In the stunning Chiesa Santa Maria Maddalena in Venice, is the 21st exhibition of Presepio made by local Diorama and Presepio-makers. Situated in the Cannaregio area in Venice, the Santa Maria Maddalena church (known locally as the Chiesa della Maddalena) dates back to 1222. Since that time it has been enlarged, restored, and rebuilt several […]
The Spectaculars of Spectacular Venice in December
December in Venice, Italy presents a great range of unique things to do to pass the festive season in this majestic city. To start off with a bang, there is a fabulous New Years Eve event in Venice being held New Years event in Venice including live music performance and decadent buffet dinner in a […]
Venice: Make mine a Spritz (or make it yourself with this Spritz recipe!)
There are many great things to see and do in Venice – from gliding along the canals in a gondola, to visiting the island of Murano to see a master glassblower at work. But once the Bridge of Sighs has been sighted, you’ve visited the stunning San Marco Square and its dazzling Basilica, and toured the […]
The Glass Merchants of Venice: Murano’s Master Glassblowers
With the Venetian sky the most marvellous blue above us, we set of on our private transfer to the famous glass island of Murano just a short distance from Venice’s main island. Pulling up at the pier of the Murano Glass Factory we were visiting, we walked along the jetty, and stepped into the […]
Ahoy, this be Venice? Aye!
Think Venice and you imagine gliding along misty canals guided by muscled gondoliers plying Venice’s iridescent waterways. You imagine the golden façade of St Mark’s Basilica glinting in the morning sunshine, illuminating the impressive piazza of San Marco that it overlooks, pinnacled by St Mark’s Campanile. Perhaps you recall passing over one of Venice’s myriad […]
St Mark’s, Venice: hip to be square
After meandering through the labyrinth of narrow streets and winding canals of Venice, stepping into the vast space of St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is truly breathtaking. A large open area beautifully framed by splendid buildings, a palace and even a tower or two, this is one area of Venice you truly must see. […]
Com’era, dov’era – the rise and fall (and rise again) of St Mark’s Bell Tower
The Campanile (bell tower) of St Mark’s Piazza in Venice is one of the city’s most iconic symbols. Towering over the stunning façade of St Mark’s Basilica, the bell tower was originally built in the 800’s to serve as a lookout over a nearby dock. Taking some 3 centuries to complete, it stood only […]
Klimt: from Vienna to Venice
Many of Gustav Klimt’s most well-known works are said to have been inspired by mosaics in Venice*. As such, it seems only fitting that some of the famed Austrian artist’s most well-known works will be exhibited in Venice, Italy, to mark 150 years since his birth. The Klimt exhibit, titled ‘The Sign of Hoffmann and […]
New Venice Biennale Building for Australia
A new building for the Australian contemporary art exhibit at the Venice Biennale has been announced. Construction of the new space is set to be complete by 2015. Designed by Denton Corker Marshall architectual firm, financing of the $6 million structure is to be entirely privately funded. The new Australian pavillion will showcase art, architecture, […]
Glass & Crystal: Being clear about Italy’s most precious arts
Not always the most luggage-friendly things to buy in Italy, these special made-in-Italy items are definitely worth checking out. If you can’t squeeze in one of the glorious chandeliers, maybe you could splurge on a cute pair of earrings or some wine glasses instead… MURANO: The Glass Island, Venice The history of glassmaking in Venice […]