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The Romantic Charm of Venice

Venice has always had that allure. Over the years, books and movies have portrayed Venice as one of the world’s most romantic cities.  They weren’t exaggerating. Yet, I wasn’t prepared for the hold Venice would have on me and how it swept me off my feet.

venice campanile and doge's palace

With Valentine’s day two weeks away, I decided to look back at one of my favorite cities to relive some romance. We celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary over two years ago on a two-week, whirlwind trip to Paris,Venice, Rome and Amsterdam. We visited Paris the year before so the city I was really looking forward to exploring was Venice.

Venice canal

I think we enjoyed our visit a lot more since it was in November and not in the height of summer tourist season, oppressed by heat, humidity and the canal smell people keep asking me about (there was none during our visit). Or maybe it was the impressive sights we saw down the Venice’s main thoroughfare, the Grand Canal, that captivated me. It was easy to see why this city’s tourists outnumber its residents and why it oozed romance and history in every corner.

Venice Grand Canal

The city known as the Queen of the Adriatic and the City of Canals and Bridges greeted us with a torrential downpour. This resulted in flooding or commonly known as acqua alta or high waters in many areas and we walked around using raised wooden platforms.

Venice St Mark Square in rain

We thought of it as an adventure instead of a hindrance which made getting around more tolerable. Luckily, this only happened during our first day. I guess those narrow planks and walking under one umbrella also qualified as romantic walks in the rain.

Venice in rain

It was such a glorious place to visit and explore whether you’re traveling solo, with a group or your significant other.  Even if you don’t get to accomplish the top romantic things to do, like riding a gondola and being serenaded in Italian, there’s still no place quite like it.

Venice gondolas

Some people thought it was sacrilegious that we didn’t do a gondola ride in Venice. We found it overpriced, and sharing a gondola ride with strangers to save some money wasn’t exactly our idea of romance. We decided to save our gondola ride when we go back here with our kids and haven’t regretted that decision. It provided a great incentive to return as a family(hopefully soon).

Venice Gondolas

We were completely fine seeing Venice through the vaporetto (water bus) and walking its streets. Yes, romantic Venice can also be seen cheaply.

Venice canal view

I fell more in love with Venice as we made our way to St. Mark’s Square and our vaporetto meandered through the Grand Canal. I sat there mesmerized by the intricate details of the buildings. It was a mesh of different architectural types from Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance facades enveloped in hundreds of years of history.

venice grand Canal view

Venice used to be a significant international trading center and was a naval and commercial power due to its location. It was Europe’s most prosperous city in the late 13th century. These ornate palaces that line the canal were built by Venetian families trying to outdo each other during their glory days.

Venice palace along canal

These buildings have withstood time, nature and the elements. Its obvious decay on some of them added to the romantic and unique charm of the city.

Venice palace detail

It was also no surprise that Venice is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site for its distinct cultural and physical importance. Some buildings still retained the vibrant and colorful frescoes.

Venice Fresco building

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Venice building with fresco

I loved seeing the various windows adorned with flower boxes and planters. It gave the buildings a little bit of life and much needed greenery and foliage lacking throughout the canal.

Venice window along Grand Canal

I can imagine the incredible views the residents or visitors must have of the Grand Canal and all its activity.

Venice window along Grand Canal

We found cafes and restaurants along the canal perfect for that romantic candlelight dinner or lunch as you people watch and marvel at all the gondolas and water vessels traversing the canal.

venice gondolas restaurant

We saw many bridges on side streets but also passed under a couple of Venice’s bridges. The Rialto Bridge spanned 400 years of history and is the city’s most famous bridge. The 24-foot arch is a popular attraction and often crowded with tourists and vendors. Unfortunately, modern day vandals got to it but is a momentary distraction for what it offers.venice Rialto Bridge

It was definitely worth a stop for an amazing view of the Grand Canal in action. Of course, we couldn’t pass up the chance for a remembrance of this romantic trip.

