With the hustle and bustle of Carnival still fresh in the air, the city is still alive with the left over energy from this festive event. There are many interesting sights to see beyond the main thoroughfares like St. Mark’s Square. In fact, there a whole side of Venice that not many people know of, one that is appreciated by those looking to enjoy a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere.
Those who like walking off the beaten path will surely want to check out the following places that are often overlooked by many tourists.
Museo Querini Stampalia – Located in Castello, this museum houses some of the most impressive pieces of artwork, including one of the best collections of paintings in Venice. Works made by famous artists like Giovanni Bellini’s Presentation in the Temple can also be found here. The museum itself is lavishly decorated by 17th century frescoes, stuccoes and other artistic furnishings.
Old World Bookshop – This quaint little bookshop is found in the historic ghetto area of Venice, Cannaregio. If you’re looking for rare books on Venice, then this is definitely the place to be. Owned by John Francis Phillimore, there is a wide variety of books in both English and Italian that ranges as far back as the 16th century. The bookshop is also a meeting place of sorts for poets, philosophers and other literary artists since the owner also runs an active literary society known as the Casa delle Parole.
Castello Orientale – This is a small and quiet neighborhood located near St. Mark’s Square. It is an ideal place for those who just want to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee, which can be bought in any of the various cafes that dot the area. You can also purchase fresh produce, wine or a variety of sweets here. It provides the perfect getaway from the more crowded tourist spots that are located nearby.
Torcello – A tiny island found at the end of the Venetian Lagoon, it is one of the oldest populated communities in the region. It has a rich history since many palazzi and other magnificent structures were built here. Unfortunately, many of them were torn down for their materials. The churches of Santa Maria Assunta and Santa Fosca still stand here to this day, as well as the Museo Provinciale di Torcello.
Giardini Pubblici – This park is located in the southeastern part of Venice and offers visitors a nice and relaxing place to stroll away from the main tourist routes. The entire area is filled with palm trees, acacias, plane trees, as well as beautiful statues overlooking the lagoon. Another interesting sight that can be found here are the exhibition pavilions from different countries. Various styles of pavilions like the commercial buildings of Austria and the Classical pavilions of Italy are on display for viewing.
Tour Italy Now offers excellent tours at reasonable prices around Venice. Book with us now and explore these well kept secrets at your leisure!
