Venice
A place we have always known is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime, yet secretly fearing that we will fall in love with it so much that we will return every year. A timeless city of enchanting canals, magnificent architecture, and captivating history, an inevitable destination on the list of every travel enthusiast, its majesty – Venice.
How to get to Venice
Question that always arises before traveling to one of the destinations in Europe is which mode of transportation is most suitable for us. Here are the most logical options.
Car:
Traveling from Belgrade to Venice by car offers flexibility in exploration and the ability to move at your own pace, while enjoying picturesque landscapes along the way.
The most common route for driving from Belgrade to Venice involves traveling through Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia, with an approximate distance of around 950 kilometers and a travel time of about 10-12 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
Keep in mind that you may encounter difficulties in Venice itself as the city is mostly car-free, and parking in Venice is limited and expensive. It is recommended to park your car at one of the designated parking areas outside the city and then use public transportation or walk to explore Venice’s attractions.
Tip: Check specific entry requirements and regulations for each country, as they may vary.
Bus:
The next option is traveling by bus from Belgrade to Venice. Several bus companies offer direct lines between the two cities, with a travel time of 10 to 12 hours. It is advisable to book your bus ticket in advance to secure your desired departure time.
Although the travel duration is not short, this can be the most affordable option, allowing you to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. Some good options for this mode of travel can be found on the website polazak.rs, where the price of a round-trip ticket is around 10,000 dinars (85 euros).
Flight:
Of course, the fastest way is to fly from Belgrade to Venice. Several airlines operate flights between these two cities, with a duration of approximately 2 hours. However, the only airline that offers a direct flight is Air Serbia. The regular ticket price can be around 180 euros. Flights with layovers can be with airlines such as Lufthansa, Austrian, and Swiss, with prices not differing significantly from the first mentioned.
Tip: Keep in mind that airfare is likely to be more affordable if you book it in advance.
Airport - Venice
In my case, Venice was just a stopover destination, as I visited Italy for an Erasmus+ project, which you can read more about here. That morning, I met extraordinary girls, Nevena and Ana, who were also traveling for the same project. Their willingness to explore an unfamiliar country with unfamiliar people was a clear sign that we would get along great. We reached Venice itself by a direct bus from Marco Polo Airport, for which the ticket price was 10 euros. We could purchase the tickets from a machine in front of the airport or directly from the staff. The journey took about 20 minutes.
Piazzale Roma
Tired from the journey, yet excited to find myself in a place that I never imagined would, probably due to the numerous canals, irresistibly resemble Amsterdam, I found myself at Piazzale Roma, the square at the entrance of the city. The first thing you’ll definitely notice is the water traffic that completely replaces the roads, so you can hear the sirens of an ambulance boat rushing at the speed of wind towards someone in need, skillfully maneuvering between other boats and gondolas.
We didn’t have a specific plan for the whole day, we only knew that there were must-visit places that we, as true tourists, wanted to explore, such as the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute and Piazza San Marco, so I’ll briefly describe them.
San Salvador
Chiesa di San Salvador is a historic church located in the San Marco district. It showcases beautiful architecture, including an elaborate facade and ornate interior. The church is renowned for its collection of artwork by famous artists such as Titian and Tintoretto. It serves as an active Catholic church, hosting regular religious services. Chiesa di San Salvador is a significant place to visit if you happen to be passing by due to its cultural and religious importance. Upon entering the church, one can feel the energy and tranquility that religious places often carry, regardless of one’s own religious beliefs.
Rialto Bridge
Ponte di Rialto is the most famous bridge in Venice. Spanning across the Grand Canal, it connects the districts of San Marco and San Polo. With its architectural grandeur, the bridge is an iconic symbol of Venice, built in the late 16th century. It features a unique design with a central arch and two smaller arches on each side. You will recognize this bridge by the large number of people constantly trying to capture photos from this spot, as many consider it the most beautiful bridge in the entire city.
St. Mark's Square
St. Mark’s Square, or Piazza San Marco, is the central and most famous square in Venice, holding significant historical and architectural importance. Its prominent landmark is the Basilica of St. Mark. The attention-grabbing feature on this square is the statue of the winged golden lion, symbolizing the patron saint of Venice and the city’s power and influence during its golden age. The square itself is a bustling hub, surrounded by stunning buildings, cafes, and shops, and it remains a vibrant gathering place for locals and tourists alike, hosting events, concerts, and celebrations throughout the year. Here, a constant flow of people circulates, and during our visit, restoration work was underway, creating a mix of chaos and the beautiful architecture that frames the square, leaving a lasting impression in our memories.
The Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs in Venice is a mesmerizing symbol of the city’s rich history and romantic allure. Built in the 17th century, this elegant white limestone bridge connects the Doge’s Palace with the historic prison. Legend has it that the bridge got its name from the sighs of prisoners who, upon crossing it, caught their last glimpse of Venice before being incarcerated. Adorned with delicate stone carvings and arches, the Bridge of Sighs presents a picturesque sight that continues to captivate visitors from around the world, inviting them to delve into the fascinating stories and enchanting beauty of Venice.
Santa Maria della Salute
The famous Santa Maria della Salute, also known as La Salute, is a magnificent basilica located at the entrance of the Grand Canal, to which the renowned Serbian poet Laza Kostić dedicated his most famous verses. Unfortunately, it was also undergoing restoration during our visit, and all we could see was its dome, as well as a huge, undoubtedly expensive Louis Vuitton advertisement. Nevertheless, this does not diminish the historical significance that it holds as a votive church built in commemoration of the city’s deliverance from the plague. Inside, under normal circumstances, one can behold beautiful works of art imbued with the spirit of the past.
