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Venice
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THE PEARL OF THE LAGOON
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Venice |
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| Venice is a city afloat and alive with mystery and excitement . Set on 117 islands , with hundred or more canals crossed by 400 bridges , unique in the world , where man and nature have created this magnificent lagoon city . By the 14th century Venice was the most powerful of the numerous small republics and dominated the Adriatic sea. That did not last , but much of the city is a reminder of this past power. First time visitors must visit the imposing Doge's Palace (Duke Palace) .
Next to Doge's Palace and at the heart of the city is St. Mark's square , with its Bell Tower and the wonderful Basilica of St. Mark . The interior is decorated in a incredible richness of rare marbles , porphyry and outstanding mosaics of Byzantine (12 C - 13 C) and Renaissance time . No visit to the town is complete without a boat trip along the Canal Grande , the high road of Venice , or getting around by Gondola in the narrow canals . Of course one can go by foot , in the labyrinth of the small streets , with humpy bridges spanning over the old canals , with bright little cafes , fashionable shops , good restaurants and artesan shops . |
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