Venice is sinking. This is an irrefutable fact and with the authorities floundering as to how to deal with the ever encroaching sea, it seems only a matter of time before the city begins to limit the number of tourists who visit its otherworldly canals, narrow streets and stunning piazzas.
Of course, tourism is hardly the solution to the city’s problems, with the huge influxes of foreigners forcing locals out of their homes and exacerbating issues such as inflation and gentrification. However, steer clear of the hideous cruise ships and Airbnb flats, and you can still visit this European gem with a semi-guilt free conscience.
Here are some of the reasons you should go and soak up the city’s charms before she lowers her mast for the final time and submits herself to the sea.
Despite all its existential issues, Venice is still one of the most alluring cities in the world
La Fenice – Gold Leafed Opera House That Takes the Breath Away
This incredible performance space is so intricately designed and lavishly decorated that it is worth taking a guided tour to get it all out of your system before you go to watch a show there.
First built all the way back in 1792, La Fenice has played host to operas written by some of the greatest artistic minds ever to have existed, including Prokofiev and Stravinsky. Its name is translated as, The Phoenix. This is due to it rising from the ashes on multiple occasions, once after an accidental fire and again following an arsonist attack.
Operas are performed here between September and October, and from January to July, so make sure you book early and turn up smart on the night, because if you go there wearing baggy shorts and flip-flops you will be refused entry.
Many venues and sights in Venice are only accessible by water
Casino di Venezia – The Grand Canal’s Grand Old Dame
Dating as far back as 1638, Casino di Venezia is not just the oldest casino in Italy but is thought to be the oldest anywhere in the world, with its original structure being part theatre and part gaming den. It moved location in 1950, but still has all the authenticity and class you would expect of such a piece of prime Venetian heritage.
The only way to arrive on the casino’s jetty is via gondola, meaning the moment you step from your vessel you’ll feel like a film character preparing him or herself for a night to remember at the tables.
Basilica di San Marco – Putting All Other Cathedrals in the Shade
There are too many architectural gems to highlight in Venice but one that you really would be silly to miss is the Basilica di San Marco, whose rich history reads like a novel. The building was constructed to house the body of St Mark, his remains cunningly stolen from the Egyptians by Venetian merchants who got the job done with help of a vat of pig fat.
Despite its rather gruesome raison d’être, the cathedral is beautiful, especially at sunset when the sun brings to life its myriad golden mosaics. Once you’ve taken in the building’s façade, dodging selfie sticks as you go, you should queue to get inside, where yet more mind-blowing domes and statues await. Then let everything you’ve seen sink in, with a quiet stroll around the city’s famous bridges and water flanked pathways.
La Biennale di Venezia – The Art World Docks in Venice Twice a Year
Although Florence is the place to go in Italy if art sends you weak at the knees, Venice is the proud host of the most prestigious arts showcase on the continent, with aficionados jetting in from all over the world to set eyes on the latest trends and masterpieces.
For those visitors more intrigued by architecture than art, then the Biennale also has you covered, with exhibits on show outside the Arsenale and the Giardini.