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Every second year Venice holds its Biennale - a celebration of modern art when many countries sponsor their greatest artists to present thought provoking art in large and complicated or simple [but mostly large] works in two major areas of the city.
Auditoriums are named by country and are established in disused industrial buildings on the same campus.
In addition other works associated or not associated with the Biennale are scattered around this city of streets and canals making an intricate but accessible maze of living Italian culture and life.
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The Rialto Bridge, Venice
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Where to stay in Venice
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The Grand Canal by dusk, Venice
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We stayed with a Monastery Stays venue at the eastern end of Dorsoduro, where fourteen nuns make their work and life in this tranquil, serene, more residential and less buzzy part of Venice - but within one vaporetto [water bus] stop of San Marco itself - just across the Grand Canal.
Within easy walking distance of the monastery are many wonderful places to visit including the Bascilica Maria della Salute, the Accademia and the Peggy Gugenheim gallery and gallery shops.
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The monastery is well conducted and very clean - much refurbishment work has been completed here over the years. The rooms are airy, clean, comfortable, furnished with new beds, tables, chairs etc and refurbished bathrooms to qualify for more than a three and a half star rating - and a lift is available for use by residents. The site is very quiet.
The nuns are very charming and hospitable. The breakfast has all the elements of a full continental breakfast - the coffee hot and very Italian.
No other meals are available to guests, but just across the way from the monastery is a 'bar ' come trattoria/pizzeria where we ate a number of times - the food was simple, not expensive, the place clean and service hospitable. It is a great place to finish the afternoon or start the evening with an 'Aperol Spritz ' - a Campari comparible aperitif but with an orange base, served with proseco, sparking mineral water or tonic water...try it - you will be back for more!
There is a curfew, but nobody seems to mind as Venice is a walker 's city, meaning that at days end, the 11pm curfew is a blessing - exhausted one drops into bed to be ready for the next day.
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Venetian Hints
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A couple of tips - to make your Venetian experience an enjoyable one!
On arrival buy a good map of Venice - have a good look at the detail - you need that in Venice. Its true that people use the main tracks from the railway station to the Rialto Bridge and San Marco, but there are other places you will wish to visit and this necessitates a little planning before leaving home.
Walking tours can be a nightmare in this living city of culture as the crowds can be overbearing. Balance this with self guided, self paced walks with your trusty map.
Quickly get to know how to use the vaporetto [water bus] system - it works very efficiently for the number of visitors - in the millions each year.
Buy a day pass for the number of days you will be in Venice and swipe it on first [and on subsequent] use - this will record and show each time you use the card the day and time of expiration. Purchasing the card once will save queuing for tickets [and time wasted] each time you wish to use the system - which will be many times.
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An enchanting gondola ride, Venice
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There are so many things to see and do in Venice! Use a quality guidebook to plan your days to make the most of your time in this beautiful city - opera, film [the annual Film Festival was on during our visit] the many galleries and places of interest; including the famous Murano glass producers on the island of the same name, a few minutes by vaporetto from the main island etc. On the likewise easily accessible island of Burano you will find the famous lace work.
Internet access is relatively scarce and expensive compared with other cities. Scarce also are letter boxes, so have your post cards ready for sending when you come upon one.
When leaving Venice allow plenty of time to get to your train, as a [rarely] cancelled vaporetto [water bus] or one arriving full and leaving you to await the next one can be a bad mistake. Recalling an earlier visit when less experienced, I nearly missed my train - a very bad way to start your day!
Monastery Stays has a number of very good places in Venice but early reservations are essential - book early. As Venice is so small all are relatively good locations.
We wish you well on planning your visit to Venice. We enjoyed a magnificent and value for money visit staying at a Monastery Stay venue.
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monasterystays.com brings the warm hospitality and true Italian experience of this unique bed and breakfast accommodation within easy reach of all travellers. Lodging with a rich history, great locations and all easily and reliably booked online for you at monasterystays.com
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About Monastery Stays
Monastery Stays is an innovative small company established to provide a superior service for people wanting an authentic experience in Italy, staying in unique and value for money lodgings - bed & breakfast accommodation at monastery and convent guest houses, offering warm hospitality to all travellers.
Angela Hoban
VP Customer Relations
Monastery Stays Pty Ltd
Email: info@monasterystays.com
Website: www.monasterystays.com
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