Venice

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Roads? Where you're going you don't need roads... but don't rule out a romantic gondola ride or a water taxi. Welcome to Venice, with its network of canals, rich history and composition of over 100 small islands in the Adriatic Sea.

One of the most popular features of this Northern Italy capital is the Grand Canal, once a major center of the Renaissance. Be sure to see the central square Piazza San Marco, where all can marvel at Byzantine mosaics, the Campanile bell and St. Mark’s Basilica.

Fine art, stunning architecture, white limestone bridges, moving about via watercraft... Venice is a singular experience and an astonishing masterpiece of civilization. Summer is the busiest time to visit, so plan accordingly. If you're looking for an unforgettable costume party, visit during Venice Carnival from the end of February to the beginning of March.

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St. Mark's Square

St. Mark's Square, or Piazza San Marco, is Venice's main public square. Go for the restaurants, stay for the night music!

Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

Popularly known as just "The Salute," this baroque Catholic basilica's dome is a key part of the Venice skyline. Due to its history as a 17th century "plague church," it features art referencing the Black Death.

Gondola Rides

When in... Venice! An essential and scenic activity for anyone visiting this city of canals.

Transportation

To get to Venice from Marco Polo (VCE) airport take ACTV's bus number 5, running every 15-20 minutes. The bus takes passengers to the Piazzale Roma terminal in Venice's city center and takes about 25 minutes.

For getting around Venice other than walking, a vaporetto, or water taxi, is an affordable option.

Carnival of Venice

This yearly festival, which ends with Lent, is essentially a Mardi Gras celebration, and is famous for its enchanting costumes and masks. Book well in advance as this is one of Italy's most popular events!

Architecture Biennale. International Architecture Exhibition

From 5/10/2025 - 11/23/2025

Discover the future of architecture at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition, curated by Carlo Ratti. Ratti, renowned for his innovative work with MIT’s Senseable City Lab and his firm CRA - Carlo Ratti Associati, invites you to explore how architecture can harness collective intelligence to address our world’s most pressing challenges. Experience cutting-edge designs and visionary concepts that promise to inspire and engage.

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La Biennale di Venezia

From 5/10/2025 - 11/23/2025

Held in the romantic city of Venice, Italy, La Biennale di Venezia is a prestigious cultural event that showcases the best of contemporary art, architecture, dance, music, and theater. With over 500,000 anticipated attendees from around the world, this Biennale is one of the most significant cultural gatherings globally. Visitors can immerse themselves in a diverse range of exhibitions, performances, and installations while enjoying the picturesque backdrop of the Venetian canals and historic buildings.

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69th International Festival of Contemporary Music

From 10/11/2025 - 10/25/2025

Mark your calendars for the International Festival of Contemporary Music, brimming with sounds since the mid-1950s, now under the dynamic direction of Lucia Ronchetti. Expect a thrilling lineup of daily events featuring top-tier international soloists and ensembles, complemented by the innovative Biennale College Musica, which will showcase eight cutting-edge productions by global composers and performers, redefining the frontiers of instrumental music.

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