Gondola ride
On the other hand, something we knew from the beginning that we wouldn’t experience is the quintessential gondola ride, which is considered a must-do for many visitors. Gondolas are traditional Venetian rowing boats that gracefully glide through the city’s canals. In a gondola, you can leisurely explore the narrow waterways, passing under picturesque bridges and alongside historic buildings. The gondolier, dressed in traditional attire, skillfully maneuvers the boat, creating a serene and magical atmosphere. Taking a gondola ride allows you to immerse yourself in the unique ambiance of Venice, capture beautiful photographs from a unique perspective, and create lasting memories. This romantic activity is particularly enjoyed by couples, and prices for a standard ride lasting 30 minutes to one hour range between 80 and 120 euros.
Lunch in Venice
It’s a common occurrence that at a certain point, we were terribly hungry and decided to venture into the nearby streets, guided by the advice that prices on the main squares are astronomical, in search of a decent meal. It seemed that at that moment, we were more than ready to indulge in the charms of Italy when it comes to food, so we ordered classic dishes of the country, while our Balkan traits were responsible for our choice of drink, ending up with beer as our main thirst quencher.
Café to go
After replenishing our calorie reserves, a feeling of sleepiness followed, which led us to decide to take a break on the shore and grab a takeaway coffee instead of sitting in a café. This particular scene remains etched in our memories as the most beautiful part of the day. The scent of the sea, the gentle breeze tickling our skin, the excited voices of passersby in the background, and the new friends we made brought a moment of tranquility to our thoughts, rejuvenation to our bodies, and the strength to continue on our journey.
Lost in Venice
Our final wish for the day was to escape the urban center and lose ourselves in the colorful leisure that the spirit of Italy carries. Without hurry or a plan, we wandered through narrow streets and dark passages, moving away from the friendly gazes of the locals behind their market stalls, and getting closer to a sense of belonging to the unknown.
Tip: Venice is safe during the day, and we didn’t encounter any issues. However, as in any larger city, it’s important to be cautious about personal belongings and keep an eye on them.
Giardini Reali
We made our way, through a path that I couldn’t recall even after my greatest effort, and arrived at a green oasis in the midst of the ocean of people surrounded by the sea’s canals. Giardini Reali, also known as the Royal Gardens, is a beautiful public garden located between St. Mark’s Basin and Doge’s Palace. The fact that we were able to separate ourselves from everyone and be completely alone for a moment, and then return among people who were enjoying the greenery of nature, speaks volumes about the grandeur of Venice. This garden seems to be the bridge that was missing to connect the water that surrounds you as you explore Venice with the asphalt you walk on. It’s an ideal opportunity to take a break from the bustling city, so I highly recommend that you experience this city to the fullest by visiting this place with its diverse plant life and soothing ambiance.
End of the day
We ended the day by walking back to the main train station, an exceptionally well-organized place from where you can reach, well, wherever you envision continuing your adventure called Italy.
And that’s not all, of course. Venice hides a multitude of publicly known treasures, as well as carefully tucked-away gems that you can discover online or through interactions with locals, embracing the laid-back spirit of Italy that will guide you to them. Here are some suggestions for further exploration.
Leonardo da Vinci Museum:
Visiting the Leonardo da Vinci Museum offers a fascinating opportunity to explore the genius and creativity of one of the most influential figures in history, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of his exceptional contributions to the world.
Teatro La Fenice:
An architectural masterpiece, it is one of the most famous opera houses in the world, where magnificent performances and rich history come together in a breathtaking setting.
The 3 islands of Venice:
Venice is composed of three islands: Murano, Burano, and Torcello, and visiting all of them allows you to experience their vibrant colors, rich craftsmanship, and serene ambiance individually.
Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari:
Visiting this basilica offers an opportunity to see awe-inspiring works of art, including Titian’s Assumption of the Virgin, and immerse yourself in the grandeur of its Gothic architecture.
Scuola Grande di San Rocco:
A breathtaking Venetian treasure adorned with exceptional Tintoretto paintings, representing the pinnacle of Renaissance art and religious devotion.
Lido di Venezia:
A trip to this beach provides a pleasant escape from the historical charms of the city, where you can enjoy the sun, refresh in the waters of the Adriatic Sea, and soak in the vibrant coastal atmosphere.
Returning home from the “Floating City” without souvenirs is not an option, fortunately, it offers a range of fascinating trinkets that embody its special character.
Venetian masks, with their intricate designs and vibrant colors, symbolize the city’s rich artistic heritage and famous carnival.
Authentic Venetian wine is something that can bring the taste of this place to life whenever you crave it.
Miniature gondolas, meticulously crafted replicas of the city’s traditional boats in various forms, serve as charming reminders of Venice’s romantic allure and unique transportation system.
Perhaps most striking is Murano glass, known for its exquisite craftsmanship and brilliant colors. Delicate jewelry, various figurines, and stunning cutlery are often made from this material.
Venetian paper is also well-known, infused with centuries-old tradition and a touch of elegance on beautifully decorated notebooks and office supplies. Whatever you choose, you will undoubtedly carry a part of Venice’s magical atmosphere with you.
Dare to
A journey within oneself
Finally, don’t forget, a journey is not defined by visiting as many landmarks as possible that we don’t even understand, nor by taking photos in front of fortresses we see on social media. To truly experience a journey, it primarily takes place within ourselves. Being willing to travel means being ready to return home a little different, with a layer more or less around your heart and with eyes whose perspective on the world has been altered. Therefore, don’t be afraid of unknown cities, countries, people, or yourself. Although it may sometimes sound intimidating, you will eventually realize that no matter how far point A is from point B, they will always have something in common. After all, both are just points connected by the very distance between them. Don’t fear them, embrace them.
Questions??
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