Venice Rialto couple

The heart and soul of Venice is at St. Mark’s Square or Piazza San Marco which is the city’s most popular square. It is surrounded by museums, cafes and shops and some of Venice’s most famous attractions.

Venice st marks Square

Among them is St. Mark’s Basilica which was a fine example of Byzantine architecture. Its remarkable and colorful gilded mosaics adorn its facade. It is worth the neck strain to look up and admire them in detail.

St Marks Basilica

Part of Venice’s appeal is its status as a pedestrian city with no cars in sight. We found the best way to explore Venice was by getting lost. There were enough signs to find your way back to the the main attractons and get your bearings. We followed paths that led us to some surprising sights all rich in history, architecture and old world charm.

Venice canals

As we wandered aimlessly, we discovered small alleyways, quaint shops, old churches and more bridges. Often times, we were greeted with colorful and rustic buildings that made us feel like we stepped back in time.

Venice side street

Nighttime in Venice took on an ethereal glow that turned the romance up a notch. The glow of the ornate lampposts and spotlights on the monuments made Venice even more magical and perfect for evening strolls.

St Marks Square night

I loved how Santa Maria della Salute was lit up to welcome parishioners for mass. Those special nighttime effects are also probably one of the reasons those gondola rides cost more at night.

Santa Maria della Salute

Venice has long been a source of inspiration for authors, musicians and artists. Its cobble stoned streets, public squares, neighborhoods and attractions set the stage for romantic walks or meeting potential love interests. It left us in awe and amazement that such an enchanting place still exists in today’s world.

Venice sidestreet

*Have you visited and experienced romantic Venice?

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44 thoughts on “The Romantic Charm of Venice”

  1. We visited it 35 years ago and fell in love with this romantic city. We travelled
    at the same time of year as yourselves and it was not over run with tourists. It
    was perfect. I always feel sad when I read negative reports about Venice, so your
    many beautiful photos and positive report make me happy. Thanks.

    1. Thanks Jan! I’ve met people who hated Venice for its being too touristy but met many more who are in love with the city. I feel sad reading all those negative reviews too especially for an area highly dependent on tourists. Even with acqua alta in mind, I think Fall is one of the best times to visit Venice.

  2. It has been a dream destination for me! Glad I could watch and read about the place here, stunning captures really. Happy that you could visit and had such a fabulous time there. Have a wonderful day Mary :)

  3. I LOVE Venice. I’d been there in June with the crowds during college, but also went back with my husband right before we started having kids for our very belated honeymoon in November 2008. The piazza flooded, almost to your knees. Like you we found it fun and romantic. We never took a gondola ride, too pricey. The vaparettos are just as fun and take you to more places in my opinion. We still need to go back a third time and not just for the kids. After 2 trips I still haven’t made it out to Murano! I need to see those gorgeous, colorful buildings… or am I thinking of Burano? Hmmmm….

    1. Totally agree on the vaporettos. You’re thinking of Burano for the beautiful buildings. We did the Burano, Murano and Torcello tour which you must do when you go back. Glad to know we’re among good company with going to Venice and not riding the gondola.

  4. Your pictures are gorgeous. You would love the spectacular book of photos of VEnice that I reviewed recently at A Traveler’s Library. As a matter of fact, one of the photos I loved in that book is a dead ringer for your picture of “parked” gondolas. So your eye is as good as this high-priced photographer. Congratulations!

    1. Thanks Vera! I will head over and look for the Venice book you reviewed. That shoudl make for a good coffee table book. Well, some of these photos were taken by my husband so he deserves the credit and took those gondola pictures.

  5. Beautiful pictures! Got engaged in Venice on a gondola ride some 13+ years ago. We’d both traveled to Venice separately & saved up for the gondola ride – which was as magical as you might imagine. Can’t wait to go back with the kiddos. Such a beautiful city!

