Palazzo Luna is a former fifteenth century Doge’s palazzo, located away from the madding tourist crowds, in the Castello Orientale district of historic Venice. The palazzo is near to the Giardini della Biennale, famous for its fabulous art exhibitions, the beautiful Basilica di San Pietro Castello, and the Naval Museum.
The international Marco Polo airport is a fifty five minute private water taxi journey away, or eighty minutes by the public vaporetto. There are three vaporetto routes near to the palazzo, which can whisk you away to many of the major sights you will want to see. One of the joys of a holiday in Venice is walking over many of the four hundred bridges, and some of one hundred and eighteen canals, as the city reveals its colourful history.
It is a twenty minute walk to the impressive St Mark’s Square, and the eleventh century Basilica, where mass is still held today. Visit the Byzantine Doge’s Palace, climb the clocktower, and cross the Bridge of Sighs. On the other side of St Mark’s Square is the Correr Museum, highlighting the history of Venice in its royal rooms and library.
Take time out to stroll around the square, window shop in the jewellery stores and designer dress shops, before sitting down for tea in Florian’s, whilst the orchestra plays your favourite tunes. Cross the bridge or take a gondola taxi to the Napoleonic Accademia Gallery to view classical Venetian Renaissance art, and the nearby seventeenth century Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, with its iconic cupola and twelve paintings by Titian. Make time to visit the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, an homage to twentieth century modern art, housed in her original palazzo home. Take a three island tour to see the glassblowers at work on Murano, the colourful houses and lacemakers of Burano, and the seventh century cathedral on Torcello, with its Byzantine art. Cross the Adriatic Sea to the Lido, famous for its grand hotels, long sandy beaches, and for those who like to chance their luck, there’s a casino too.
Venice is a food lovers paradise, sample the local dish of Baccala Mantecato, a salted cod dish, best served with a chilled white wine. A walk to St Mark’s Square will take you through back streets full of shops selling the very best quality hand crafted leather goods, silk scarves, and cashmere sweaters.
For the romantics, get into a gondola and cruise the canals, or simply take one, to cross the water from one side to the other. In the evening enjoy a stroll to Harry’s Bar for a Bellini, before a night at the opera at the famous Fenice Theatre, then dine in a local restaurant, serving traditional Venetian dishes overlooking the Grand Canal, under a Tiepolo blue sky. If you are lucky enough to be there during Carnival time, make sure you wear a mysterious mask, and join in the fun and frolics of this fabulous festival.
The Region
Venice, a captivating city situated in the northeastern part of Italy, is a place like no other. Often referred to as the "City of Canals," Venice is renowned for its unique and mesmerising beauty. Built on a network of one-hundred-and-eighteen small islands connected by a labyrinth of canals, this enchanting city offers an array of attractions and experiences that make it a must-visit destination for travellers from around the world.
