Save your money when you visit Venice

1 Venezia gondola

Venice is undoubtedly one of the world’s most romantic cities. 2 Venezia gondolaYou can enjoy being serenaded by a gondolier as you drift along the canals, sipping a cool drink at one of the many outdoor cafes in Piazza San Marco, or splashing out on some beautiful Murano glassware. However, all of these things can end up costing you a lot of money. With a little planning and research, you can have a fantastic time in La Serenissima (the Most Serene Republic, as Venice was once known) without breaking the bank.

3 Venezia basilica san Marco

 

Attractions

The amazing Byzantine structure of St. Mark’s Basilica forms the centrepiece of Piazza San Marco and indeed of Venice itself. It was constructed in the 13th century,4 Venezia Basilica San Marco and today it serves as a memento of the time when Venice was a maritime connection between the West and the East. The church used to exclusively belong to the city rules, called doges, but in the 1800s it became open to the public. The stunning interior is decorated with elaborate mosaics, making this one of the most breathtaking sights in the city. However, be prepared to queue; visitors have to wait for 45 minutes on average to get their chance to enter. If you don’t want to have to wait in line, you can book your visit online from April to October for a cost of around $3. Entry to the basilica is free, but there are a few small museums inside which charge entry fees.

5 Venezia Palazzo ducale

According to Napoleon, Piazza San Marco is “Europe’s drawing room”, and sometimes it actually does seem as if the majority of the people on the continent are gathering in the bustling square – not to mention all the pigeons. If you want to avoid the biggest throngs, try visiting later on in the evening or very early in the morning. The outdoor cafes do look inviting, but you are likely to be charged just for the privilege of sitting there. To save money, take in the sights of the square before the crowds arrive, like the imposing clock tower and the impressive Doge’s Palace, then head somewhere else.

 

6 Venezia Canal Grande

The Grand Canal features four bridges, but of these the most famous is the Rialto Bridge, which was completed in the 16th century and spans the canal’s narrowest point. Michelangelo was among the designers and artists who competed to design the bridge, but the contest was won by Antonio da Ponte, a municipal architect who conceived the distinctive and graceful stone arch we see today. Pay a visit to the bridge to see the gondolas sail by, or take a look at the interesting souvenir stores which will the arcades on each side of the bridge.

 

 

 

7 Venezia Ponte di Rialto6 Venezia Canal Grande

Culture

8 veneziaDepending on how long you are staying and what you wish to see, the Venice Card could save you a significant amount of money. The card is valid for seven days and prices start at about $41 for visitors aged 6 to 29. For those aged 30 and over, prices start at $54. Card holders can enjoy a range of great benefits, such as free entry to the Doge’s Palace along with ten other places of interest. These include Ca’ Pesaro, a magnificent baroque palace located on the Grand Canal, which was designed by famous architect Baldassarre Longhena. It contains many fascinating examples of modern art which were acquired during the first few years of the Venice Biennale. Highlights include sculptures by Medardo Rosso and Auguste Rodin, and the stunning “Judith II (Salome)” by Gustav Klimt.

Venice Card holders can also enter Piazza San Marco’s Clock Tower for free, as well as the Murano Glass Museum, which contains historic glassworks dating as far back as the Ancient Roman era. Many chorus churches are also free to enter with the card, such as the Chiesa di San Giobbe, one of Venice’s earliest remaining examples of Renaissance architecture, and the beautiful 17th century church Santa Maria del Giglio.

9 VeneziaThe San Marco Pack offers an abridged version of the Venice Card, and costs about $34 for everyone over the age of 6. It includes entry to the National Archaeological Museum, Museo Correr, the Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Marciana, the Doge’s Palace, and three chorus churches which you can choose.

Music lovers will want to pay a visit to the free Music Museum, which is focused on liuteria, the creation of musical instruments. It features exhibits on the life of famous Venetian composer Antonio Vivaldi and on the art of violin making, among many others. The museum is open every day from 10am until 7pm.

The distinctive octagonal form of the 17th century Basilica Santa Maria Della Salute is a sheer masterpiece of baroque architecture. It was designed by Longhena and constructed by plague survivors, in gratitude to the Virgin Mary for sparing their lives. It is the home of several major 16th century artworks by the renowned Venetian painter Titian, including a ceiling painting depicting David and Goliath. Another painting by Venetian artist Palma il Giovane depicts Jonah emerging from a whale’s mouth. This is thought to symbolise the city surviving the plague.10 Venezia

 

 

 

 

Families

12 VeneziaThe Planetarium on the Lido was founded by passionate amateur astronomers. It offers free shows every Sunday afternoon from October to May at 4pm, perfect for budding stargazers aged six and over. There are only 60 seats available, so be sure to show up early.

