Place

Ca' Pesaro

Located on the Grand Canal and housed in a late Renaissance palace, these two museums have an impressive collection of art. The first collection is the Museo d'Arte Moderna or the Museum of Modern Art. Here numerous works of art are displayed, most of which have been bought during Venice's own Biennale over the years. The artists displayed include Chagall, Kandinsky, Klimt, Miró, Henry Moore, Umberto Boccioni, Morandi, and Filippo De Pisis. The top floor houses the Museo d'Arte Orentale collection, which mostly comprises Japanese artifacts, and Chinese, Javanese, Siamese (Thai), Cambodian, and Indonesian pieces. This oriental collection might be relocated to the Palazzo Marcello. Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-6pm Address: Santa Croce 2076 Phone 041-524-1173 Prices Admission 5.50€ ($7.15), free for children under 12

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Overview & visitor information

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What to do with children in tow

Activity

A gondola ride would a very enjoyable experience for a child or adult. This might be a little expensive so one should consider the convenient and less expensive option which is a ride on the no. 1 vaporetto. Both rides offer entirely different experiences. The gondola takes you on a journey where one gets to see some unique buildings like view Marco Polo's house. On the other hand, the vaporetto provides a practical yet beautiful ride down the Grand Canal. One can find here boats of various kinds and services like the ambulance boat, the garbage boat, the firefighters' boat, the funeral boat, and even a delivery boat of Coca-Cola. Sometimes, also visible are special gondolas filled with flowers carrying a blissful bride and groom. Feeding the pigeons in Piazza San Marco could be the highlight of a child’s visit to Venice. Be sure to buy a bag of corn and you'll be draped surrounded by pigeons within seconds. This is also a great photo opportunity. Warn your child of the all the fluttering and flapping. An excursion to the Murano Island could provide a lot of recreation along with education. Ask around for a furnace, or the glass factory. Free entertainment would be provided to children in the form of a glass-blowing performance of the island's thousand-year-old art. Another breathtaking sight is that from top of the Campanile di San Marco (the highest structure in the city).One can take the elevator there for a pigeon's-eye view of Venice's rooftops and church cupolas, or view the four bronze horses on the portico of the Basilica San Marco. This view from its outdoor terrace will be retained in one memory for years to come. For older children, the Museo Navale & Arsenale, (Museum of Venetian Navy) has on display ship models and old vessels. The Museo Civico Correr (Correr Civic Museum), also displays many historic artifacts which are substantial remnants of Venice’s glorious times. Children can also be kept away from mischief by involving them in a competition to count how many times they can spot the winged lion, which is a kind of symbol of Italy. It is also known to have been a lucky mascot for St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice, thus its popularity. You will see it on numerous things from T-shirts to napkins on buildings facades, on columns, doorways, as pavement mosaics, on the local flag and government stamps.

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Arsenale

Building

The Arsenale is a shipyard in Venice, which played a vital role in the development of the Venetian Republic. The Italian Navy is now running the yard and it occasionally opens to public like on the Biennale and for the festival of traditional Venetian boats, held in May each year. According to historical records the Arsenale started functioning in 1104. Sometimes up to 16,000 arsenalotti or workers used to be employed at the yard and they used to be among the best shipbuilders in the world. The ‘Inferno’ by Dante has truly captured these sweating men armed with pitch and boiling tar. The Arsenale has an extraordinary Renaissance gateway guarded by four lions which were taken from Francesco Morosini, who defeated Turkey in 1687 and won the Peloponnese. Address: Campo dell'Arsenale, Castello, Venice

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Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark's Basilica)

