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A place steeped in romance, this enchanting city built on the Grand Canal, is a picturesque and romantic getaway, which will transport you to another era with its various architectural marvels. What better way to view Venice other than gallivanting on gondolas?

There're many Gondola Serenade Tours, from Grand Canal, with several ornate bridges crisscrossing your path. Lined along the banks, you'll be enchanted by the many facades that greet you! It's indeed mesmerizing to see the monuments done in Gothic, Renaissance, baroque and Neo-classical styles!

There're several bridges connecting the bays of the Grand Canal. The Rialto Bridge is Venice's most famous landmark. It contains a flight of steep steps and two rows of shops. Although not much of tourist significance, the bridge is the crossing place. Venice's principal market-the Rialto Market, has been thriving ever since the 11th century! With boats laden with fruits, veggies and fish, this area still retains its local flavor. Just within ten minutes is the Piazza San Marco or St. Marks! The Basilica stands 175 meters tall. The church dates back to 1640 and the recent buildings here were commissioned by Napoleon in 1810!

The Torre dell'Orologio (Clock Tower), is a remarkable Venetian landmark on St. Mark's Square. On the ink blue base of ornate clock are the sun, the moon and the 12 zodiac signs. On the clock are Roman numerals, indicating time. Above the clock, is the statue of the Madonna. During Epiphany and Ascension Week, the Roman numerals disappear and are replaced by doorways through which angels and the Magi move to worship Mary and Jesus. Atop is an enormous bell, which is rung every hour, by two large bronze figures. The huge clock certainly looks impressive belonging to a different era! Below the base of the tower is an arch, leading to the Mercerie- the commercial streets.

Interestingly, there's the Bridge of Sighs, so called because this bridge has been the spot for a rendezvous for lovers. However, in reality, it was built to sentence prisoners to their fates! It still looks charming, done in the baroque style. The Accademia Bridge is another pretty wooden bridge. You can have a panoramic view of Venice and the Grand Canal atop this bridge. The dome of Santa Maria della Salute lies on one side of the bridge. What makes this bridge more romantic is the fact that Greg Wise had proposed to Emma Thompson on this bridge!

The Campanile di San Marco is another famous landmark opposite St. Mark's Basilica. It's the tallest building in Venice, standing 99 meters tall! The view atop is stunning as you get to watch the nearby snow-capped mountains in winter.

The Chiesa di Santo Stefano is a 13th century church, built by the Hermits. Within, are a vestry and cloisters of the old monastery. The vestry exhibits paintings by Tintoretto and the bell tower hers is also a renowned landmark.

You'll be amazed gazing at the Sacala Contarini-The Staircase of the Contarini Family. Scala Contarini del Bovolo is truly an architectural marvel, with a flight of spiral staircases running across the tower. Giovanni Candi was the man behind designing this wonder, in a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Byzantine styles!

Next is The San Rocco Church, another magnificent building The Scuola Grande di San Rocco, built in the Renaissance and baroque style. Inside are paintings reflecting the Old and New Testaments, etc. The Telecom Italia Future Centre is a building with 16th century frescoes.

Art lovers will relish a visit to Gallerie dell Accademia, exhibiting a fine collection of paintings by Italian masters. The Ca'd'Oro has some lovely paintings of Grand Canal palazzo. The Ca' Rezzonico is an 18th century museum. The Palazzo Mocenigo is another museum exhibiting 18th century furnishings. You'd also love models of historic gondolas in the Museo Storico Navale (Naval Museum).

Cruising along the Grand Canal, listening to old Italian music is truly an exhilarating experience. When the music stops, you'll wonder at the sudden calmness that engulfs you, in a city that's abuzz, yet serene!

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