Venice is located in northeastern Italy and is a city built on water. With an average water depth of 1.5 meters, the city consists of 118 small islands connected by 177 canals and 401 bridges. Boats are the main mode of transportation, hence the nickname "The Floating City of Venice."
The main attractions in Venice are concentrated around St. Mark’s Square, so it’s a good idea to use the square as your central hub for exploring the city.
- St. Mark’s Square Piazza San Marco
Once you arrive at St. Mark’s Square, visitors can explore the square and nearby attractions such as St. Mark’s Campanile, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Bridge of Sighs in a short amount of time.
Therefore, St. Mark’s Square is considered a must-visit spot in Venice — if you haven’t been here, you haven’t truly been to Venice. In fact, many travelers with tight schedules only plan to visit St. Mark’s Square and its vicinity, and that’s enough.
St. Mark’s Square is spacious, giving photographers ample room to capture the towering Campanile and the majestic St. Mark’s Basilica behind it.
Beyond architecture, you can also find delightful moments of children playing in the square.
It rained during the first two days of my trip to Venice. While rain can be somewhat inconvenient for photography, I didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to shoot after traveling so far. Interestingly, the rain left puddles all over Venice, making it easy to capture stunning reflections of the buildings.
- St. Mark’s Campanile Campanile
In St. Mark’s Square, you’ll see a towering bell tower. This red-brick structure stands 92.8 meters tall, creating a striking contrast with the adjacent St. Mark’s Basilica, which is shorter in comparison.
Aside from photographing the campanile itself, I highly recommend visitors climb to the top for a breathtaking panoramic view of Venice.
Looking eastward, you can see Venice’s winding coastline.
- St. Mark’s Basilica Basilica di San Marco
St. Mark’s Basilica was originally built in the 9th century to house the relics of St. Mark, which were brought from Egypt. After several fires, its main structure was reconstructed in 1073, with other parts completed in the 17th century.
As photography is not allowed inside the basilica, the upper levels offer the best opportunities for photographers.
From the upper level, you can overlook St. Mark’s Square. This vantage point is slightly better than the one from the campanile, allowing you to observe the square’s visitors up close.
Here, you can also appreciate the Torre dell’Orologio (St. Mark’s Clock Tower) at a suitable eye level.
On the other side, facing the sea, there are two granite columns standing in a small square. The western column is topped with a statue of San Teodoro, the patron saint of Venice before the relics of St. Mark were brought to the city. The other column features the Lion of St. Mark, the symbol of the city. According to Catholic tradition, the lion represents the power of the Gospel of Mark and the dignity and majesty of Jesus described within it. Its wings symbolize spiritual elevation, while the halo above its head signifies divinity.
Interestingly, in the mid-18th century, the space between the two columns was used as an execution site. To this day, some Venetians still consider it bad luck to walk between them. Meanwhile, unaware tourists stroll through the area without a second thought.
- Bridge of Sighs P.te dei Sospiri
Walking from St. Mark’s Square toward the waterfront and turning left, you’ll soon come across a bridge crowded with people. Follow the direction of the gondolas, and you’ll see a sealed limestone bridge — a 400-year-old structure known as the Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri).
Built in 1602 by Italian architect Antonio Contino, this Baroque-style bridge connects the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) with the prison. In the past, prisoners would cross this bridge on their way to the dungeons after being interrogated in the palace. The crossing symbolized a transition from life to death, often prompting a sigh — hence the bridge’s name.
Though the history of the Bridge of Sighs is somber, its beautiful exterior might inspire a more romantic tale. Legend has it that couples who kiss under the bridge while riding a gondola will enjoy eternal love and grow old together.
In this romantic floating city of Venice, perhaps standing hand-in-hand with your loved one under the enchanting sunset is all it takes to feel your hearts unite.
Indeed, the Bridge of Sighs is a fantastic spot to watch the sunset.
- Rialto Bridge P.te di Rialto
The Rialto Bridge was originally built in 1181 and was then called the Ponte della Moneta (Coin Bridge). It connected the two banks of the Grand Canal, serving as a hub for trade and commerce between the eastern and western sides. As trade flourished, especially around the Rialto Market on the eastern bank, the bridge eventually took on the name Rialto Bridge.
The Rialto Bridge stands at the heart of Venice, spanning the Grand Canal. Visiting this iconic bridge offers stunning views of the city. Close your eyes, and you might just sense the charm of old Venice.
Beyond the attractions
Venice itself The Venice
Venice is filled with sights, and its romance captivates every visitor. But what I love most about it is its ever-changing nature.
Built on water, Venice is pieced together by small blocks connected by charming, seemingly chaotic little bridges. Each bridge appears unexpectedly before you, leading you to admire a different view on the other side. Every corner catches you off guard, drawing you into mysterious alleyways.
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