Page 134 - Off The Tourist Trail - 1000 Unexpected Travel Alternatives (Part 2 of 2)

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CITIES

A replica of the ceremonial Bucintoro barge displayed in the Naval
History Museum
Smaller

Museums

A host of little-visited but interesting museums
and galleries are hidden around town, each with
curious exhibits that shed light on the story of this
magnificent city. On entering the Palazzo Querini
Stampalia Museum, you are transported back to
the 1700s for a glimpse of life in a Venetian palace
of that period. Beautifully furnished rooms are
decorated with rich fabrics, fine porcelain, famous
Murano glass, and period paintings by illustrious
artists such as Longhi and Bellini.
The Naval History Museum (Museo Storico
Navale) near the Arsenale has displays of ancient
watercraft, which provide an excellent overview of
life and work in Venice prior to the arrival of motor-
powered boats. One highlight here is the replica of
the Bucintoro ceremonial barge that had pride of
place in the Sposalizio del Mare rituals symbolizing
Venice “marrying” the sea – the original was put to
the flames by Napoleon. Not to be missed is the
Pavilion of Boats (Padiglione delle Navi), with a
royal vessel complete with decorated oars and
TOP Piazza San Marco as seen from the Grand Canal ABOVE Basilica di San Marco and San Marco district seen from the Campanile naval craft employed during World War II.
On Murano, the dusty old bishops’ residence,
Viewpoints Giudecca island. A walkway around the hotel’s pool Palazzo Giustiniani, now the Glass Museum (Museo
affords stunning views over the vast sweep of the del Vetro), is a treasure trove of priceless, fragile
shipping canals and the layout of the majestic city pieces of exquisite craftsmanship. One of the many
After a while, Venice can feel claustrophobic with backed by the mighty Alps. A bar overlooks highlights is a gigantic candelabra composed of
its narrow, sunless streets and swarms of people, beautifully laid-out gardens and residences, as 356 handmade pieces, weighing over 660 lbs
but visitors in the know can enjoy spectacular well as tastefully converted industrial premises. (300 kg). Explanations of glass-working techniques
vantage points high above the bustle. Lines usually Finally, for unbeatable aerial views take a boat covering beads, millefiori, mirrors, and blowing
build up outside the celebrated 323-ft (99-m) over to the Lido (see p301) and treat yourself to a accompany the visit. A ferry trip away, Burano has a
Campanile (bell tower) in Piazza San Marco, but it’s helicopter ride. Visitors taking off or landing at the showcase museum, Museo del Merletto, with
worth the wait. In 1452 an impatient Frederick III, outlying Venice airport only get a fleeting glimpse exhibits that display the ancient art of lace-making,
the Holy Roman Emperor, rode his horse up the of the lagoon, but from the chopper, the intricate believed to derive from a magical veil of foam
ramp, but nowadays there’s an elevator. system of channels, shallows, sandbanks, and which was dreamed up by a fisherman.
A short boat trip across St Mark’s Basin is the islands becomes crystal clear.
quiet monastery island of San Giorgio Maggiore.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Here, at the back of the church designed by PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Museo del Merletto Piazza Galuppi 187, Burano; www.museiciviciveneziani.it
Andrea Palladio, one of the remaining Benedictine Campanile San Marco Piazza San Marco, San Marco; www.basilicasan Museo Storico Navale Riva S Biasio, Castello; www2.regione.veneto.it/cultura/
monks accompanies visitors up to a little-visited marco.it musei/inglese/pag462e.htm
bell tower that affords wonderful vistas. But the Heliair Aeroporto G. Nicelli, Lido di Venezia, Lido; www.heliairvenice.com Museo del Vetro Fondamenta Giustinian 8, Murano; www.museicivici
best place for memorable panoramas is the Skyline Hilton Molino Stucky Hotel Giudecca 810; www.hilton.com/venice veneziani.it
Terrace at the Hilton Molino Stucky hotel on San Giorgio Church San Marco; Line 2 Palazzo Querini Stampalia Castello 5252; www.querinistampalia.it

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