Venice Journal: Dive into the heart of Venice with our curated insights. From the rhythm of local life to the best-kept secrets of hotels and eateries, discover the authentic charm of La Serenissima with every read
“There’re three places in Venice magical and hidden: one in calle dell’Amor degli Amici, a second near the Ponte delle Maravegie and the third in calle dei Marrani, near San Geremia in Ghetto Vecchio. And it’s here that the Venetians took refuge when they are tired of the constituted authorities, in these secret courts in which there are doors that lead them forever to beautiful places and other stories … ” (Hugo Pratt, Corte Sconta detta Arcana).
Venice, Italy, “stretching across 117 small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea in northeast Italy,” may be one of the most amazing places in the world to live. Fans of Donna Leon’s fictional detective Guido Brunetti come to know it as a land of good food, water taxis and alleys that dead-end at the water.
Venice Backstage. How does Venice work? from Insula spa on Vimeo.
Having said that Venice is not just a stage set. It is also a city with a resident population, which has productive activities, transportation and services. But how does the “Venice system” work? How do the tides in the lagoon behave? How are the canals formed? And the embankments? What’s under the buildings?
This feast has got very ancient origins and it is just related to a fact occurred many centuries ago. Since the dawn of the history of Venice on the Day of the Purification of Mary on the 2nd of February, it was the custom to consecrate all the marriages on one day and in the Episcopal seat of the time: St. Peter di Castello Cathedral. On the same day the marriages of twelve poor girls were consecrated: for such occasion they were sumptuously dressed and bejewelled, sometimes even with the jewels (borrowed) of the treasure of St. Mark. Just during one of such celebrations, probably in the year 973, the area was attacked by some pirates who abducted the brides with their jewels. People soon hastened to rescue and get back the precious jewellery and they victorious came back. And it is just in honour of such victory on the pirates that the Feast of the Marie was initiated, establishing the draw of the twelve young girls among the most beautiful ones and belonging to the low social classes, as well as the draw of the aristocrat families that would see to their dressing up for the occasion.
Once they were ready, on the established day, they reached the chief churches in Venice, while escorted by a procession of boats, in order to attend solemn religious ceremonies. Anywhere they went many refreshments with music and dancing were arranged, as the fact of approaching them was considered as a good omen. The importance of such feast, which during the years came to last even nine days, was so remarkable that it attracted many strangers too, who used to hasten in order to have the opportunity of admiring the wonderful girls. Just because the Venetians, and as above mentioned, not only Venetian people were more interested in courting the brides rather than watching the religious ceremonies, later they were replaced with not so desirable wooden statues. Obviously the male population reacted disdainfully and angrily because of such replacement, so that the Republic was obliged to issue, in 1349, a law which forbade the throwing of vegetables at the Procession of the wooden Marie!!
Presentation today by Walter Hartsarich President of Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia of the 2012 program. There are many scheduled events but the highlights should be two exhibitions at Museo Correr the first about Klint and the second about Francesco Guardi.....
Others include «Primavera a Palazzo Fortuny: avere una bella cera» (Museo Fortuny, 10 marzo-28 giugno), «Sartorio e Venezia» (Ca’ Pesaro, primavera 2012), «San Michele in isola. Cenacolo di umanisti o ‘caput ordinis’ dei Camaldolesi?» (maggio-agosto 2012), «Moda e cinema 1840-1940» (Museo di Palazzo Mocenigo, settembre-dicembre 2012), «Uecker e Castellani» (Ca’ Pesaro, autunno 2012) e «Fortuny e Wagner» (Museo Fortuny, novembre 2012-marzo 2013).
In the photograph Mr Walter Hartsarich during a portrait session ahead of today press Conference
Does the Venice lagoon ever freeze?? If you are looking for pictures of the Frozen Venice Lagoon Feb 2012 check here
These days everybody is talking about how cold is in Italy and in Venice. But in 1929 in February to be precise the Venice lagoon froze for few days!
Glass artisans have been hit by a new crisis and Murano main economy is on the point of collapse The numbers of sales have been plummeting and many furnaces are closing down. Venice has become almost completely dependent on tourism but the glass blowers are quite as central to Venice’s identity as the gondoliers. I am afraid, space for more hotels and tourists accommodations.
This is a Magical place...with a capital M. They make the costumes for nearly all the Venetian theatres, Museums, and also for many historical TV and cinema films made in the city. Costumes can be custom made and ordered for the Carnevale. There is even a selection for rent.
