VENICE HISTORICAL CENTRE

Departure from San Trovaso and arrival in Venice (train station S. Lucia), from P.le Roma take the ferry-boat line 1° in the direction Accademia (from where you will have an enchanting view of all the Palaces along the Grand Canal) and disembark at the ferry stop Ca’ d’Oro, a master work of the fourth century in gothic style so named for the gold-plating that originally decorated facade. Recommended is a visit to the Gallery Franchetti, proceed in the direction of Rialto and cross the Rialto Bridge, constructed in stone in substitution of a wooden bridge in the 16th century (with three walkways and two rows of shops) pass through the famous fruit and fish markets and after crossing Campo San Polo arrive at the Frari church, a third century gothic structure (highly, recommended an inside visit to view the works of art) – by foot or by ferry (line 1) arrive to the Ca’ Rezzonico with a visit to the Museum of the 700’s – follow the signs to Accademia – visit the Accademia Art Gallery (works by Giorgione, Tiziano, Carpaccio, Tintoretto), eventual visit to the Peggy Guggenheim Museum (modern art).

RIVIERA DEL BRENTA

Make an excursion to the enchanting Venetian Villas situated along the Brenta River by car or by bicycle (if you have a boat navigate along the river) in the direction of Padua (Padova). Recommended is a visit to the Villa Foscari by Palladio at Malcontenta (dating from the 5th century with the centre rooms in the form of a greek cross), Villa Widmann at Mira (7th century with curvilinear tympanum and an atrium of doric columns), Villa La Barbariga at San Pietro of Strà (7th century with a central building and symmetrical wings), Villa Pisani Nazionale at Strà (7th century with two courtyards separated by a central building with triangular tympanum) immersed in a huge park.

LE FESTE TRADIZIONALI

The Carnival

Re-launched two decades ago, the Carnival was immediately regarded both in Italy and abroad as an event not to be missed
Venice Carnival is steeped in history, charm and tradition: its inhabitants and tourists alike have taken a keen interest in it, thanks to its mix of transgression, art, history and culture in one of the most unique cities in the world

THE SENSA FEAST-DAY

In previous centuries this holiday held an important role in the social and political life of Venice, which resulted in one of the most important and sumptuous celebrations, interweaving the legend, myth and history of the city.
If, historically speaking, the Sensa is the result of an overlapping of civil and religious rites and events through the ages, today we prefer to give it the meaning of festivity of the Sea and therefore of a festivity of a city which draws its raison d'être from its relationship with the sea.

THE REDENTORE FEAST-DAY

The Redentore is one of the Venetians' most treasured festivities, and is a tourist attraction thanks to the spectacular firework display in the evening.
It falls on the third Sunday in July, when Holy Mass is held in the presence of the Patriarch, followed by a religious procession.
But the special moment of the festivity takes place on Saturday night: with the unbeatable backdrop of Saint Mark's Basin, a play of lights and reflections produce a kaleidoscope of colours with the silhouetted spires, domes and bell towers of the city behind.
The weekend ends with a gondola regatta.

THE HISTORICAL REGATTA

Even now the Regata Storica is one of the most spectacular, picturesque and moving events of Venetian life, capable of both charming the tourists and exciting the locals.
A historical procession commemorates the welcome given to Caterina Cornaro, wife of the King of Cyprus, in 1489 after she renounced her throne in favour of Venice. It is a procession of 16th century style boats, with the famous Bucintoro, the boat representing the Serenissima, at its head.
Then comes the competition. The spectators participate with gusto and shouts of encouragement during the sporting events.

THE FEAST-DAY OF THE MADONNA DELLA SALUTE

The Feast-day of the Madonna della Salute is probably the least "touristy" of the Venetian festivities and evokes strong religious feelings among the city's inhabitants.
The holiday is, like the Redentore, in memory of another bout of pestilence, which lasted for two years from 1630-31, and the subsequent vow by the Doge to obtain the intercession of the Virgin Mary.
Even today, thousands of inhabitants visit the main altar of the imposing Salute Church on November 21 to give thanks, and a strong symbolic tie remains between the city and the Virgin Mary.

THE ROWING SEASON (April - September)

Every year from April to September, in Venice and on the lagoon, there are more than 120 regattas, in addition to the famous Historical Regatta.
Many of these races are spontaneous; eleven are promoted by the Municipality of Venice in collaboration with the Rowers' Associations and the Co-ordination of the Rowing Clubs with the aim of keeping alive a sporting practice which originates from the very nature of the city. Many of these regattas coincide with traditional festivities and festivals where the race once represented an occasion of not only true popular but also institutional glory.