Listen to a city's whispers — Venice’s water buses are more popular than gondolas

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, Li Xinyi; compiled and reported. Information provided by MOOK Editorial Department

Against the backdrop of the Renaissance and its glorious history, nearly every Italian town is teeming with tourists, especially the romantic city of Venice. Canals wind through Venice, and the most popular mode of transport in the city is the water bus. Traditional gondolas (Gondole) may be the symbol of Venice, but they require haggling over price and have fixed sailing times. In comparison, water buses are more economical and cruise along the Grand Canal, passing by the bustling architecture of Venice, with palaces standing tall on both banks — truly spectacular. June 2 is Italy’s National Day, and during the upcoming celebration, take a water bus ride back to Venice in its heyday.

Stop 1: Fontego dei Turchi (Turkish Merchants' Guild)

Built in the 13th century, the Fontego dei Turchi was purchased in 1381 by the Duke of Ferrara to serve as a warehouse for Turkish merchants. As trade declined, the building gradually fell into disuse, until it was later restored by poet and art critic John Ruskin, bringing back its former glory. The second floor of this building now houses the Natural History Museum.

Stop 2: San Stae Church

This Baroque-style church is adorned with precious and elaborate marble carvings on the exterior, while its interior displays early 18th-century Venetian paintings.

Stop 3: Ca’ Pesaro

This grand Baroque palace, built in the 17th century, was designed by Longhena and took 58 years to complete, involving two architects. The interior houses a modern art museum and an oriental museum. The former exhibits works by 20th-century European painters, including Klimt, Chagall, and Kandinsky, while the latter displays paintings, sculptures, weapons, and calligraphy.

Stop 4: Galleria Franchetti alla Ca’ d’Oro (Golden House)

The famously named Golden House — was it really built with gold? Indeed, even though the gold leaf that once adorned its walls has long been washed away by the waters, its exquisitely carved exterior remains a prime example of Venetian Gothic architecture. When Venetian nobleman Marino Contarini constructed this mansion in 1420, he used the most expensive materials of the time, including gold foil, giving the façade a dazzling golden sheen. However, after years of renovations, modifications, and erosion by water, the "Golden House" has lost some of its luster. Today, it has been transformed into an art gallery, housing mostly 15th-century sculptures and paintings, among which Titian’s works are particularly vivid.