Churches

The design and the architectural style for Basilica di San Marco, complete with five mosque-like domes, was inspired from Constantinople. To honor the patron saint of Venice, from a small chapel, through the centuries, predominantly the 11th c., wealthy Venetian merchants and politicians have been donating gifts to expand and enhance the beauty of this church, the saint's final resting place and have also constructed the adjoining Palazzo Ducale. This church is more grand and unique than any other Roman Catholic Church. It is also known as Chiesa d'Oro or the Golden Church. It has a vast interior exquisitely gilded with Byzantine mosaics added over the period of 7 centuries. These mosaics cover every inch of both ceiling and pavement. One can go the Galleria upstairs for a better look at these amazing ceiling mosaics and the Oriental carpet like patterns of the pavement mosaics. The Galleria was originally the women's gallery or matroneum. It is also the only way to access the outside Loggia dei Cavalli. One can also view the renowned Triumphal Quadriga of four gilded bronze horses here. It was brought to Venice from Constantinople in 1204, together with the Lion of St. Mark (mascot of the patron saint and the former republic) and other valuables from the Crusades. The restored originals are on display inside to the small museum. The outdoor Loggia dei Cavalli provides a superb view of the piazza and the quadriga, which Napoleon said, upon his arrival in Venice in 1797, was the "the most beautiful salon in the world". The 500-year-old Torre dell'Orologio (Clock Tower) stands on the right and on the left is the Campanile (Bell Tower), and beyond, the glistening waters of the open lagoon and Palladio's Chiesa di San Giorgio on its own island. The marvelous altarpiece known as the Pala d'Oro or Golden Altarpiece is the church’s greatest wealth. It is a Gothic masterpiece encrusted with approximately 2,000 precious gems and 255 enameled panels. It was made in the 10th century and was decorated by Venetian and Byzantine artisans between the 12th and 14th centuries. It is placed behind the main altar, which covers the tomb of St. Mark. It is also very interesting to view the Tesoro (Treasury), which is a collection of the Crusaders' loot from Constantinople and various other icons and relics that have collected by the church over the years. Most of the booty from Venice has been used to decorate the interior and exterior of the basilica in the form of marble, columns, capitals, and statues. Madonna di Nicopeia, second in importance to the Pala d'Oro, is a 10th-century bejeweled icon taken from Constantinople and exhibited in its own chapel to the left of the main altar. She is regarded to be one of the protective patrons of present-day Venice. The guards at the cathedral's entrance will deny entry to those in inappropriate attire i.e. shorts, sleeveless shirts and shirts revealing the midriff and skirts above the knee. The Basilica is open Sunday morning for those who wish to attend Mass, but is not open for tourists until later. Hours: Basilica, Tesoro, and Pala d'Oro: summer Mon-Sat 9:45am-5pm; Sun 2-5pm (in winter usually closes an hour earlier). Museo Marciano: summer daily 9:45am-5pm (in winter usually closes an hour earlier Location: San Marco, Piazza San Marco Phone: 041-522-5697 Prices: Basilica, free admission; Museo Marciano (St. Mark's Museum, also called La Galleria, includes Loggia dei Cavalli), 1.50€ ($1.95); Tesoro (Treasury), 2€ ($2.60)

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Biennale d'Arte

Building

Biennale d'Arte is a large exhibition held from late May to October very odd numbered year, which presents the latest in contemporary painting and sculpture from several countries. It is renowned as one of the world's best international modern-art shows. It is so popular that visiting crowds fill up the pavilions of the public gardens at the east end of Castello and in the Arsenale. The exhibition has bestowed awards, in the past to Jackson Pollock, Henri Matisse, Alexander Calder, and Federico Fellini, among others. Tel. 041-521-8846 or 041-271-9005 www.labiennale.org Tickets (17€/$22; 9.50/$12 students) can be reserved online or by calling tel. 199-199-100 in Italy.

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Burano

Village

A peaceful village which has brightly painted houses lining the canals. As this village’s fishing based economy dwindled, the residents took to lace making to earn a living. As soon as you enter the village, by the time you reach the Piazza Galuppi, the main square you would have passed dozens of stalls of lace vendors. These ladies are very proud of their unique product so they don’t offer great bargains. Authentic handmade Burano lace costs $1,000 to $2,000 for a 10-inch piece. The Museo del Merletto or the Lace Museum offers an awesome insight into the delicate intricacies of lace making. The museum also serves as a skills center as on weekdays one can see women practice lace making. Sometimes a few pieces are also put up for sale. Address: Piazza Galuppi 187. 041/730034 Musei Civici pass EUR 18. Apr.-Oct., daily 10-5pm; Nov.-Mar., daily 10-4 pm Location: Islands of the Lagoon

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Ca' d'Oro

Palace

Located along the Grand Canal, this beautiful Gothic palace was constructed in 1434 by Marino Contarini for his wife. To express his love for his wife, he literally created a "Golden House" as the palaces marble traceries and ornaments were embellished with pure gold. Ca' d'Oro palace again became a gift of love when a 19th-century Russian prince presented it to Maria Taglioni, a famous classical dancer. The last owner left the palace to the city of Venice, after having had it restored and decorated with antiquities, sculptures, and paintings that presently form the Galleria Franchetti. Besides the famous work ‘St. Sebastian’ by Andrea Mantegna and other classic Venetian art, the Galleria Franchetti contains the type of fresco that long ago existed on the exteriors several Venice buildings.

