Venice Things To Do

This is the city of Casanova and while I am not suggesting anyone follows his model of multiple seductions, Venice is clearly a place that turns the mind to romance.

The sheer beauty of the place brings the senses alive: the churches and palazzos rising out of the mists or glowing in the sunsets, the sounds of water lapping as gondolas float past and hidden voices and laughter echoing around the narrow canals, and the tiptap of footsteps on stone, the tastes of delicious foods.

There’s something magical about Venetian masks – something about that blend of mystery, craftsmanship and tradition that has been captivating travelers for centuries now.

Far from the seedy beginnings we may imagine, Venetian masks were initially used as a political aid. During rallies and public meetings in the Republic of Venice, citizens wore masks so that any voting they did in town squares or halls would be anonymous. As time went on they became a part of society life, a great equalizer between the classes during festivals and parties. They had less positive uses too – they were worn by adulterers and by criminals as disguises.

The third weekend of July marks the most beloved Summer festival in all of Venice, Festa del Redentore. This authentically Venetian holiday marks the anniversary of the end of a plague that killed over 25% of the population, threatening to destroy the city five-hundred years ago. After suffering for two years (1575-1577), the city was declared free of disease in July, and the votive Il Redentore church was built on Giudecca to thank God for deliverance. Each year, the city celebrates with religious ceremony, symbolic bridges, boat races and spectacular fireworks. Here are the top tips for enjoying this festival:

Venice has its typical souvenirs that everyone buys and every second shop sells: glass, lace, Carnivale masks. Another is paper – writing paper including little books with marbled covers, photo albums and etc. I have to admit that these are where my money goes. Historically Venice has always had a fine reputation for making good quality paper and the city became one of the first places in the world to begin printing books rather than having manuscripts copied by hand.

For Venetians, hot chocolate is not a drink, it’s a passion. Casanova loved hot chocolate and they do say that chocolate is an aphrodisiac so it makes sense. Hot chocolate in Venice is no thin before-bed sleep remedy. It really is like drinking a cup of heated chocolate. It is thick and chocolatey and your spoon stands up in it if it’s a really good one. There’s a lot of cream in it. It’s sinful and fantastic.

Life and theater, all in a mask. This is the theme of the 2012 Venice Carnival and what better stage setting could you find for acting out your daily life than Venice. Carnival marks the beginning of Lent; it is the extravagant celebration of food and fun that leads up to the forty days and nights of abstinence before Easter.

Famous for inventing the delicious drink, the Bellini (Prosecco and fresh peach juice), Harry’s Bar is a Venice institution. Located at the end of small Calle Vallaresso not far from San Marco Square, I was surprised to find it does not have waterside frontage, and is in fact very closed in.