11 veneziaLittle artists will enjoy Kids Day at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which takes place every Sunday afternoon from 3pm to 4.30pm. The free workshops provide children with an introduction to the artworks at the museum by getting them to experiment with different techniques. The program is conducted in Italian, but depending on the group’s nationality, English instruction may be available.

The Venice Lido, a long stretch of sandbar, is a great setting for a family day out. There are several free beaches, including Blue Moon beach and Alberoni Beach, which is a seabird sanctuary protected by the World Wildlife Federation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13 veneziaFood and Drink

Get up early to visit the Rialto fish market before opening time and you will be rewarded with the sight of the fishmongers collecting their fresh stock from the barges on the canal. Linger a little longer on Fridays and Saturdays to marvel at the huge array of seafood, and to mingle with local shoppers and chefs choosing their fish for the weekend. The market is open from 7.30am to 1.30pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays, but is closed on Sundays.

During happy hours at lunchtime and in the evenings, Venetians flock to small bars called bacari. These standing-room-only spots offer a selection of cicchetti, snacks to accompany your ombra (house wine) or spritz (a glass of prosecco with Aperol or Campari). Typical nibbles might consist of something like crostini topped with slices of mortadella or whipped salt cod. Snacks and drinks at a bacari may only cost a euro or two. We recommend the charming Cantinone gia Schiavi in Dorsodoru, located just across from one of the last remaining gondola workshops.

 

Outdoors

Venice consists of 118 islands punctuated with 175 canals and connected by over 400 bridges. Vaporetti, or water buses, are a great way to get around, but they can be expensive, particularly if you purchase your ticket onboard, where prices can be around $10. If you want to save money while exploring the city, you may want to consider getting the ACTV, a tourist travel card which gives you unlimited travel for varying periods of time. A 12 hour card will cost $25, while a seven day card costs $68. Young people aged between 14 and 29 can buy a three-day Rolling Venice Card, which costs around $27.

Gondola rides can be very expensive, but the traghetti (large ferries) offer a no-frills travel alternative for a much smaller cost. There are seven different crossing points over the Grand Canal, including ones near the Rialto market and the Salute Church. For non-Venetians, tickets are less than $3, giving you the chance to get out onto the water without having to splash out a lot of money.

Simply wandering through the labyrinthine streets is a great way to immerse yourself in an authentic Venetian experience. Don’t worry about getting lost; Venice is surrounded by a lagoon, so you won’t be able to wander too far. If you want to get your bearings at any point, there are plenty of signs and arrows to point you towards the bigger attractions like San Marco or the Rialto.

Things to do and see for free in Florence

1 Florence Duomo of FlorenceFlorence is a cultural centre, and is known as the city which gave birth to the Renaissance. As a result, it has a huge wealth of fascinating museums and artistic masterpieces for visitors to enjoy, including iconic artworks such as The Birth of Venus by Botticelli and Michelangelo’s David. However, you don’t have to wait for hours or spend a fortune on admission fees to experience the culture and history of this great Italian city.

 

 

Attractions

2 Florence Battistero di San GiovanniLooming over the city skyline, the Duomo is one of Florence’s most iconic sights and one of the world’s largest churches. It actually took many centuries to be made into its current form; the very first brick was placed in 1296, but the facade designed by Emilio De Fabris we see today was not completed until 1884. Its official name is Santa Maria del Fiore, or the Virgin of the Flower – this is a reference to the lily, a symbol of the city. The church is open on weekdays from 10am until 5pm, 10am until 4.45 pm on Saturdays, and 1.30pm to 4.45pm on religious holidays and Sundays. Visitors can attend Sunday mass at 7.30am, 9am, 10.30am, midday, and 6pm. This is a popular tourist destination so there can be large queues, but they tend to go down quickly. Entry to the Duomo is free, but if you want to take a closer peek at the famous dome, you will need to pay an entry fee of 10 euros (US $14). The dome is renowned as a huge architectural achievement, as it was constructed without scaffolding. For your entry fee, you will be able to access the baptistery, bell tower and Duomo crypt. You can also enjoy gazing at the beautiful Last Judgement frescoes by Giorgio Vasari and take in some spectacular bird’s eye views across the city.

3 Florence Piazzale MichelangeloEvery Catholic resident of Florence was baptised at the Battistero di San Giovanni, also known as the Baptistery of St. John, until the 19th century. This distinctive monument stands out for its octagonal marble exterior, as well as the intricate mosaics which adorn the interior. It costs 5 euros (US $7) to enter, but it’s free to admire the facade and the beautiful bronze doors, which feature elaborately carved Bible scenes.

