So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Venice Areas and Neighbourhoods

By Sara Dudleymore

No city is like Venice!. Water canals, no cars, the sound of water in the quiet city, this place is the most romantic one you will ever see!

1) Piazza San Marco, St Mark's Square: Saint Mark's Square (also know as Piazza San Marco) is the main square of Venice, Italy. Very few places in Europe are so historically rich and quiet, you can hear yourself speak without being overpowered by the noise of city traffic. The whole San Marco area is like a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and canals. The square originated in the 9th century as a small area facing the original St Mark's Basilica. In 1177 it was enlarged to its present form.

In the evening St. Marco square takes on a different atmosphere, with cafes orchestras that fill the night air with Jazz/Classical music. Go get a chair, have a cocktail and enjoy the great unique atmosphere that surrounds you. It's also a popular meeting point for locals and host many of Venice's festivals. A great popular place in Italy today.

This square was paved in the late 13th century with bricks laid in a herringbone pattern. The light-colored stones were probably used setting up market stalls and organizing frequent ceremonial processions.

2) Rialto Bridge, Grand Canal: This bridge crossing the Grand Canal was constructed in 1181 by Mr.Barattieri. It was called the "Ponte della Moneta" before being replaced 3 more times until the final model we see today and called "Rialto Bridge". The Rialto Bridge in Venice, designed by Antonio da Ponte and finally completed in 1591, was at that time the only of its kind (made of limestone) to cross the Grand Canal. This is how the Rialto market born...

It became one of the main centres for trade in the city. The bridge has beaten all odds and has become one of the architectural icons of Venice. In this location, at sunset each day, many gather here to take in the sight of Venice as the sun disappears down into the far distance. It is also a perfect location for admiring the gondoliers as they make their way slowly down the Grand Canal. It is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful sites in the world.

3) Castello Area, Biennial Gardens: The Castello area is the most easterly and largest of the six districts of Venice and one of the oldest areas of the city. The district grew up from the thirteenth century around a naval dockyard. It was later changed by Napoleon to what is now the Biennial Gardens, and still more recently the island of Sant'Elena has been created along with other parts of land drained at other areas of the quarter.

Plenty of things to do and see around here. One in particular is Venice's Arsenal Naval History museum (Museo Storico Navale) and the former military shipyard of the Republic at Arsenal. In its old days this was the core of Venice's prosperous shipping industry. Visit the Public Gardens, the largest of their kind in Venice.

4) Accademia Area, Museum Gallery: The Accademia area is located on the south of the Canal, and gives its name to one of the 3 bridges that crosses it, the (Ponte dell'Accademia). The Accademia is best known for its museum gallery of pre-1800s art, famous architects, art paintings and sculptures in Venice, Italy.

It is believed that Venice's most respected ancient artists studied here, thus attracting other finest artists in Italy to study in this area. The Galleria dell'Accademia contains masterpieces of Venetian paintings and history.

5) Cannaregio Area, First Jewish Ghetto in Venice: The Cannaregio district of Venice is still inhabited largely by Venetians. It's the northernmost of the six areas of Venice and the second largest in terms of inhabitants, about 20 thousands people. Canneregio was the main route into the city until the construction of a railway to the mainland, which gave the district its name.

Development began in the eleventh century as the area was drained and parallel canals were dredged. It's the home to the beautiful church of Madonna dell'Orto, Palace of Ca' d'Oro and Tintoretto's masterpieces. The Ghetto's Jewish Museum (Museo Ebraico), introduces the history of the first Jewish ghetto in history. Many restaurants offer some of the best cuisine in Venice at reasonable prices.

6) Santa Croce Area, Piazzale Roma: Central bus stations and car parks are here (piazzale Roma basically). Weird enough cars can travel here (absolutley unique and uncommon for Venice) that's why it's called "Terra Firma". The area was once part of the Luprio swamp, but slowly claiming land. It is the area most affected by the opening of the Lagoon Road 1933 due its steady grounds. It's an extension of San Polo and lies on the other side of the Grand Canal towards the main railway station of Venice, Piazzale Roma.

A location where you can soak up the authentic Venetian neighbourhood atmosphere and at the same time still be close to the city's top attractions. It's a very pleasant area to take an evening stroll! Campo San Giacomo dell'Orio is a lively place full of people and music where sometimes you'll find couples dancing.

7) Giudecca Island, Exclusive Residential area and Beautiful Gardens: The Island of Giudecca was originally called "Spinalunga" - Long Thorn - because of its shape. Giudecca was historically an area of large palaces with amazing gardens, gaining back its once most regarded reputation as luxury residential area. It is known for its long dock and its beautiful churches, including Il Redentore.

The Island offers some of the most stunning views of the mainland stretching across the 300 meters wide Giudecca Canal where the sun gorgeously sets. The celebration of "Festival of Redeemer" (the end of the plague in 1526), takes place every 3rd weekend of July every year, the Venetians gather a bridge of boats across the Giudecca canal with a display of fireworks. This spectacular sight can be seen from every corner in Venice.

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