Developing technology and rapid urbanization causes many cities to lose their spirit and fabric. I cannot feel peaceful at cities without historic fabric. I think the cities without any life experience are ordinary.
So, I plan my travels in accordance with these expectations. Preferring Venice for my last tour is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Venice is one of the rare cities preserving its spirit and fabric. Actually, Venice is beyond the time.
I define my Venice tour as “Escaping to another world”. Colourful houses arising on thousands years of planks along the canals astonish people at first view. This city of dreams is as fresh and charming as ever; it is beyond the time. Let’s explore this city of dreams together.
There is an interesting folk tale about this pearl of the Adriatic Sea. The Duke of Venice threw his ring to the Adriatic by sailing with a galley at each anniversary of Ascension of Jesus; this ring was the symbol of the sea and of Venice. Via this ritual, the Duke confirmed his marriage with the sea. This ceremony is called as La Sensa and means ‘Hey sea, we’ve married for the sake of the truth and infinite’.
Venetians are descendants of Veneti’s founded Padova city in 1184 BC. At that times, Venice was a lagoon covered with nutgrasses. Venetians migrated from Anatolia after Trojan War and settled in here. They developed salt trade thanks to the lagoon which turns into a saltpan in summer.
The city was invaded by Goths in 402 BC. While Goths vandalise the city, Venetians found a solution to protect their region. They change the direction of the river into the lagoon.
Thus, the city was surrounded with water. This plan was successful. Goths could proceed no further. This city of dreams was founded as the result of all fights and struggles of Venetians.
It is charming, right? This marvellous city was constructed on planks. Venetians also succeeded in living in the water. They carried the timbers they collected from the forest and improved the ground by deepening the canals between the cubbies of mud. Then, they got the planks by penetrating timbers and plastered. So, this fabulous live in water began.
Urbanization of Venice The city of Venice was founded under the Roman Empire. After the collapse of the Empire, Byzantines dominated the city. During this age, the city improved independently and started to rise.
During the Middle Age and New Age, Venetians shined out with fishing and ship building and both the government and society became rich thanks to these commercial power. Venice hosted many artists during Renaissance. There are many artworks of Renaissance in Venice. This fact is one of the factors making Venice an important tourism centre.
Being in Venice…
I advise you to start to explore Venice with a gondola tour among the canals. We did so. We came to Venice S. Lucia station From Padova and arrived at this unique beauty on the canals via vaporetto. Colourful houses between the canals, bridges, cozy and inviting narrow streets, squares surrounded by history and art…
Venice is a city beyond the time. You feel on a plate of a film telling an ancient tale. We set our course to San Marco Square to feel this historical and artistic spirit more.
St. Mark Bell Tower (Le Campane Di San Marco)
There is a golden angle at the top of the 98.6 meters high tower and its wings turn to wherever the wind comes from. The bell tower collapsed in 1902 by itself but caused no harm. It was rebuilt after less than ten years from the collapse. There are five bells at St. Marco Bell Tower.
Maleficio announced sentence of death; Marangona announced the start and end of the working hours of carpenters in Arsenale, Mezzana was the sign of midday, Pregadi announced the Senators the meeting times at Ducal Palace and Trottera ensured the noblesse not to be late for their meetings at Palazzo Ducale by inviting them to a trip with their horses. You may climb to tower via escalator and enjoy the landscape of Venice.
Ponte Dei Pugni Bridge
In ancient times, there were two groups as Castellani and Nicolotti in Venice. People working in Arsenal lived at east of the city, Castello. The other group lived in the west of the city, at the region where the St. Nicholas Church of Mendicoli was.
These two groups has been rivals since 14th century and fought during the period between September and Christmas in the armour wars named as “Lotta dei Pugni”. These wars took place especially on Ponte dei Pugni bridge and could be severe.
Venice Houses
As I said before, the houses in Venice are placed on planks. Most people wonder how these wooden houses continue their existence in water. However, contrary to popular belief, wood toughens in water and becomes stronger.
The fact that the planks have been penetrated into the layer under the sea sand improves the ground. Close your eyes and imagine living one of those colourful and cozy houses during gondola trip.
Church Towers (Campanili)
In old times, church towers were used as lighthouses besides showing the time and inviting the prayers to pray. For example, St. Mart Bell Tower was covered with reflector papers and used as fire controller besides serving as a lighthouse.
There were fire guards named as “guardie del fogo” at the top of the towers. As the ground has been not solid enough, most of the towers have leant.
Quick Facts About Venice
• It is known as “city of canals”, “city of waters” and
“city of masks”.
• It is located at east of Italy, in Adriatic coast.
• There are 170 canals and 400 bridges on 118 islands.
• Venice Carnival: This annual carnival lasts for 40
days and famous for its amazing masks and shows.
Dating back to 1268, Venice Carnival takes its roots
from Pagan ritual of meeting the spring. The masks
used during the carnival are the works of an ancient
and real labour of art.
What to Eat?
• Pizza, pasta and risotto triad,
• Cicchetti, snacks on bread
• Croissant,
• Yummy snacks,
• Marine products,
• Venice style of meatballs called as “Polpette”
• Spaghetti In Nero Di Seppia: Cuttlefish cooked in
tomato sauce,
• Risi i Bisi,
• Tiramisu,
• Gelato.
Prepared by: Nükhet Sezer