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Ca' Rezzonico (Museo del '700 Veneziano; Museum of 18th-Century Venice)

Museum

Ca' Rezzonico is a beautiful palace on the Grand Canal and is most famous for being the final home of English poet Robert Browning, after the death of his wife Elizabeth Barrett Browning. It was reopened in 2001 after a complete restoration. This museum shows the general public the lifestyle in a luxurious Venetian home in the concluding years of the Venetian Republic. Initiated by Baldassare Longhena, the 17th-century architect of La Salute Church, the Rezzonico palace is an extravagant setting for this collection of period paintings, notably works by Venetian artists Tiepolo and Guardi, and a special room dedicated to several works by Longhi, furniture, tapestries, and artifacts. This museum best depicts the occasionally flippant lifestyle of the Venetians. The likes and fashions preferred by the wealthy Rezzonico family of merchants, especially the generously frescoed ballroom stirs up images of the lifestyle of the idle Venetian rich 200 years ago. Hours: Wed-Mon 10am-6pm Location: Dorsoduro (on the Grand Canal on Fondamenta Rezzonico) Phone: 041-241-0100, 041-520-4036 Prices: Admission 6.50€ ($8.50) adults, 4.50€ ($5.85) students

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Campanile di San Marco (Bell Tower)

Tower

The 1000 years old brick bell tower is 325 feet tall, excluding the angel. It suddenly collapsed in 1902, crushing with it Jacopo Sansovino's 16th century marble loggia at the foundation. The loggia was immediately restored, and the tower was rebuilt according to the old plan and was opened for public in 1912. In the 15th century this tower was used to punish clerics found guilty of immoral behavior. They were suspended in wooden cages from the tower and were either left to starve or forced to survive on bread and water for as long as a year. On a clear day the view from the tower includes the Lido, the lagoon, and the mainland as far as the Alps. Strangely none of the innumerable canals of Venice are visible. Address: Piazza San Marco, Venice Phone: 041/5224064 Location: Piazza San Marco Cost: EUR 6 Open: Apr.-June, daily 9:30-5; July-Sept., daily 9:45-8; Oct.-Mar., daily 9:45-4. Last entry ½ hr before closing

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Campo San Polo

road

Many years ago, at the Campo San Polo bull races took place, fairs and military parades were held but now only the city’s outdoor cinema is set up here on summer nights. The church located here called the Chiesa di San Polo was restored several times but little remains of the original 9th-century building, and the 19th-century alterations were so expensive that the friars had to sell off many great paintings to pay bills. Though the work of Giambattista Tiepolo is displayed here, his work is outdone by 16 paintings by his son Giandomenico (1727-1804), including the Stations of the Cross in the oratory. San Polo's bell tower has not changed through the centuries. The highlight of the tower is the two lions guarding it, playing with a serpent and a Human head. Address: Campo San Polo, Venice Phone: 041/2750462 Chorus Cost: EUR 3, Chorus pass EUR 9 Open: Mon.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 1-5

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Campo Santo Stefano

road

Located in the city's most affluent residential areas, surprisingly, this square once hosted bullfights! There was only a stone avenue called a “liston” here, and was a very popular walking area. So much so that in Venetian language "andare al liston" still means "to go for a walk." Campo Santo Stefano is a popular meeting spot and outdoor fairs during Christmas and Carnival seasons are also held here. A must see is the 14th-century Chiesa di Santo Stefano and its ship's-keel roof, created by shipbuilders. Address: Campo Santo Stefano, San Marco, Venice Phone: 041/2750462 Chorus Cost: EUR 3, Chorus pass EUR 9 Open: Mon.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 1-5

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Stella Sahaba Kebab

Address: Campo Sestiere Santa Croce, 182, Venice, Italy 30125 Cuisine: Middle Eastern A halal certificate is displayed in the restaurant as proof. Hours: from ten in the morning to eleven in the evening Telephone: 0418105730 Mobile: 00393294534726 Email: [email protected]

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Al Paradiso

The owner of this eatery, Giordano welcomes all diners personally and makes sure their needs are catered to. Operating in a small dining room with a cheerful and simple décor this place is always busy so a reservation is essential. The food here is exceptionally good and the chef is creative and gives dishes a unique twist. The Pappardelle "al Paradiso" is a pasta with seafood sauce and risotto with shrimp and grapefruit are the specialties. The entrées are also very tasty and well presented. The ‘panna cotta’ is the most celebrated dessert here.