VENICE, ITALY - JANUARY 20: Choreographer Raffaele Dessi (L) and tailor Francesco Briggi (R) of the historic atelier Pietro Longhi check few costumes on January 20, 2012 in Venice, Italy. This is one of the busiest periods of the year for the atelier as the next few weeks the streets and canals of Venice will be filled with people attending the carnival, wearing highly-decorative and imaginative carnival costumes and masks.
There is a wide range of costumes available, but the majority are linked to the city's history. They even made a replica of Henry the VIII dress, exactly identical to the original; the only problem is that it weighs in my view more than 3 kilos.
They make the three cornered hats, "zimare" etc etc! Everybody is really lovely, helpful and they have so many stories to tell you that you do now want to leave!
VENICE, ITALY - JANUARY 15: Don Filippo Chiafoni Chaplain of the Church of S Francesco blesses the congregation and their animals during a special service held on January 15, 2012 in Venice, Italy. The blessing of animals and pets is a very ancient tradition dating back from San Francis of Assisi. (Marco Secchi/Getty Images)
This custom is probably conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. Francis, whose feast day is October 4th, loved the larks flying about his hilltop town. He and his early brothers, staying in a small hovel, allowed themselves to be displaced by a donkey. Francis wrote a Canticle of the Creatures, an ode to God’s living things. “All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.” And there was testimony in the cause for St. Clare of Assisi’s canonization that referred to her little cat!
It was a really nice and friendly ceremony, I believe next week there will be one at the Bragora if you are around is worth checking.
Even today I was asked by a friend how can I (being a Muslim) get close and friendly with dogs (I have one!) let me quote ‘Ali ebn Abi Taleb, the seminal figure of Sufism:
Happy is the one who leads the life of a dog! For the dog has ten characteristics which every believer should possess. First, the dog has no status among creatures; second, the dog is a pauper having no worldly goods; third, the entire earth is his resting place; fourth, the dog goes hungry most of the time; fifth, the dog will not leave his master’s door even after having received a hundred lashes; sixth, he protects his master and his friend, and when someone approaches he will attack the foe and let the friend pass; seventh, he guards his master by night, never sleeping; eight, he performs most of his duties silently; ninth, he is content with whatever his master gives him; and tenth, when he dies, he leaves no inheritance.
Not to mention Bulleh Shah, the famous sufi from Punjab was quite innovative in his scathing about them and here, compares and un-enlightened “Mullah” with a dog!
[He] Read a lot and became a scholar But [he] never read himself [He] enters into the temple & mosque But [he] never entered into his own heart He fights with the devil every day for nothing He never wrestled with his own ego Bulleh Shah, he grabs for heavenly flying things But doesn’t grasp the one who’s sitting at home Religious scholars stay awake at night But dogs stay awake at night, higher than you They don’t cease from barking at night Then they go sleep in yards, higher than you They [dogs] don’t leave the beloved’s doorstep Even if they’re beaten hundreds of times, higher than you Bulleh Shah get up and make up with the beloved Otherwise dogs will win the contest, better than you
VENICE, ITALY - JANUARY 06: Two of the participants sail under Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal ahead of the 34th Befana Regatta on January 6, 2012 in Venice, Italy. In Italian folklore, Befana is an old woman who delivers gifts to children throughout Italy on the feast of the Epiphany on January 6 in a similar way to Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus.
Images from Venice event and around the world about Epiphany
VENICE, ITALY - JANUARY 05: The face of the statue of Rioba is seen as thick fog shrouds Campo de Mori and the all the city on January 5, 2012 in Venice, Italy. Venice woke up this morning under a heavy blanket of fog adding to the atmosphere of the city. (Photo by Marco Secchi/Getty Images)
The Feast of the Epiphany, celebrated January 6 with a national holiday in Italy, and the tradition of La Befana are a big part of Italian Christmas celebrations. Epiphany commemorates the 12th day of Christmas when the three Wise Men arrived at the manger bearing gifts for Baby Jesus. The traditional Christmas holiday season in Italy lasts through Epiphany. On Venice’s Grand Canal, at 11 c'clock men dressed as old witches – ‘befane’ in Italian – race towards the Rialto Bridge, standing up as they row Venetian style. This event takes place every year in January in celebration of Epiphany.
Best places to watch the race: Rialto but you must get there quite early, Riva del Vin or just around Rialto Mercato.
