Holiday in Venice amidst modernity and tradition

Dressed in the latest fashion or in casual sportswear, arriving for a holiday in Venice you can't help but imagine the elaborate costumes of the 18th century and the cumbersome white hairdos ala Casanova style. Who doesn't recognise the black lacquered, tapered boats with a strange-looking comb on their bow, known as gondolas? And who hasn't seen at least once on TV that extraordinary Piazza San Marco that on days of high water is outfitted with purpose-built, wooden planked walkways?

Then there's the traditional Carnival, La Fenice Theatre and the Rialto Bridge. In Venice you'll want to photograph every angle to retain its memory forever.
Venice is like an open book on the world and her particular geographic position leaning towards east Europe has led countless holiday-makers and travellers to her Serenissima shores. At the same time, famous Venetians have begun their own exploration of the world from San Marco's famous piazza. Marco Polo is one example among many.

Walking along the Calli, Venice's typical narrow streets, and traversing the Bridge of Sighs, the author of The Million was curious to know what lay beyond the seemingly infinite expanse of water that lay before him. Thanks to Marco Polo's Chinese expeditions, Italy came to enjoy the many varied uses of spaghetti. At least, that's according to the traditional story.

Part of Venice's beauty are the stories and legends that swirl about the place and those willing to believe them. A dream-like atmosphere pervades the Serenissima city and it was chosen to host a yearly international exhibition of cinematic art. During the show, at the end of summer, Venice comes alive, shining with the pomp and ceremony of the past in modern style.

Venice has also provided an optimum backdrop for many music video clips and star performances, from Madonna to Pink Floyd.
In a setting of such embrace, where old Venetian villas frame modern international events, the lagoon islands of Murano and Burano have maintained their age-old traditions. At Murano, able artisans follow glassblowing techniques known as murrina and along the streets of Burano, women preserve the ancient lace designs, verbally passing their secrets down from mother to daughter.