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Antiche Carampane

This restaurant serves most of the classic fish dishes Venice is known for. These include mixed seafood antipasto to fish soups, pasta, and fish grilled to perfection. New additions like seafood and fruit salads for starters and entrées like turbot with citrus sauce are also very popular. Desserts are also magnificent here. The owners, Franco and Piera’s son Francesco has turned some family recipes into classics by adding and subtracting a few ingredients and greatly improved the presentation of this elegant restaurant.

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Antico Martini

This restaurant was initially a café when it was initiated way back in 1720. Owned by the Baldi family, they have maintained the restaurant as a vivacious and cheerful eatery especially at the outdoor tables in summertime. Their most famous dishes include risotto di frutti di mare and fegato alla Veneziana which are prepared to perfection. It is very conveniently located right across the opera house. The prices here are a little steep.

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Avogaria

Avogaria is one of the most modern and fashionable restaurants of Venice. The food and the architecture and décor are very contemporary. The décor of the dining room and the garden is simple yet very elegant. The predominant cuisine here is Pugliese, a region in the south of Italy. Most in demand from among the primi include orecchiette (small, round pasta) with turnip tops, and zucchini involtini (roll-ups) made with fresh stracciatella cheese. Pugliese cuisine also lays great emphasis on fresh seafood.

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Do Forni

This is a very busy restaurant that serves superb Venetian cuisine. The large menu greatly emphasizes on sea food with some continental dishes. Do Forni is very well decorated and posh. The dining rooms have been divided into two design themes, the main room is decorated country-style and the front room décor emulates an Orient Express car, which makes the area very unique and charming. Cuisine Venetian, International Hours Daily noon-3pm and 7-11pm

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Ristorante Riva Rosa

A very elegantly decorated restaurant, Riva Rosa is located next to a canal in Burano and has beautiful views. The clientele is mostly tourists. The decor and menu are both contemporary and the quality of the food and service is superb. The staff are helpful and accommodating. The restaurant specializes in seafood and, if you ask, the chef is happy to create a vegetarian or low fat dish to suit your taste. Being served outside the restaurant veranda is excellent if you want to enjoy the view while you eat. Timings: Closed Wednesdays, and Monday and Tuesday evenings. Address: Via San Mauro 296, Burano. Telephone: 041 730850.

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Anice Stellato

A family run eatery located on a fondamente or a canal-side street of Cannaregio has a great romantic ambience and reasonably priced superb food. The place has an interesting architecture with narrow columns dividing the dining room into different sections. In addition to traditional Venetian cuisine, innovative dishes have also been introduced, such as carpacci di pesce which is thin slices of raw tuna, swordfish, or salmon dressed with olive oil and fragrant herbs, tagliatelle with king prawns and zucchini flowers, and many appetizing fish stews. Many meat dishes are also served here.

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La Bitta

Finally, a restaurant with a non fish menu! Nicely decorated, the restaurant has longer dining hours and the management is efficient and helpful. The restaurant is not open for lunch but serves continuously from 6.30 to 11 pm. Their popular dishes include the Treviso radicchio and crispy bacon salad, smoked-beef carpaccio or small marinated gnocchi with Montasio cheese, lamb chops with thyme, anatra in pevarada or duck in a pepper sauce and the Irish Angus fillet steak.

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La Zucca

This is an essentially vegetarian restaurant with a simple décor, lattice-wood walls and windows overlooking the canal. Meat dishes are also served here but are not their specialty. The expertise here is produce from the garden. A must eat is the radicchio di Treviso con funghi e scaglie di Montasio, a dish with mushrooms and shavings of Montasio cheese and the finocchi piccanti con olive or fennel in a spicy tomato-olive sauce. Reservations are required..

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Bauer Il Palazzo

Moderate Hotels

Situated in a busy area of the city, the Il Palazzo is an extremely luxurious hotel. The management is excellent at pampering the guests and making them feel comfortable. The hotel is grand in its décor with high ceilings, Murano glass, marble bathrooms, and damask drapes. The 44 rooms and 38 suites have been decorated magnificently. The walls are covered with tufted Bevilacqua and Rubelli fabrics. Most rooms have extensive views and a safe, refrigerator, DVD and Wi-Fi system. Guests are served breakfast on Venice's highest rooftop terrace, accurately called Il Settimo Cielo or Seventh Heaven. The seventh floor also houses the outdoor hot tub and offers breathtaking views of La Serenissima. The hotel offers its guests an in house restaurant, room service, bars, gym, laundry service, Internet terminal etc.