When you think of Venice, what do you think of first? Certainly, the canals and Venice gondolas come to mind quickly, but almost as quickly you’ll get images of people in gorgeous and elaborate costumes – complete with ornate masks – as they celebrate Carnevale each year. While Carnevale (Carnival in English) is a holiday which is recognized throughout Italy, Venice is the most famous city in Italy for its Carnevale festivities. So, if you want to see Carnevale in Venice, keep reading – you’ll need a few tips before you dive in. I wrote about the history of carnival here before.
- Bring yourn own costumes or hire them. Anyway, be a mask or a historic costume. A brillian place for Masks and Costumes is Ca del Sol - The only problem is that t will be so hard to cross San Marco. Lots of people are trying to photograph with you and you hear mostly: "Una foto per favore..." - Most action happens around San Marco and it is a good idea to stay not far from it - Attend a ball if you can afford it The Ballo del Doge by Antonia Sautter is the place to be...and be seen! - Get lost and discover the real Venice... This can be done anytime but it is particularly true around Carnival Time - Eat lots of Frittole and Galani - Attend a costumed dinner - Pray for good weather - Attend a Venice Carnival Photography Workshop ;-) this year I will host one with my colleague Guillem Lopez! - Learn the programme
Hundreds of people gather at Lido di Venezia to celebrate the New Year. Following a Viennese waltz, the ibernisti swimmers take a dip in the sea before celebrating on a typical combination of wine, lentils and sausage.
VENICE, ITALY - DECEMBER 31: Fireworks display are seen in St. Mark's Square during New Year's Eve street party on December 31, 2011 in Venice, Italy. Official figures say that around seventy thousand people gathered in St. Mark Square for this year's street celebrations.
Gondoliers dressed in 16th century costumes ferry people performing a Nativity scene from St Mark's to the Island of San Giorgio.
The event, in its first year, replicates the ancient tradition when the Doge of Venice used to travel to the Island of San Giorgio on Boxing Day to celebrate the relics of Santo Stefano.
NOALE, ITALY - DECEMBER 18: Participants dressed as Father Christmas take part in the Noale Sant Run on December 18, 2011 in Noale, Italy. Close to two thousand people participated in the third annual Noale Santa Run, one of the largest non competitive Santa Run in Italy.
Can a Muslim say happy Christmas to his friends? As a Muslim I get asked this question all the time during this period . Often I get even told off by some good doer Mullah acting for the Islamic Police! As I have done for so many years now, once again, I extend these wishes from around the globe, to you all Merry Christmas to my Christian friends and Happy Hanukkah to my Jewish friends
Afrikaans Geseënde Kersfees en 'n gelukkige nuwe jaar Albanian Gëzuar Krishtlindjet e Vitin e Ri Arabic ???? ??????? ??????? ???????? ???? ????? ??????? Azeri Tezze iliniz yahsi olsun Basque Zorionak eta urte berri on Breton Nedeleg laouen ha bloavezh mat Bulgarian ??????? ??????! ???????? ???? ?????? Byelorussian ? ????? ????? i ???????i Catalan Bon Nadal i feliç any nou Chinese (Cantonese) ???????? Chinese (Mandarin) ???????? [????????] Comanche Tsaa Nu?u?sukatu?? Waa Himaru? Cornish Nadelik lowen ha blydhen nowydh da Croatian Sretan Božic i uspješna Nova godina Czech Veselé vánoce a š?astný nový rok Danish Glædelig jul og godt nytår Dutch Prettige Kerstdagen en een gelukkig nieuw jaar Esperanto Bonan Kristnaskon kaj feli?an novan jaron Estonian Häid Jõule ja õnnelikku uut aastat Faroese Gledhilig Jol og eydnurikt nyggjar Finnish Hyvää joulua ja onnellista uutta vuotta Flemish Zalig kerstfeest en gelukkig Nieuwjaar Frisian Noflike Krystdagen en in protte Lok en Seine yn it Nije Jier French Joyeux Noël et bonne année Gaelic (Irish) Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi mhaise duit Gaelic (Manx) Nollick ghennal as blein vie noa Gaelic (Scottish) Nollaig chridheil agus bliadhna mhath ùr Galician Bo Nadal e próspero aninovo German Frohe Weihnachten und ein frohes neues Jahr