Take a stroll down the street which leads out of the Piazzale Michelangelo and you will reach the steps of San Miniato al Monte, perched atop one of Florence’s highest points. This basilica is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. The focal point of the interior is the Cappella del Crocefisso (Chapel of the Crucifix), which was designed by Michelozzo in 1448. The crypt behind is adorned with frescoes by 4 Florence Chapel of the CrucifixTaddeo Gaddi. Take a walk through the cemetery outside the abbey; among the people buried here is Carlo Collodi, the author who wrote Pinocchio. This is a particularly beautiful setting at sunset, when the golden rays reflect off the roofs of the buildings below. The abbey is open from 7am to 1pm and 3.30pm to 7pm on winter weekdays, and from 7am until sunset during the summer months. Mass takes place throughout the entire day on Sundays and religious holidays. The masses at 10am and 5.30pm are conducted in Gregorian chant. Entry is completely free.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Florence

 

Culture

The famous Uffizi Gallery features a spectacular collection including masterworks by Botticelli. However, at around US $30 per ticket, a visit can be expensive, particularly if you’re with the entire family. Luckily, there is a new policy which means young people under 18 can enter many state museums for free, providing they have valid ID. Previously, this was restricted to EU children under the age of 6, but with the expansion of the policy, families can potentially save a lot of money. Museums under the policy include the Uffizi, the Galleria dell’Accademia (home of Michelangelo’s David), the Museum of the Medici Chapels, the Bargello National Museum and the Pitti Palace, featuring the beautiful Boboli Gardens and where full admission costs just US $9. If you want to6 Florence beat the queues, make sure to reserve online in advance.

Besides the museums and galleries, there are also plenty of public artworks to see throughout the city. If you can’t make it to see the original David, the Piazza della Signoria features a copy of Michelangelo’s sculptural masterpiece near the entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio. Nearby you will find many other artworks including the Fountain of Neptune, designed by Bartolomeo Ammannati, and an amazing sculpture by Cellini depicting Perseus clutching Medusa’s head.

Although Florence is known for its classical Renaissance art, there is also a vibrant modern art scene here. Biagiotti Art Project promotes new artists who work in many different mediums from painting to installations; you can visit their space at Via delle Belle Donne 39r. To see contemporary works by artists who are already established, including Florentine painter and sculptor Sandro Chia, visit the 7 FlorenceGalleria Alessandro, at Palazzo Ricasoli, in Piazza Goldoni 2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Families

8 FlorenceFollowing in the footsteps of London and Paris, Florence has an urban beach, a wide stretch of sand along the Arno River, close to San Niccolo. During the summer months, the beach is thronged with locals sunbathing, lounging by the bar or playing ping pong and volleyball. There is also a playground, making this a great spot to spend a day with the family.

At the Piazza della Repubblic, there is a beautiful antique wooden carousel. For a mere US $2 your child can enjoy riding on one of the carousel’s two gilded carriages or 20 horses. The carousel is open from 10am to 8pm, from November to May, and is sure to give you some priceless photo opportunities.

Cascine Park, the city’s biggest park, features many acres of grounds situated by the Arno. It used to be a farm and game reserve which belonged to one of the Medicis, but today it is a sprawling green space with a public pool, small zoo and playgrounds.9 Florence

 

Food and Drink

10 FlorenceThe people of Florence are serious about happy hour nibbles. Many wine bars provide lavish aperitivi (which are called apericena by locals) to accompany your drinks, including anything from risotto and pasta to grilled vegetables and cured meats. 11 FlorenceFor the price of a negroni or a small glass of wine, and perhaps a surcharge, you could make a meal out of them. Kitsch, located at Piazza Beccaria, has become well known for its varied and delicious buffet. 12 FlorenceIf you’re looking for a cosy place to enjoy a drink and a snack, Fuori Porta in San Niccolo is a romantic enoteca which specialises in quality local wines. Some hotels allow non-guests onto their terraces during the summer; the Grand Hotel Minerva offers particularly lovely views across Florence.

 

Outdoors

Out of all the free things to do in Florence, people-watching is one of the best. After you have looked around the souvenir and jewellery stores along the Ponte Vecchio, the bustling medieval bridge crossing the Arn, try heading to Oltrarno on the left side of the river for a less touristy experience. Here you will be able to wander the winding cobbled streets, dotted with artisan workshops, and mingle with locals at the morning market which takes place every day in the Piazza Santo Spirito. The market is closed on the second and third Sunday of the month; antique and artisan markets take place on those days.

Surrounded by the San Lorenzo flea market, the sprawling market of Piazza del Mercato Centrale gives a real taste of authentic Florentine life. It takes place from Mondays to Saturdays, from 7am to 2pm, and makes a fantastic place to take in the sights and sounds, even if you’re not planning on making a purchase. Outside the main building you will see a tent filled with stalls offering vegetables and fruits, and inside you can browse a vast selection of items, from local cheeses and cured meats to wild boar, rabbit, tripe, and much more. Treat yourself to a bottle of olive oil as a souvenir, or buy some supplies for a picnic.

