Let’s see… where was I? (If you missed Venice in a Day (Part 1!) — check it out first!)
Ah, yes. Piazza San Marco.
Our first order of business: going up the Campanile!
The Campanile is a beautiful bell tower right in the square — you can (pay to) take an elevator up to the top for a gorgeous view of the city.
It was weird being here in winter when there isn’t as much tourism — when I was here before in May there were HUGE lines to get up the Campanile! This time — we walked right in and up we went!
It’s quite the view from the top:
Random tidbit — even though there are literally hundreds of canals in the city, the streets are all so small and narrow that you can’t see a single one of them from the Campanile! Crazy, huh? (Don’t worry, the first time I was here my friend Kris and I spent some serious time trying to spot one — it’s true! You can’t!)
The bell itself! Not ringing when we were up there, though (it was last time I was up here and man was it loud!):
After seeing the sights outdoors, we headed indoors for more! First, we toured Saint Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco).
It was absolutely stunning inside the church — the ceiling and walls are all mosaics made of a beautiful shimmery gold color. No pictures were allowed, though, so you’ll have to come see it for yourself! :)
Then, we headed next door to tour the beautiful Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), including the Bridge of Sighs.
The Palazzo Ducale is a beautiful gothic palace, constructed in the 1300s, that served as the residence of the Doge of Venice, who was the chief magistrate and leader of Venice. Doges of Venice were elected for life by the city-state’s aristocracy.
Again — no pictures allowed, except for outside and in their courtyard.
By the time we came out of the palace, night had fallen! I love this square at night — so magical.
Look — snowflakes were being projected on the Campanile! Hehe
We headed back into the tiny streets in search of dinner. There was this awesome cute little old Italian man outside one of the restaurants trying to convince people to come in — he sold us, and we quickly became BFF’s, heh. He even said “CHEEEEEESE!” when we took this photo, lol!
In to the restaurant we went — finally, black squid ink sauce pasta would be mine once again!
Oh, yes. Looks so gross, tastes so delicious. And turns your mouth black, which is always fun. Squid ink sauce is literally the ink from a squid (or cuttlefish, in this case). It’s a little fishy tasting and very delicious.
I also had a veggie soup to start:
My brother had the seafood pasta (and an unpictured salad):
My brother was in the mood for dessert and ordered tiramisu, so I ordered something called “mixed berries,” thinking it would be a nice bowl full of fresh berries.
This arrived instead:
Fail/win? Haha. It was certainly very yummy :)
My brother’s tiramisu:
I also had a glass and a half of Chianti — I love me some Italian red wine.
With our bellies full, we made our way back to the train station. It was very cold and drizzling, and about a 45 minute walk, but I love this city at night, regardless. All the tiny little streets and beautiful canals were practically deserted, which made it even cooler!
The beautiful Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge):
Just gorgeous. What a fun day! I hope you all enjoyed traveling there with me :)
Until next time, Venice…
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We’ll miss you!
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My brother and I have spent today here in Vicenza doing a little sightseeing — it’s rainy and freezing again but still fun to wander about. I’ll be back later this afternoon/early evening with a recap, so stay tuned! :) I leave tomorrow morning to head back to the U.S. — boo!!
So glad you are enjoying your trip! You are making me miss Italy so much :) The rialto bridge was one of my favorite spots, especially walking around to all street vendors lining the bridge…that was in the summer but I’d love to go this time of year as well. Your pictures are beautiful!
I haven’t been to Venice since 2003 and I miss it terribly. I’m living vicariously through you until I get a chance to return! :)
I think Venice is my favorite city. Not sure that I’d want to live there, but I’d love to be able to visit regularly! Your pictures brought back so many memories!
Thanks for the tour of Venice! I hope to go there someday too. Have a safe trip home!
Good looks run in the family, Anne! ;) He’s a cutie.
I’ve been to Italy three times but haven’t yet been to Venice. It’s on my list! Your trip looks amazing.
You are seriously making me miss Italy! It’s been 5 years, but seeing the pictures you post makes me feel like I was JUST there.
Ditto to Stepf. Good looks do run in the family.
Anne, honey, how on earth can you possible eat squid and squid ink sauce. OMG. I have to give you credit, you are not afraid to try new things. I am.
Beautiful photo’s
Ahh, so jealous! LOVE your pictures! I can’t wait to travel there myself in the VERY near future. :)
This looks so amazing! I really want to try that ink sauce! When I was in Venice it was 105 degrees, definitely puts a damper on the experience haha. See you soon, safe travels back to the US!
Oh my god! The pictures are amazing. I WANNA GO TO VENICE, TOO! Right now!!! :-)
Have a save trip home, Anne!
These are beautiful! The photos make me miss traveling so badly!
What an awesome day! Thanks for sharing the photos. But no picture of your black teeth? :-)
my first thought after finishing this post was “where’s the black teeth photo?!” too! :)
Hahha that just means I’ll have to go back to Venice soon to get a black teeth photo! ;)
Thank you Anne for the tour, brings back wonderful memories. You are a lucky Lady and glad you are enjoying yourself.
Anne, another great blog where you have so magnificently captured the essence of the city with your photos! Wish I could take pictures like this, but guess I’d have to get more than a little Nikon Cool Pix! :) I’ve never heard of squid ink sauce but will have to try it the next time I’m over there. Glad to see you’re a fan of the Chianti … a favorite of mine, too! Got a 2003 Brunello di Montalcino in my stocking from my sweet husband this year! :)
Anne ~ I have so enjoyed visiting Venice through your pic’s! Have a safe trip back :)
Such great photos as always girlie! Venice looks so beautiful! You are a very talented photographer if you ask me!
I love Venice! Random tidbit–If I remember correctly from a tour I took in Venice, those two discolored pillars in one of your pictures of Piazza San Marco were where they used to execute people. They’re discolored from blood.
If that’s true, it’s a little cool, but also very creepy.
Whoa – seriously?!?! I was wondering why those were a different color! That’s crazy if it’s true.
Those buildings are GORGEOUS! I’m so jealous!! Looks like you’re having a wonderful time!!!
Beautiful photos! For a tale that’s set in Venice and celebrates this incredible city, check out The Gods of Venice (available on-line at BarnesAndNoble.com, Amazon, etc. I also have a great foodie restaurant recommendation that you can find here: alanjshannon.com Brava!
I’ve enjoyed your photos SO much! It is breath taking, I dream of one day visting!
I’m literally drooling right now over the squid ink pasta… I’ve been trying to find the sauce here and failing! Worth going to Venice just to eat that again!! Amazing!! Glad you guys had a great time (and no lines!?!?) :)
Mmmm… I was thinking of you! It was so weird being there without lines! :)
i’m still here checking out your site…!
the places you have been reminds of the days when i was once where you were
the biggest difference though IS your incredible pictures..!!!!
simply amazing, almost better then those Travel mags. (sorry, conde nast)..
my brother lived in san vito in south and my other brother lived in aviano (who since has been a [permanent] expatriat in U.K\France)…
your pix brought me back to those times we visited them and then my taste buds traveled down to my memora’belly’ lane and it’s now gurgling thinking all things italian…edible that is…mmmmmm…mangia la pasta..! bruschetta, you bet..!
and all those vegetables doused and drowning their dear life in vats of gorgeous olive oils…
again thank you anna p. for sharing
your pages are one of the best i’ve come acro
Italy definitely has the best food ever!
so sowwy i meant ‘anne’