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Barge enthusiasts cannot help but be drawn in by the siren song of the Venetian waterways. For those who love life afloat, this romantic city offers tradition and culture galore along its aquamarine canals. If Venice is a stop on your barge holiday in Italy and you are wondering where to start in this city full of hidden treasures, we can recommend a few spots that are sure to give you a taste of its history. Naval Museum Venice’s status as a powerhouse of the Mediterranean for over 1000 years was gained by the might of its navy and merchant force. If you’re interested in naval history, it is well worth making a trip to the Arsenale, the complex of former shipyards of the Venetian Republic. Here you will find the Naval Historical Museum, built as an oars workshop and storage facility in the mid-sixteenth century, which now houses a fascinating collection of historical vessels. Castello District The peaceful district of Castello is the biggest of Venice’s six sestieri, offering a variety of architectural and cultural delights. The east of the district offers a taste of modern, residential Venice while the west is the location of some of Venice’s medieval gems. The Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni, one of the many imposing fraternity houses that dominate the small campi of the city, is home to some of Vittore Carpaccio’s finest paintings. Bridge of Sighs This world-famous bridge that spans over the Rio di Palazzo connects the Doge’s Palace with the New Prison. It came to be known as the ‘Bridge of Sighs’ because the view from its windows was the last that convicts saw of Venice before they were imprisoned... A barge holiday in Italy’s Floating City wouldn’t be complete without a gondola ride under the Bridge of Sighs. Local legend has it that a kiss under the bridge on a gondola, shared at sunset as the bells of St Mark’s Campanile toll, will grant eternal happiness to any pair of lovers who try it. Doge’s Palace The dazzling, diamond-patterned exterior of the Doge’s Palace is a striking landmark from the Grand Canal. We would recommend that you allow 2-3 hours when visiting this stunning building to give yourself time to appreciate it inside and out. Formerly the palace was the residence of the Doge - the highest authority over the historic Republic of Venice - but since 1923 is has been a museum. Peggy Guggenheim Collection Peggy Guggenheim lived in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni on the Grand Canal from 1949 until her death in 1979. The palace, which has a beautiful classical façade to match Palazzo Corner across the canal, is now home to the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. It mainly houses the personal collection of Peggy Guggenheim, showcasing some major works of twentieth-century art. If you’re planning a visit to the museum, be aware that it is closed to the public on Tuesdays. Rialto Fish Market If you cross over the Rialto Bridge to the west bank of the canal, you will find the Pescheria, Venice’s bustling fish market. Here you can discover and taste for yourself the rich seafood traditions of the city. Soak up the vibrant, local atmosphere of the fish market, and even try your hand at a bit of haggling with the stall holders – locally caught seafood is labelled as ‘Nostrano’. Being able to fully immerse yourself in the culture, architecture and traditions of a place is one of the many benefits of a hotel barge holiday. In Italy, where there are cultural delights around every corner, Venice is a particularly precious jewel that has to be seen to be appreciated. Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK's most respected provider if you're looking for an all-inclusive, luxury barge holiday in Italy or other great destinations. Part of a team of experienced barging aficionados, Paul is first in line to endorse the perks of a slow-paced barge cruise to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience.
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