Things To Do in Veneto

Soak up the atmosphere in St. Mark’s Square by sipping coffee at one of the beautiful cafes scattered along its edges and marvel at the multiple iconic landmarks, including St. Mark’s Basilica. Dating to the 11th century, it’s one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture, built to guard Saint Mark’s relics which were stolen in Alexandria, Egypt. It includes over 500 marble columns, luminous mosaics, and gold reliquaries which Venetian crusaders brought following the fall of Constantinople.

Step inside to discover a treasure trove of art like the silver and gold Pala d’Ora with its 2,000 gemstones and then climb the bell tower for a breathtaking view. Doge’s Palace stands adjacent, facing the Grand Canal. A 14th century masterpiece of Venetian architecture, it contains Gothic, Byzantine, and Moorish styles and features a remarkable collection of art by Venetian masters inside along with the prison that once held Cassanova, before he escaped through the roof.

The Rialto Market is the best way to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant social life. Open every day of the week except Sunday, Saturday morning is the best time to come as it’s when all the locals do their grocery shopping. It was first opened in the late 11 th century and is one of the world’s most atmospheric places to shop.

The stalls around San Giacometto Church, west of the Rialto Bridge are renowned for their fresh seafood and seasonal produce, including lots of colorful fruits and vegetables. Food from the lagoon is the focus with a wide variety of creatures from the deep, including some you probably won’t recognize as it comes in all sizes, shapes, colors, and price ranges. From locals to famous chefs, everyone comes to get the best seafood here. By arriving early, you can avoid the big crowds and watch the fishermen come to sell their fresh catches to the vendors.

Less than an hour’s drive northwest of Venice, Cittadella is Europe’s only town that still has fully intact medieval walls. Founded in the 13th century as a military outpost of Padua, its surrounding wall, made of river stones and red bricks, has been impeccably restored and stretches for about a mile along the medieval parapet.

It comes complete with turrets, keeps, gates, and towers, with its defensive towers reaching as high as nearly 99 feet. Jutting above the rooftops, visitors can walk right atop the wall for a panoramic stroll through history while enjoying the magnificent views of the historic center, the Venetian plains, and the mountains. If you enter through the North Gate, you’ll see the Captain’s House which is now the tourist office. It includes a small museum with displays featuring medieval life and weaponry. Among the many historical landmarks here are a 13 th -century prison and torture chamber mentioned in Dante’s Divine Comedy.

Everyone knows all about the Colosseum in Rome, but few seem to be aware that Verona has one that can rival it. Built in 30 AD, it’s just as impressive and even more well-preserved as a triumph of Roman engineering and lies adjacent to Piazza Bra. Having managed to stand the ultimate test of time, it’s still used today for all sorts of performances, including concerts.

All of the original seating and exterior arches are still visible, making it easy to envision the 30,000 or so spectators that watched shows and games like the Roman Ludi which included chariot races and various types of theatrical performances. They were preceded by elaborate parades with dancers, musicians, images of the gods, mounted Roman noble youths, and competitors. If you can’t be here for a concert or another type of event, tours are available that will allow you to explore the arena and admire its centuries-old beauty.

Vincenza, known as the “Heart of Veneto,” the “Pearl of the Renaissance,” and other monikers, sits halfway between Verona and Venice. It’s famous for its architecture, as a veritable open-air museum with opulent palaces and other buildings that have inspired other structures throughout Europe and North America over the past 500 years. It’s also the reason Vincenza is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Founded in the 2nd century B.C., the city prospered under Venetian rule from the early 15th to the end of the 18th century.

The work of Andrea Palladio (1508–80), which was based on a detailed study of classical Roman buildings, as well as his own villas, is scattered throughout the region. It inspired a unique architectural style now known as Palladian. Originally from Padua, he made Vincenza his adoptive city, with the Olympic Theatre, Palladian Basilica, Loggia del Capitanio, and Palazzo Valmarana, among others, all thanks to Palladio.

Lake Garda is part of three regions, including Veneto, Trentino, and Lombardy. It’s a must-visit, particularly during the warmer months, although even in the winter it’s worth visiting for the photo ops. During the summer, sunbathe on one of the many beaches, swim, and take part in all sorts of water sports. Windsurfing, paragliding, canoeing, and even diving, can be all enjoyed here, and on land, you’ll find trails that wind throughout the hills and mountains for scenic hiking and biking.

The Pista Ciclo-pedonale Lazise-Bardolino path is a great way to explore the shoreline on foot or two wheels and you’ll find some of the best places to explore in Veneto along Garda’s banks, including picturesque towns like Peschiera del Garda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which sits at the southern end. It’s encircled by massive Venetian defensive systems with the 16 th -century Porta Verona one of the gateways that ring the historic center. Don’t miss the Palazzina Storica Museum.