Drunken in Venice: Top 5 Romantic Carnival Itineraries

Written/Compiled and Reported by Chen Guanxin, MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network; Source/MOOK Editorial Department

 

When you mention Venice, Italy, the Venice Carnival, which is set to take place from January 26 to February 12 and is ranked as one of Europe’s three major carnivals, immediately comes to mind. Enhanced by gorgeous masks and attire, Venice’s international flair becomes even more vivid. But how can you experience Venice in the most authentic way and truly immerse yourself in its enchanting beauty? Below, starting with the Venice Carnival, we will introduce five unique ways to explore the city, including taking a gondola ride along the canals, cruising past water-bound churches, seeing the Bridge of Sighs, and visiting the beloved Caffè Florian favored by artists—offering readers a chance to revel in the romantic ambiance of the City of Water.

 

The Venice Carnival, ranked alongside Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro and France’s Nice carnivals as one of the “World’s Three Great Carnivals,” will be held this year from January 26 to February 12. During this period, everyone will don elaborate masks and luxurious silk gowns to celebrate in this city built on water.

 

Every year around the time of the carnival, Venice becomes almost deserted. It is said that the origins of this event date back to commemorating the glorious 1162 battle in which Venice triumphed over Ulrico, as well as to reliving those opulent, decadent times. Originally a festival for Venetians, by the 17th–18th centuries, the Venice Carnival had become a globally renowned event. Everyone took pride in participating in the celebration, with bullfighting competitions, theatrical performances, boat parades, gambling games in leisure venues… all offering attendees a sense of novelty. This year’s event features a best costume competition, an international children’s carnival, nighttime musical performances, a kimono show, and more, allowing visitors from around the world to celebrate together and experience the unique allure of the carnival.

The gondola is the symbol of Venice. Approximately 11 meters long and made up of 280 wooden planks, its most distinctive feature is the asymmetrical sides, causing the boat to always lean slightly to one side while moving forward. The bow is adorned with a six-pronged comb, said to represent the six districts of Venice. In the past, gondolas were elaborately decorated, but by the 16th century, local laws limited their extravagance and mandated that all boats be black, resulting in the style we see today. However, to attract the steady stream of tourists, modern gondolas seem to be getting more and more luxurious.

This beautiful church was designed by the master Andrea Palladio and is a classic example of Palladian architecture. Unfortunately, the master did not live to see its completion. Trade with the East led medieval Venice to develop its own unique architectural style. For instance, Venetian Gothic is a fusion of Byzantine domes, Islamic minarets, Gothic arches, and quatrefoil carvings. Located on a nearby island, the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore is far from the main tourist areas, resulting in relatively fewer visitors. The quiet dock beside it, filled with moored boats, further enhances its serene atmosphere.

This magnificent domed church, built to celebrate the end of the 1630 plague, represents the pinnacle of Venetian Baroque style. Designed by the master Longhena, he devoted his life’s work to the project from the age of 32. It took a full fifty years to complete, and the church was finally finished five years after his death. His efforts were not in vain, as it has now become one of the most iconic landmarks along the Grand Canal. When viewing the sunset over Venice from St. Mark’s Square, you can admire the church’s most beautiful silhouette.