    1. Wow, Debi…your husband couldn’t have picked a better way or place to propose than a gondola ride in Venice. How wonderful and for you guys, even more magical. I can’t even imagine how romantic that proposal was and the memories it stirs up when you see Venice in pictures. I hope you get to take the kids back soon and show them this gorgeous city.

  6. I now feel as though I have been back to Venice thanks Mary. Your photos are lovely…it was great to see so many familiar sights. I also love seeing Venice outside of the main tourist times. I’ve had fabulous trips in February and March. There is something special about the light over the city at this time of the year.

  7. I haven’t made it to Venice yet but your photos are compelling. It is one of the few cities I’d like to visit – though only in the off-season. Sounds like a great break with your husband. They go by all too quickly.

    1. Yes, these couple breaks are a few and we can’t wait for our 15th anniversary :) I think you’d like Venice and its outer island a lot but off season experience I think makes a big difference.

  8. I went to Venice with my parents (perhaps I was the 3rd wheel in this romantic city), and I hope to get there with my husband some day. I’m envious that you got away for 2 weeks. I really like the photo of the gondolas with a hazy St. Marks in the background. You make Venice look so inviting, and I can’t believe that some people are lucky enough to live there.

    1. I wouldn’t have minded going to Venice no matter who it was. We got lucky it was Thanksgiving Break and I have great in-laws nearby to depend on but this was our first get-away over a weekend. I know what you mean about the residents. Although, seeing all those tourists outnumber them probably gets old. Thanks Michele!

  9. Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista

    I enjoyed my walk through Venice and love your pictures of the canals! I agree, Venice does seem so romantic. I would love to see it for myself one day :)

  10. What a wonderful way to spend your anniversary! Your photos are lovely. I visited Venice 3 times in the 1970’s. In fact, I met my first boyfriend there. No, he wasn’t Italian. We were both part of the same school trip. My memories of Venice have lasted much longer than the romance did
    :)

  11. I’ve not visited Venice, but it is one of the cities that has fascinated me since I was a small girl. I love the canals and the architecture. So beautiful. I hadn’t thought about the possible smell though. I’m very sensitive so I’ll definitely plan a fall trip if we ever head that way.

  12. Mary, You are so right about getting lost in Venice. I have been to this magical city three times and I can’t wait to return. I love all of the little bridges. You feel like you are in a fairytale and the dragon might be just around the next corner :)) The old family owned mask shops are fascinating and afford you a truly unique souvinour to take home. April and early May are wonderful times to visit Venice as the flower boxes are in bloom and it is warm enough to eat in an outdoor cafe right on the canal.

  13. Venice is unreal and magical and a great place to go with kids. You have to look up what Mark Twain had to say about it in The Innocents Abroad. He as funny and astute, as usual. Beware of Falling Angels is another good Venice book.

  14. That is so true. Since I remember, books and movies have portrayed Venice as one of the world’s most romantic cities and your photos prove it :). Nothing better than strolling down
    the streets of the most romantic city in the world. Did you feel that guys :)?

  15. Oh what a romantic way to celebrate your anniversary, I was i Venice about 14 years ago with my best friend. I was so captivated by the architecture, the canal, its quaintness and its sunset. But most of all, I was captured by its strong sense of romance. I am yet to return and experience its romance with my husband:) Maybe on our next anniversary???:)

  16. I have not ben lucky enough to visit Venice – it is on my list – and very high up there!! Your pictures are fantastic!

    Sorry to just now be getting around to seeing your post – it was a crazy past few days! Thanks so much for linking up on Friday!!

  17. I’ve never visited Venice but it certainly looks romantic! I love places like this and hopefully I’ll convince the hubby to take me one day:). What a perfect place to celebrate an anniversary.

    1. It was a perfectly place to celebrate an anniversary. It’s become one of my favorite cities. I so hope your hubby takes you here one day soon (or Iceland too). Have a wonderful Maui trip!

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