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mint. At the rear of Doge's Palace, is another famous bridge, The Bridge of Sighs, which crosses over Rio di Palazzo, connecting the old prisons to the interrogation room in the palace. The bridge was built in the 16th century, but was given its name by Lord Byron in the 19th century. It is said that when prisoners were transferred to the prison, while walking across the bridge, they would sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice, before being taken to their cell; hence the name Bridge of Sighs. The old prison once confined Casanova and Galileo. Before leaving the square, take a moment, buy a bag of dried corn kernels, and feed the friendly pigeons who make their home there. Then stroll along the waters of the Grand Canal, next to the Piazza San Marco, you will find street vendors selling souvenirs, local artists sketching and painting works you can buy, and snacks.

A nice way to end a day of absorbing the magnificence of Venice, is to board a water taxi/bus at the Piazza San Marco stop, sit back and relax, while the boat navigates you on the Grand Canal, and back toward where you began your trip. During the ride, be sure to take notice of the exquisite architecture all along the Grand Canal. Keep an eye out for Ca'd'Oro, a beautiful palazzo built between 1428 and 1430 for the Contarini family. Also, be on the look out for the Ca' Rezzonico, Ca' Foscari, Ca' Balbi, and Ca' Giustinian, which capture the beautiful Venetian Baroque and gothic style architecture.

If you are staying in one of Venice's many hotels, and have more time to spend there, you may want to take a water taxi out to one of the other islands. Murano is the island that is famous for glass making, and there are shops all over the island, which sell the beautiful glass art that is produce there. The island of Burano is dotted with brightly colored houses, and known for lace making, with a museum and school dedicated to the art. Lido, primarily visited by Italians for their summer retreat, is also the scene for the Venice Film Festival.

With its blend of old and new, Venice has a truly mystical quality that keeps you enchanted and intrigued. Soaked with history, adorned with beauty, and emerged with culture, one visit will leave you longing for more.

Learn more about this author, Jan Castagnaro.
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