What to see in Venice

Perhaps because of his nebulous nature in the border between reality and desire, waking and sleeping, life and death, history and legend, East and West, the solid and liquid, submerged and miraculously raised, Venice is essentially a city of ghosts and masks, and there the presence of the conventionally mater is as sensitive as the spectra of all the famous people who in life, books, dreams and art have walked its amphibious streets.

Few figures evoke more about the nature of theater masks as Giacomo Casanova (1725-1798) does; author of Histoire de ma vie, located in advantage among the  most fabulous autobiographies of all time, one of whose lesser achievements may not be the creation a mask or an absolutely fascinating character whose life, with fidelity to the inability of his time to exalt feelings of resentment, self-indulgent melancholy, despair or nihilism typical of other less gallant times, stops being narrated when he gives the first signal of starting to become a byproduct that creates a painful and degrading old age.

We should speak here today of the beginning of the book, as in it there is that elusive essence of Venice that has so much to do with the fog within which certain siren songs seem fresh and startling call from other plans. Also because perhaps it would shed some light on another of the striking features of the book, its determined and joyful commitment, far from psychological games and terrifying depths of the logical mind that can be seen in other libertine writers like Sade or Laclos, by celebrating life mostly through all the women Casanova loves, not only physically but also emotionally and intellectually, though we fear that Fellini -author of an excellent and moving film about this character- would think infinitely the opposite here.

The story has to do with the first memory of Casanova, when was just eight years old. He was a very sick child whose life nobody would have bet for.

He continually suffered terrible nosebleeds. His parents, famous actors, were far away, perhaps in England. One day her grandmother got into a gondola and took him to Murano to see a witch, who after locking him in a coffin-like box, burning different drugs, reciting spells, and rubbing him with a fragrant ointment, ordered him to remain silent on the matter and announced the visit of a lovely lady on the following night from who his healing and also his happiness depended as long as he didn’t say anything to anyone about it.

Night came and the young Casanova saw, or thought he saw, the stunning lady down the chimney, who sat on her bed and gave a long speech that he did not understand. Before leaving, she kissed him. Needless to say that Casanova was cured.

Paul Oilzum

If you rent apartments in Venice you will realize that the air of this story is the same breathed in this dream city.

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Translated by: salome antigone
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Venice is one the most romantic cities in the world. You’ll be fascinated with its canals, gondolas and typical Italian streets. You’ll be amazed at the infinity of small islands surrounding Venice. Among them: Murano. This is the most famous island of the Venetian Lagoon, where the glass tradition was born. Come to Murano to discover the Glass Island.

With its 7000 souls, Murano is the smallest island of the archipelago; it is also the most famous. This magical place was founded by the Romans and possesses a very emotional and fascinating history. Those who have never heard of the Murano glass truly have a piece missing in their culture. Because of the risks of fire, all of the glass makers had to move to Murano around the year 1291. After some time, the island became famous for its exportations and commerce.

At the beginning, craftsmen would only make pearls and mirrors, but now, the tradition has grown and every production is a piece of art. The famous “aventurine” glass comes from the island that has become over the years the main glass producer in Europe. If you’d like to discover this tradition of glass making, come to Murano and visit one of the many workshops there. Nevertheless, the main manufacturers are closed to the public because Venetian people are very careful with the secrets of glass making.

If you stroll around Central Street, you’ll get to see many craftsmen in their shops creating pearls or other items. Those shows are free and will certainly amaze you. Although you’re not obliged to buy the creations, you’re likely to fall in love with Murano’s beautiful craftsmanship.

The island has a lot to offer: besides the glass tradition, you should check out the Santa Maria Church or the San Pietro Martire Church whose architecture is fascinating. Don’t miss out on the Palazzo da Mula, a villa built during the 15th century. Chances are you won’t get bored in Murano!

Come visit one of the most romantic and amazing islands of Venice. Experience living in a fairy tale on the island of Murano, rent an apartment in Venice and have the best trip of your life!

Venice, city of love, of canals and gondolas… Who has never heard of the famous St Mark’s Square or the incredible Venetian Carnival? We’re talking about an amazing city that delights its visitors. What a lot of people ignore is that near the city are many small charming islands – some of which are even more romantic than the city itself.

The Venetian Lagoon has always been surrounded by legends and superstition. During the 5th and 6th centuries, a lot of people fleeing the war sought shelter and refuge on these tiny pieces of land. Many islands remained empty, but the most famous ones like Murano or Burano are full of life and known throughout the world for their crystal and lace that are made there. Others once hosted wealthy retailers but are now the home of a handful of monks. Other islands are now health centres, hospitals or cemeteries… one of them has even become a University! The San Sevolo Island hosts the new International University of Venice were students from all over the world go to learn the art of catering.

Burano: certainly the most delightful island of the archipelago. The island has become famous for the lace and its beautiful scenery. Each and every house is painted in bright and joyful colors that follow a specific pattern defined during the Golden Age. If someone wants to paint his/her home, he has to send a letter to the Government in order to know which colours are allowed on his plot. The colours are reflected in the many lagoons which gives the island a fairytale atmosphere. Don’t miss out on the famous Lace Museum of Galuppi and the Santa Caterina Church.

Murano: it s the most famous island of the lagoon. It is known for the glass of Murano, have you ever heard of it? Around 1921, the glass makers all had to move to Murano because of the high risk of fire, which basically started the glass making tradition of the island. You’ll find many workshops all over the island near the canals. Make the time to check out the church of Santa María and its Byzantine mosaic as well as the San Pietro Martire.

Lido: this is the only island that doesn’t have any canals. This sandy piece of land is a natural barrier between Venice and the Sea. One peculiar thing about the island is that everyone rides bikes. The only relevant cultural area is the San Nicolo neighbourhood where you’ll se the Sant’Andrea stronghold. You may also want to visit the church and San Nicolo Monastery but let s face it: Lido is famous for its white sandy beaches and its crystal clear water.

You’ve got so much to discover! Come and see Sant’ Erasmo, Pellestrina or Treporti, they are real pieces of heaven. Rent apartments in Venecia and enjoy this unique trip between sand and sea.