Greek ???? ???????????? ??? ??????????? ?? ??? ???? Greenlandic Juullimi ukiortaasamilu pilluaritsi Hausa Barka da Kirsimatikuma barka da sabuwar shekara Hebrew ?? ???? ??? ???? ???? Hungarian Kellemes karácsonyt és boldog új évet Icelandic Gleðileg jól og farsælt komandi ár Ilocano - Naimbag a Pascua ken Naragsac nga Baro nga Tawen! Indonesian Selamat hari Natal Italian Buon Natale e felice anno nuovo Japanese ?????????????????? Jèrriais Bouan Noué et Bouanne Année Judeo-Spanish / Ladino Noel alegre i felis anyo muevo Kazakh ??????????? ????? ???? ???? ??????? ????? ?????? Kirghiz ??????????? ???????? ???? ??????? ????? ?????? Korean ?? ????? ?? ? ?? ???? Kurdish (Kurmanji) Kirîsmes u ser sala we pîroz be Kurdish (Sorani) Kirîsmes u salî nwêtan lê pîroz bê Latin Natale hilare et annum faustum Latvian priec?gus Ziemassv?tkus un laim?gu Jauno gadu Low Saxon - Heughliche Winachten un 'n moi Nijaar Maltese Il-Milied u s-sena t-tabja Maori Meri Kirihimete Ka puta a Matariki, ka rere a Whanui, ko te tohu o te tau Monogasque - Festusu Natale e Bona ana noeva Manx Nollick ghennal as blein vie noa Norwegian God jul og godt nyttår (Bokmål) God jol og godt nyttår (Nynorsk) Oriya Sukhamaya christmass ebang khusibhara naba barsa Persian/Farsi ????? ???????? ?? ????? Polish Weso?ych ?wi?t i szcz??liwego Nowego Roku Portuguese Feliz Natal e próspero ano novo Quenya Alassëa Hristomerendë! Alassëa Vinyarië! Romanian Cr?ciun fericit ?i un an nou fericit Russian ? ?????????? ????????? ? ? ??????????? ????? ????? Serbian (Orthodox) ??????? ?? ???? ? ?????? ???? ?????? Serbian (Non-Orthodox) ?????? ????? ? ?????? ???? ?????? Sicilian Bon Natali e filici annu novu Sindarin Mereth Veren e-Doled Eruion! Garo Idhrinn Eden Veren! Slavomacedonian ?????? ????? ? ???? ?????? Slovak Veselé vianoce a š?astný nový rok Slovenian Vesel Boži? in sre?no novo leto Somali Ciid wanaagsan iyo sanad cusub oo fiican Spanish ¡Feliz Navidad y próspero año nuevo! Swedish God jul och gott nytt år Tagalog Maligayang Pasko at manigong bagong taon Thai ??????????????? ??????????????? Turkish Yeni y?l?n?z? kutlar, sa?l?k ve ba?ar?lar dileriz Ukranian B??????? ?????? ? ? ????? ????? Urdu ???? ??? ????? ?? Uzbek Yangi Yil Bilan Vietnamese Chúc Giáng Sinh Vui V? và Chúc N?m M?i T?t Lành Welsh Nadolig llawen a blwyddyn newydd dda Xhosa Siniqwenelela Ikrisimesi EmnandI Nonyaka Omtsha Ozele Iintsikelelo Zulu Sinifesela Ukhisimusi Omuhle Nonyaka Omusha Onempumelelo
Switching alliances. After having been so passionate about Jacopo Robusti (Tintoretto) at the point that one of the reasons I choose my present house in Venice was due to being close to the Tintoretto's house and workshop I find myself deeply in love with Lorenzo Lotto. Traitor!
The Hermitage Paintings at Accademia Gallery on November 23, 2011 in Venice, Italy. The exhibition, which includes two very rare and previously unseen paintings, opens from the November 24 2011 to February 26, 2012 in Venice
Venice woke up this morning under a heavy blanket of fog adding to the atmoshere of the city.
Burano is a collection of islands linked by bridges and divided by canals, located approximately 9km to the north-east of Venice.
Historians are divided as to whether the island acquired its name from the Buriana family, who were amongst the first settlers, or from the smaller neighbouring island of Buranello from whence its first inhabitants originated.
Burano is a densely populated, neat and attractive little town with a population of around 5,000. Visitors usually remark on the brightly painted houses which create a colourful ambiance: a feature which the authorities have attempted to preserve by insisting that residents observe the municipal colour scheme when painting their homes.
One of the BestTours on Tripadvisor. Photo Workshop. Have you ever walked on the streets and saw a moment that you wanted to capture, but you were too scared to take the photograph? Do you want to become more confident shooting in the streets and learn how to better interact with your subjects?
Info, News and updates about Venice. Where to stay, What is happening, Where to Eat….and a lot more
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