City of Bridges

Venice knows many names. The City of Lights, City of Water, Queen of the Adriatic, and, on this trip, the City of Bridges. I was in town for a couple days for business but managed to squeeze in a few pictures and an evening stroll on my own.


Where else to start besides the Piazza San Marco and the Basilica named for the same saint? The crisp blue sky was tough competition for the splendor of this legendary church.

As I wandered back from the piazza, the streets led from tourist shops selling Murano glass and garish Carnivale masks to the high-end designer boutiques selling expensive purses and shoes.


On the lace-making island of Burano, the buildings are painted a variety of bright colors. In Venice proper, the exterior walls are peeling and cracked thanks to historical preservation laws that prevent any updates to the outside (and often inside) of buildings in the centro storico. Nevertheless, the brightly colored gondolas complement the older charm of the homes and businesses.

I made it to the famed Rialto bridge in time for sunset. The water, buildings, and boats were all bathed in golden light. I noticed plenty of other visitors lounging in cafes along the Grand Canal, enjoying the same view.

Of course, the best view might've been the one cruising around on a gondola, holding the hand of a loved one!