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Ca' Angeli

This elegant and expensive B&B is located on the third and top floors of a palace that stands on the banks of the Grand Canal. It was formerly the residence of an architect and has been converted. It has a homely feel but at the same time it is exquisitely decorated with classic furniture including an 18th-century briarwood bureau, an original icon, as well as 18th- and 19th-century art. Either the Grand canal or a side canals provide picturesque views from the five rooms and two suites. There's also an attic apartment which could be suitable for groups or small families. Guests are served a sumptuous breakfast of cheeses and meats from local producers in a salon overlooking the Grand Canal.

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Ca' Formenta

Located in a residential part of the city, this 15th century hotel offers high-quality services and a canal-side entrance for guests arriving by water taxi. The front rooms boast a splendid view of the lagoon. From one of the back rooms one can get access to a pleasant rooftop terrace with tables. The 12 rooms and 2 junior suites offer facilities of a safe, refrigerator and Internet. In the hotel, room service is available along with a bar, laundry service, Wi-Fi hotspot. Some pets are also allowed.

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Hotel Antico Doge

Decorated in impeccable Venetian style, this former home of Doge Marino Falier, has walls covered with beautiful textiles and elegant furnishings. Some rooms have beautiful views of the city and baldacchini or canopied beds and hardwood floors. Guests can avail facilities of a safe, Internet and Wi-Fi hotspot. The hotel is located in a lively section of the city, with the main road passing right next to it, making commuting to most parts of Venice easy. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast, laid out beautifully in a dining room with a frescoed ceiling and a Murano chandelier.

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La Calcina

The La Calcina is located along the Zattere. Some of the 27 rooms and 5 suites offer panoramic views of the extensive Giudecca Canal. Guests can make use of the hotels altanas or wooden terraces to sunbathe or have a cup of tea in the cosy reading corners created in the candlelit lounge with soft classical music playing in the background. The rooms on the first floor are accessible by a stone staircase and they have parquet floors and unique art deco furniture. Fresh snacks and drinks are available throughout the day at Piscina bar and restaurant. Meals are either served in the well-designed dining room or on the waterside terrace. Apartments are also available if desired.

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Pensione Accademia Villa Maravege

This aristocratic villa once housed the Russian embassy and the late Katharine Hepburn shot for her film Summertime here. It is also called the ‘Villa of Wonder’ because of the spectacular garden with a mini Palladian-style villa which has been elaborately decorated with flower beds, stone cupids, and lush green trees. The hotel stands on a serene peninsula where two side canals join with the Grand Canal. The villa’s 27 rooms and 2 suites are decorated with Venetian style antiques and unique tapestry. The villa is very popular so book in advance.

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3749 Ponte Chiodo

3749 Ponte Chiodo is the name of the bridge one has to cross to get to this family-owned B&B. This is how it got its name. It is located near the Ca' d'Oro vaporetto, which is very convenient for commuting. The six rooms here offer views of the bridge, the canals and the surrounding gardens. The rooms have a safe, refrigerator and Wi-Fi system. The management is very attentive and cooperative. Guests can enjoy themselves in the private garden and the patio. Meals can also be served here. The management has also made a kitchen accessible for their guests if they wish to use it.

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Acca Hotel

Moderate Hotels

This newly constructed hotel has 8 rooms and 1 suite. The rooms are cheerful and comfortable, providing guests a safe, refrigerator and Wi Fi system. The staff is attentive but they leave in the evening after handing over the keys to the guests. The hotel is conveniently located. In pleasant weather, breakfast is served in the courtyard. The hotel has many amenities and is excellent value for the moderate rates they charge.

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Casa Rezzonico

Moderate Hotels

This popular hotel, the result of the hard work of owners Matteo and Mattia, has a canal running next to its entrance and a private garden, where usually breakfast is served. The six rooms are not uniform in size but are pleasing and comfortable, and provide views of the garden or the canal. The views are very much in demand with tourists especially on weekends. The staff is very helpful and the location of the hotel makes it easy for visitors to explore the sights from the Rialto to the Salute and easily get transport from Ca' Rezzonico to reach the various locations in San Marco.

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Santa Maria della Pietà

This simple hotel is very spacious and cheerful because of its huge windows. It was initiated 10 years ago on the upper floors of two historic palaces. The palaces’ terrazzo floors have been restored, the large windows decorated with reasonable but elegant drapery and the hotel boasts a huge rooftop terrace with a coffee shop, bar, and clear views of the lagoon. In addition to these perks, it is conveniently situated just 100 yards from the waterfront and about a 10-minute walk from St. Mark's.