Women-Friendly Travel in Venice
The Venice women-friendly travel guide places explicit women-friendly and family confidence signals first, while keeping uncertain details visible for review.
Venice
Ponte dei Sospiri or the Bridge of Sighs
One of the most known bridges of Venice is the Bridge of Sighs. Made of white limestone, this enclosed bridge has windows with stone bars. It runs over the Rio di Palazzo and links the old prisons with the Doge's Palace. The bridge was built in 1602 and was designed by Antoni Contino. It was through this bridge that prisoners were taken to their cells and the view from here was the last sight of Venice the convicts saw before confinement. The bridge was given its name by Lord Byron in the 19th century, because of the common notion that prisoners would sigh at the final view of beautiful city seen through the windows before being imprisoned. Hours Daily 9am-5pm (until 7pm Apr-Oct; ticket office closes 1 hr. earlier) Location San Marco, Piazza San Marco Phone 041-271-5911 Prices Admission only on San Marco cumulative ticket
Venice
San Giorgio Maggiore
Since the 8th century, this island has been home to San Giorgio Maggiore Church. The present day, pleasantly well-ventilated and simplistically decorated church constructed of white marble and bricks was initiated in 1566 by Palladio and houses his architectural hallmarks of mathematical harmony and classical influence. The Last Supper and the Gathering of Manna, two of Tintoretto's later works, hang near the altar. To the right of the entrance hangs The Adoration of the Shepherds by Jacopo Bassano (1517-92); his affection for his foothills home, Bassano del Grappa, can be gathered from the rural subjects and earthy colors he prefers. The monks are cooperative and if they have time they let visitors view Carpaccio's St. George and the Dragon, hanging in a private room. For breathtaking views of the area, take the elevator to the top. Address: Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice Phone: 041/5227827 Cost: Church free, campanile EUR 3 Open: Daily 9-12:30 and 2:30-6
Venice
Santi Giovanni e Paolo
Locally called San Zanipolo, this Dominican church is very large and contains valuable works of art. Near the side entrance is a 15th-century stained-glass window in which brilliant colors have been used to give life to the beautiful drawings by Bartolomeo Vivarini and Gerolamo Mocetto. After San Marco, this is the second official church of the Italy and is the Venetian conterpart of London's Westminster Abbey as it has several important people buried here, including 25 doges. Among the many artistic treasures here is a polyptych (painted panels) by Giovanni Bellini, Christ Carrying the Cross by Alvise Vivarini and Charity of St. Antonino by Lorenzo Lotto. Also a must see is the Cappella del Rosario (Rosary Chapel), near the left transept of the church which was built in the 16th century in remembrance of the victory of Lepanto in 1571, in western Greece, when Venice defeated the Turkish Navy. The chapel was restored in early 20th century after being destroyed in 1867. It was decorated with the beautiful Veronese ceiling paintings including other works of art given by fellow churches. One must also visit the Pietro Mocenigo tomb, a monument built by Pietro Lombardo and his sons located on the right of the main entrance. Address: Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, Castello, Venice Phone: 041/5235913 Cost: EUR 2.50 Open: Mon.-Sat. 9:30-6:30, Sun. noon-5:30
Venice
Torre dell'Orologio
This beautiful enameled clock was built five hundred years ago. When it was assembled, the hour would be struck by two Moor figures and three wise men along with an angel would walk out and bow to the Virgin Mary on Epiphany (January 6) and during Ascension Week (40 days after Easter). On the clock tower, a caption is engraved which says ‘horas non numero nisi serenas’ meaning "I only count happy hours". The clock tower has been reassembled and its old glory restored after years of meticulous work. Tours to the clock take place daily but must be booked in advance.