Is It Possible To Get Lost in Venice?

You will almost certainly get lost in Venice, even with a map. It is said that even the Venetians get lost when they get outside of their own immediate neighbourhood. But getting lost is half the fun as long as you don't have to be somewhere by a certain time.

On our visit to Venice, we went about it in the worst possible way. We set out looking for specific attractions which were difficult to find and wasted valuable time searching. It is much better to meander through the city because chances are you will stumble upon one, or more of the attractions and will see so many other wonderful things as well. According to seasoned tourists, there is no city in the world easier to get lost in than Venice. I would concur that it takes no effort whatsoever.

There are things to keep in mind when visiting Venice. You should definitely have a map but realize that even with a map, you will get lost. Also, have some general information and knowledge available concerning where restaurants are and where ferry stops are located. Walking, however, is the best way to get around as gondolas and water taxis are expensive transportation.

On our visit to Venice on the first day, it took us two hours to find our way back to the hostel where we were staying. We had a map and asked numerous people if they could direct us. However, most like us were tourists. Apparently there are more than double the amount of tourists as Venetians at any one time so it is hard to find a local to ask for assistance.

Venice is a city of narrow streets with numerous dead ends. Admittedly many of the main streets have small signs attached to the walls of buildings at some of the intersections to point you in the right direction. Theoretically this should work but often the signs are difficult to find or there will be two signs for the same place pointing in opposite directions. But as you are walking, (lost) in Venice, it is nice to hear the water lapping against the canal embankments even when you can't see them.

There are several must-sees that you won't want to miss on your visit there, if you can find them. They are:

- The Rialto Bridge - It is one of four bridges spanning the Grand Canal in Venice. This present bridge, completed in 1591, succeeds a wooden bridge and a floating one. It is considered to be an architectural icon of Venice. A lot of people converge on this bridge because it gives an excellent view of the Canal with various types of boats going in different directions.

- The Grand Canal - The Canal is a major water fare used by water buses, private water taxis and gondolas. It goes from the lagoon near the railway station to Saint Mark Basin and through the central districts of Venice. I could have stood for a long time on the Rialto Bridge watching all the activity on the Canal. To me it seemed to be, although busy, tranquil as well.

- Piazza St. Marco or St. Mark's Square - This is the main square and, to me, felt like the heart of Venice. At one end is the church of St. Mark. The church, with arches, marble decoration and carvings is magnificent and like the other buildings in the square, quite ornate. Beyond the church is the clock tower completed in 1499. To the left of the church is a building which formerly was homes and offices. Built in the early 16th century, it now houses shops, restaurants and some offices. The architecture is beauitiful and in such an intricate design that we stayed awhile to savor the beauty of it.

- The Doge's Palace - The Palace was once a residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority. Built in 1923, it opened as a museum. Over the centuries fires had damaged large portions so it had to be restructured and restored many times.

- The Golden Staircases - The staircases are in the Doge's Palace leading to his apartments; they are a set of staircases which were completed in 1559. They were built for ceremonial purposes with paintings on the ceiling and 24 carat gold trim.

- The Bridge of Sighs - This bridge, one of many, crosses the Rio de Palazzo connecting the New Prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace. It was built in 1602 and it is believed that the view from this bridge may have been the last prisoners saw of Venice before their imprisonment.

Considering the size of Venice, it is startling to discover there are so many sightseeing attractions, many more than I have mentioned here. Because we were only there one night and not quite two days, we saw much less than we would have liked to. Venice is unique making wherever you go an enjoyable and interesting experience. Even when you are lost.