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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- Europe
- Italy
- Venice
- The Grand Canal (Canalazzo)
The Grand Canal (Canalazzo)
Venice's main waterway splits the city in half, with
sestieriin equal parts to the west and east of it. It is
the hub around which much activity in Venice is concentrated and is
encircled with elegant facades of the
palazzi, which testify to the city's past opulence.
The best way to explore the architectural splendour of these
Renaissance buildings is on board a
vaporetta. Pedestrian access across the canal is
only provided along three bridges situated at the station, Rialto
and Academia. Gondolas cross the canal at regular intervals and
provide a romantic interlude to the sightseeing itinerary.
Grand Canal palaces and buildings to look out for include the
Ca da Mosto, with its rounded arches in low
relief. The 'House of Gold' (
Ca d'Ora) is a beautiful Gothic building
constructed between 1424 and 1430. Palazzo Corner-Spinelli and
Palazzo Vendramin Calergi combine classical and Byzantine elements
designed by Mauro Codussi. Architect Jacopo Sansovino was inspired
by Codussi's style and infused this in his creation of the
Palazzo Corner(Ca Granda). Another notable Palazzo
is the Grimani di San Luca, designed by Michele Sanmicheli.
Information & Facts
Language
The official language of Italy is Italian. English is
understood in the larger cities but not in the more remote parts of
the country.
Money
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, which is divided into
100 cents. Those arriving in Italy with foreign currency can obtain
Euros through any bank, ATM or bureaux de change. ATMs are
widespread. Travellers cheques can be exchanged with ease in the
large cities, not so in the smaller towns. Credit cards are
accepted in upmarket establishments and shops around the cities.
Banks are closed on weekends, but tend to have better rates than
casas de cambios.