🇮🇹Venezia: Delivering the atmosphere of an authentic place

1. Caffè Florian
• Overview and History
Caffè Florian, founded in 1720, is one of Europe's oldest cafes. Its luxurious interior is reminiscent of a museum, with striking mirrors and gilded décor.
• Atmosphere and Experience
Enjoy live music outdoors (a terrace fee of €6 per person applies during these times), while the inside seating offers a more tranquil and elegant atmosphere.
• Things to Note
The menu is on the pricey side, with coffee and desserts sometimes costing over €30.

2. St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco)
• Overview
Located in the heart of Venice, measuring 180m long and 70m wide, this is the only square called a "piazza" (square). Other squares are called "campos" or similar.
• Features
Napoleon is said to have praised this square as the "Salon of Europe." It is a magnificent space surrounded by historical buildings, including the Byzantine cathedral, bell tower, clock tower, and Doge's Palace.
• Flooding (Acqua Alta)
As the square is the lowest point in Venice, it is the first to be submerged during high tides (acqua alta). At this time, a temporary wooden walkway is sometimes installed for tourists.

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3. St. Mark's Basilica
• Overview
A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, it boasts beautiful, intricate, and lavish mosaic decorations, while also incorporating elements of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture.
• Sightseeing Spots
Highlights include over 8,000 square meters of mosaics, the Roman "Four Horses" (the originals are housed in the museum), the "Four Emperors" statue made of purple porphyry, and an altar honoring St. Mark.
• Tickets and Sightseeing Tips
We recommend reserving tickets in advance. A separate entrance has been set up to reduce congestion, allowing for smoother entry. The tour takes about 30 minutes to an hour, and tickets cost around 7 euros (depending on the contents).

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4. St. Mark's Clock Tower (Torre dell'Orologio)
• Overview
Commissioned by the Venetian Senate in 1493 and completed in 1499, this clock tower embodies the mechanical beauty of the Renaissance. It continues to amaze tourists today with its automatic mechanism, featuring a Moorish statue striking the bells.
• Features
The intricately crafted observatory dial not only displays the time, but also the constellations and the phases of the moon. The bronze "Moor" statue, which chimes the hour, moves every hour, eliciting a roar of excitement throughout the square.
• Experience Ideas
You can also join a guided tour to see the inner workings and enjoy the view from the rooftop. Prices range from 12 to 15 euros; reservations are required.

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