Venice is one of the most mysterious and fascinating cities in Italy. Built in a lagoon just off the north eastern coast of Italy, the city has captured the imagination of visitors for more than a thousand years. The city is built on a series of slowly sinking islands, and rather than traditional roads, it is connected by a series of canals. In fact, no cars are allowed in Venice proper; all delivery and transportation is done either via boat or on foot. Venice's long history as one of the richest and most powerful cities in Italy has left it with a wealth of attractions for contemporary visitors. From grand churches, romantic canals and palaces, there is something here to enchant any tourist.
Canal Grande (The Grand Canal)
Venice's Grand Canal winds through the city from the Piazza San Marco to the train station in the west. It has been Venice's main thoroughfare for hundreds of years, and numerous palaces, grand churches, governmental buildings and museums line its banks. While many tourists explore the canal by gondola, a much more cost-effective way to see it is via vaporetto, which is basically a water taxi and one of the main forms of transportation throughout the city.
While the green spaces in Venice are quite scarce as compared to other worldwide renowned destinations, there are a handful of public parks and gardens which, by their beauty and tranquil vibe, can make up for the lack of diversity. The Royal Gardens are ideal for spending a few relaxing moments after a sightseeing spree in San Marco. The so-called Giardinetti Reali stretch between Piazza San Marco and the Grand Canal, and, as some tend to believe, the venue could be much more appealing if the authorities maintained it more carefully.
The Royal Gardens were laid out by order of Napoleon himself, in the 19th century, but little calls forth their former splendor. The gardens remain, however, a place were visitors can relax on the plentiful benches or even have a pleasant picnic in the areas which are not enclosed by fences in view of sundry maintenance purposes.
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