island or taking part in numerous cultural events, you can take the lift to the top of the bell tower of San Giorgio and enjoy a unique panorama that starts from San Marco and embraces the whole city and the lagoon. The ferry to the island leaves from San Marco and takes less than 15 minutes.

The secret gardens of Venice

Taking a stroll around Venice means coming across its history and beauty at every corner simply by looking around. Yet some of the most precious treasures of this city are hidden from the eyes of most. This is the case of the famous (but not too famous) gardens of Venice: small caches of greenery that the Venetian nobles created inside their palaces. Hidden behind the walls that line the streets and foundations lie these courtyards and orchards as stately and lush as they are inaccessible. Or rather, mostly inaccessible; today it is possible to visit and admire some of the most beautiful gardens in Venice such as those of the Casino degli Spiriti, Ca ‘Morosini, the Scuola Vecchia della Misericordia, or the gardens of the church of S. Francesco della Vigna.

How about a boat instead of a gondola?

Venice’s most iconic boat, the gondola, is an institution. However, for the more curious, or for those who have already had that experience, taking advantage of a longer and less “touristy” boat tour could prove to be an excellent way to get to know and admire the city from the right perspective.

By discovering Venice from the water you experience it as its inhabitants do. Moving through the lattice of canals that criss-cross the city, is perhaps the most authentic way to admire its geography and architecture. Afterwards, still by boat, you can visit the lagoon and its islands, including Murano, Burano, Torcello and Pellestrina. Easily reachable these are some of Venice’s true jewels of history, culture and craftsmanship.

The staircase of Contarini del Bovolo in Venice

The Bovolo staircase is less frequented by tourists, despite being a real architectural jewel. This is due to its decentralized position compared to the classic Venetian attractions. Onthe other hand, finding it is not difficult. Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is located in the San Marco district, near Campo Manin, overlooking the Rio di San Luca. It is a very striking and in many ways outlandish building.

The staircase, which takes its name from the bòvolo (which in Venetian dialect means snail), stands on a small garden crowded with architectural fragments, offering a truly unique Venetian sight . Built at the end of the 15th century and reopened to the public after a long restoration work, it is the most majestic and singular staircase in Venice, the result of a perfect synthesis of different styles: Renaissance (for the use of some elements such as capitals), Gothic (for the construction technique) and Venetian-Byzantine (for the shape).

The Tour of the Bacari and an aperitif in Campo Santa Margherita

For those who want to experience authentic Venice locales, another unmissable venue is the tour of the Bacari. Not your chic clubs or elegant bars, but rather a tour that winds its way through the streets as you stop off in various typical taverns where you can taste the classic cicchetti (side-dishes) such as , mozzarella in carrozza, various small fish snacks, meatballs or canapes. These are enjoyed standing up as you discover the convivial and carefree atmospheres of an Venice evening . The city is dotted with these typical taverns; needless to say that the most picturesque of which are those found off the beaten path. So what better excuse to stroll through the streets and squares in search of the next spot.

For Venetians, an aperitif in Campo Santa Margherita is a must. Located in the Dorsoduro district, in one of the most beautiful areas of the city, this square is the heart of nightlife in the lagoon city, frequented by Venetians and university students, with its numerous bars, outdoor tables, music, cicchetti and spritz!

Walking above the water: the pontoon bridges from San Marco square

Twice a year, San Marco Square reaches out over the water thanks to wooden bridges supported by boats temporarily set up for two typically Venetian celebrations: the Festa della Salute, on the 21 November, and the Festa del Redentore, on the 3rd Saturday in July.

The first anniversary is celebrated at the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute in Longhena, while the second at the church of the Redeemer of Palladio. Both buildings were built as a votive offering in gratitude for the end of the plague, in 1631 and 1577 respectively.

On these two occasions, a quaint makeshift bridge resting on boats is built. It connects San Marco Square to the churches in a evocative path over the waters which symbolise a pilgrimage.

Lose yourself in the Venetian streets.

Perhaps the strangest advice of all, but also the one that can give the best surprises, is to avoid following a precise itinerary. Venice holds things of beauty round every corner. It is a hypnotic city, always similar and always somehow different, which can offer unique sights to those who know how to get lost in its maze of calli (streets), campi (squares), churches, palaces, shops, gardens, canals and bridges. In Venice the unexpected is just around the corner! All you have to do to discover as much as possible, is wander without a specific destination and let yourself be guided by the city’s layout.

Experience Venice with Tadomo

Visit one of the most incredible cities in the world. Its art, architecture, culture and traditions make the city on the water an unparalleled jewel. Choose to experience it in an authentic way, and discover the most hidden corners and savour its evocative atmosphere.

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