Ostia – the Ancient Port of Rome

1 Ostia AnticaOstia-the Ancient Port of Rome

The ruined remains of this former commercial hub transports visitors back in time, to an era when the seas were ruled by the Roman Empire.

As you sit at the peak of the ancient arena in Ostia, you gaze at the ruins all around you and are instantly taken back to ancient times.

More than 2,000 years ago, this was a thriving seaport of Ancient Rome, a bustling commercial hub that was home to more than 60,000 citizens. Although this location is just a simple train ride away from downtown Rome, only half an hour away from the Colosseum, it seems that few tourists make the trip to this beautiful part of Italy, making this one of the most underappreciated historic sites in the country.

Ostia Antica offers just as much thrill and interest for history lovers as the more well known Pompeii, four hours away from Rome to the south. As you wander around the ancient ruins today, you can clearly see the remains of apartments, warehouses, arcades, mansions, baths and docks, giving a unique insight into the lives of the ancient Roman people who dwelled here all those years ago.

Ostia is located at the mouth, or ostium, of the Tiber, hence its name. It was established in 620 BC, and at that time its most appealing quality was the salt which could be obtained from the salt flats nearby; this was an important resource for preserving meat.

2 Ostia AnticaIn 400 BC, Ostia was conquered by the Romans, who transformed it into an important naval base and constructed a fort here. In AD 150, the whole of the Mediterranean was under the control of the Romans, and Ostia was its main commercial port. After Rome’s fall from power, the port fell into disrepair and abandonment.

Over the years, the harbour became silted up, and eventually Ostia was buried under many years’ worth of mud. Fortunately, this protected it from the effects of time and from medieval peasants who would otherwise have scavenged all the stone away.

There is a small museum in Ostia which provides a fascinating glimpse into the city’s most beautiful statues, depicting subjects such as irreverent gods, romantic cupids and entwined wrestlers. Most of them date from the second and third century AD, and are Roman creations inspired by Greek statuary.

There are also many busts, providing portraits of real, everyday people – the type of people you might meet at the public toilets or baths in those days. In Roman culture, the men of the house was revered, so many homes would have statues of fathers and grandfathers. Many of these sculptures still survive to this day.3 Ostia Antica

There are fewer remaining frescos, and the ones that do remain tend to be quite simple and humble, but they give us a taste of how the interiors of people’s homes may have been decorated.

One of the most interesting rooms in the museum includes statues based on the religious traditions of foreign countries. As Ostia was a port, it accommodated citizens from all over the world, as well as their differing religious beliefs.

Today, visitors can wander around among the ruins and identify the grid layout which was standard practice in the design of Roman towns.

9 Ostia AnticaThere is a fort in a rectangular shape, with gates at the southern, northern, western and eastern points, plus two roads which converge at the Forum. As you stroll along the main road, Decumanus Maximus, you can see constructions dating from the days of the Republic, many centuries before the birth of Christ, and the Empire, after Christ.

They can be identified by their differing levels. As the centuries passed by, the ground level in Ostia rose higher and the roads became more elevated. As you walk down, you pass further back in time to the days before Christ.

5 Ostia AnticaAlso on th4 Ostia Anticae main road, you can see the enormous theatre, or teatro. This is one of the world’s oldest historic brick theatres, and it still plays host to concerts to this day. In the old days, the three front rows of marble steps, closest to the orchestra, were reserved for the most important people.

Ahead of the theatre you will see the grand Square of the Guilds. This was formerly the thriving centre of the Roman import and export business, and there were over 60 offices belonging to traders and ship owners here. Along the pavements, there are mosaics dating from the second century AD, advertising the goods and services of the shops. An elephant mosaic identifies an office belonging to African traders, while a lighthouse is a symbol of Ostia as a port town. Visitors can have fun walking around the whole square and trying to guess from these signs what was once offered in each shop.

6 Ostia AnticaThe social hub of the city was the Forum Baths, an enormous complex which was subsidised by the government of the time. The pools were surrounded by marble steps where people would lounge and socialise. Olive oil was used for washing in place of soap, so the servants at the baths would have to skim the water regularly. As you gaze over the Baths of Neptune, you will see a beautiful mosaic depicting the god Neptune astride four horses, riding through turbulent waves.

On Via Casa di Diana you will see the House of Diana. This is an amazing example of the multiple-storey tenements where lower middle class citizens would live, known as insulae.

There is also an inn on this street named Insula of the Thermopolium. Take a look into the bar of this tavern, and you will see many interesting details such as the shelves which were once used to store drinks and food, remnants of old wall paintings, and a small sink.

 

 

 

 

 

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8 Ostia Antica