There are lots of beautiful cities and towns to visit outside of Venice easily accessible by rail. Travel week can be used to explore the rest of Italy, and indeed other countries. However, during the weekends there are plenty of opportunities to explore less further a field. Here are a few of the places of the explored by myself and some of my fellow Warwick students in Venice that you might be interested in exploring.
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Treviso |
Treviso: Most commonly known as the airport for the airline Easy Jet, Treviso is actually a beautiful Italian town and well worth a visit. Only 25 minutes away from Venice by rail it is easily doable for a day trip, or even just a morning or afternoon. The town has lots of small, interesting shops, as well as coffee bars and a food market.
Padua: This bustling and vibrant city is only 40 minutes away from Venice. The History of Art students take a trip to Padua, organised by the university. Yet it is easy to arrange your own transport via train if you are a History student. Do not miss Giotto's magnificent frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel, the Palazzo della Ragione and the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua.
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Padua: The Basilica of Saint Anthony |
Verona: Made famous by Shakespeare's star crossed loves, Romeo and Juliet, Verona should certainly be on your list of places to visit. The journey between Venice and Verona by train is roughly 45 minutes. A highlight of our visit was the Verona Arena.
Udine: The capital of the Friuli region, mentioned by Carlo Ginzburg is his work, The Cheese and the Worms, is north of Venice. Though rather quiet, it is worth a visit. However, be mindful of Italian opening hours. It is worth going in the morning or later in the afternoon, as places can close for long lunch breaks.
Bologna: Known for its unbeatable food, Bologna does not disappoint. We headed to Ristorante Cesarina, the Bolognaise was delicious as were the Lasagne and Tiramisu! Ask the waiter if you can try some Balsamic Glaze.
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Waiting to catch the train to Bologna |
Useful websites:
http://www.seat61.com/
Island Hopping
The Lido: Best visited early on in the term, so the beach and a dip in the sea can be enjoyed! The beach is rather deserted October and November and you'll certainly get a few strange looks if you go for a swim. However, the Lido is good fun and if you walk straight across the island you can find a long beach and a bar that serves food and a reasonably prized Spritz overlooking the sea.
The Giudecca: Found south of Venice, the Giudecca can be seen from Dorsoduro and San Marco. This small island is home to I Redentore, a beautiful church which is included on the Chorus Pass. The island is also home to the swanky Molino Stucky Hilton, a converted a factory.
Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore: Just along from the Giudecca you will find the Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore. Visit San Giorgio Maggiore, the church that you can see from Saint Mark's Square, and take the lift up the Campanile for spectacular views across the city of Venice.
Murano: In the sixteenth century Venice moved any dangerous trades to its surrounding islands; Murano glass has become famous around the world for style and quality. Throughout Venice you will find shops selling Murano glass, often alongside cheaper imported glass (shops legally have to tell you if it is imported). Murano is small and quiet, mainly made up of glass shops and factories.
Burano: One of the most beautiful of Venice's islands, the colourful houses of Burano are almost surreal. Originally local fishermen painted their houses different colours to enable them to distinguish their houses, now the island is overrun with tourists.
Torcello: Originally Torcello had a greater population than Venice, hard to believe when you visit the island. With only a couple of cafes and a few small hotels and houses, the main purpose for a visit to the island is the stunning Byzantine mosaics of the Torcello Cathedral.
San Michele: This tiny walled island is home to Venice's cemetery. On the 1 November free vaporetto are run to the island for local Venetians to pay their respect to loved ones. However, you can also use this service to visit the island. The well cared for grave yard, covered in flowers, is a moving site. You can also visit the island on other days by paying the usual vaporetto charge.
Island Hopping
San Michele: This tiny walled island is home to Venice's cemetery. On the 1 November free vaporetto are run to the island for local Venetians to pay their respect to loved ones. However, you can also use this service to visit the island. The well cared for grave yard, covered in flowers, is a moving site. You can also visit the island on other days by paying the usual vaporetto charge.