St Mark's Basilica is one of the most popular churches in Venice and its major highlight is the resplendent gold mosaics on the domes and walls. The interior parts of the walls, domes and vaults are designed with intricate gold mosaics representing saints and Biblical scenes where the structure follows a mix of Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic style of architecture. The Basilica also has a truly fascinating collection of sculptures that has been brought over from different parts of the world. Quite a few of them were brought in when Constantinople was razed to the ground.
Piazza San Marco is one of the interesting places to visit near Teatro La Fenice. It is famous as the living room of Venice, where people gather here to enjoy some coffee, take a leisurely stroll, meet friends or just pass by on their way to work. The Square is surrounded by arcades on three sides and below these there are several shops and trendy cafes. On the open side you can see the brick towers of the Campanile and the filigree of St Mark's Basilica.
The Canale Grande is one of the most important water corridors in Venice. It is famous for the magnificent palaces and grand mansions that stand on either side of the Canal. Most of these impressive mansions and palaces date back to the 13th and 14th century. Although most of these palaces are converted to hotels or museums today, their grand facade is still very beautifully preserved. The best way to enjoy the beauty of Canale Grande is to take any of the Canal tours or cruises.
Doge's Palace is an impressive structure and today it stands as one of the finest examples of Venetian Gothic architecture. The Palace was the official residence of the Doges or the elected leaders of the former Republic of Venice. The facade of the Palace is a magnificent work of art, each individual column has intricate designs and the sculptures are simply incredible. One of the world's largest oil paintings, Paradise by Tintoretto, graces the walls of the Doge's Palace.
The Rialto Bridge is the oldest Bridge that goes across the Grand Canal of Venice. This magnificent stone arch shaped Bridge supports two streets and two lanes of shops. The Rialto Bridge is famous for its unique design and considered to be quite an architectural and engineering marvel of the Renaissance period. On one side of the Rialto Bridge lies the narrow streets of San Polo where you will find quaint artisan shops and unique mask-making workshops. There are also many restaurants and eateries in San Polo that are frequently visited by locals and tourists alike.
Torre dell'Orologio is located on the northern side of St Marco Square and it is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture. At the top of the tower there are two bronze statues; one of a young man and the other of an old man to depict the passing of time. The face of the clock has Roman numerals to tell time, different phases of the moon and the 12 zodiac signs against a beautiful blue background. The clock tower played an important role for the seafarers of Venice.
This imposing Bell Tower is located right on St Mark's Square next to St Mark's Basilica. The original Campanile was built as a lighthouse back in 1153 but it collapsed right in the Square in 1902. When the current Campanile was built, beautiful intricate designs were added on the base and top of the Tower. There are four bronze masterpieces by Sansovino between the columns in the Arcade below. Near the top there is a viewing platform that offers a spectacular view of the city and the Lagoon that leads to the Adriatic sea.
Located right at the entrance of the Grand Canal, Santa Maria della Salute is one of the most impressive places to visit near Teatro La Fenice. This magnificent Roman Catholic Church was built as an offering to Our Lady of Health to end the plague of 1630. The interior of the Church is in the shape of an octagon and there are several beautiful paintings of famous artists like Titian that adorn the walls of Santa Maria della Salute. The most beautiful painting, Tintoretto's Marriage at Cana, can be seen inside the Sacristy.
Murano and Burano are small charming islands close to Venice. Murano is a set of 7 small islands which are connected to each other by bridges. Murano is most famous for its unique glass making traditions that have been passed on for centuries. Another major attraction in Murano is the Santa Maria e San Donato Church. Burano, on the other hand, is a single small island and it is famous for its age-old tradition of needle lace making.
Ca' Pesaro is an elegant Baroque style Palace that has been converted into a museum of fine art and decorative artworks. For modern art enthusiasts this Gallery is definitely one of the must visit places near the Teatro La Fenice. The Gallery features paintings, drawings, sculptures and photographs by renowned Italian and international artists of the 19th to 21st century. Some of the famous works here are done by Lucio Fontana, Medardo Rosso, Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore and many others.
The Museum of Naval History was established in 1919 by the Italian Royal Navy. It is located in the Castello district of Venice and the Museum showcases the Naval and Maritime history of Venice and its Arsenal. The place has a fantastic collection of old weapons and models of ships, as Italy was the strongest Maritime power till the 17th century. It had the largest Arsenal for building ships in the region. The Museum has a collection of magnificent ships as exhibits and most of these ships were built during that time. The highlight of this collection is the barge Bucintoro and spectacular paintings that depict sea voyages.
Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is located in the San Polo area and features a simple yet elegant exterior. The church follows Gothic architecture and it features stunning stained glass windows, beautiful paintings by renowned artists and impressive sculptures. This beautiful church is home to Titian's most famous paintings, Madonna di Ca Pesaro and The Assumption. Besides these there are works of Bartholomew Vivarini, Donatella and others. Besides the beautiful paintings there are intricate carvings, statues are also at display here.
What are the best places to visit near Teatro La Fenice?
Saint Mark's Basilica - This magnificent piece of Byzantine architecture is one of the best places to visit near Teatro La Fenice. The highlights of the Basilica are the gold mosaics, the collection of sculptures and the intricate Gothic interiors.
Doge's Palace - The Doge's Palace was one of the most resplendent palaces in the region making it one of the best places to visit near Teatro La Fenice. It is home to some of the most famous paintings made by renowned artists, including Titian, Giovanni, Tintoretto and lots more.
Bridge of Sighs - The Bridge of Sighs was built in the 1600s and was used to connect the New Prison to the interrogation room at the Doge's Palace.
Also Checkout - Vatican Gardens
What are the best museums near Teatro La Fenice?
Palazzo Fortuny - The Palazzo Fortuny is a Gothic masterpiece and former residence of the eclectic artist Mariano Fortuny of Spanish origin. It was owned by the very same family that built the famed Ca' Pesaro.
Museo Del Vetro - Museo Del Vetro or the Murano Glass Museum pays tribute to the ancient Venetian craft of glass making that has existed all through the 20th century. Exhibits showcased here range from priceless chandeliers to glass bottle corks made using the fragile material.
Museo Del Merletto - Burano island in Venice has gained its name for its exceptional lace making, which was once the most preferred garment embellishments for aristocrats across the Globe. The most coveted frills made of lace were created on this island and this Museum showcases some of the best pieces ever made.
Also Checkout: Mamertine Prison, Colosseum Underground Tour
What is the best time to visit Teatro La Fenice?
The best time to visit Teatro La Fenice is between May to June and September to October. The weather is pleasant during these times and some of the best performances are held here at this time.
Also Checkout: Florence Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
Why is Teatro La Fenice famous?
Teatro La Fenice is listed amongst the most beautiful opera houses in the world and it is associated with some of the greatest opera performances. World premieres of famous opera artists like Rossini, Verdi and Bellini were held here.
Is Teatro La Fenice worth visiting?
Teatro La Fenice is definitely worth a visit if you are in Venice, from elegant architecture to famous artists performing here, this Opera House guarantees entertainment and culture knowledge.
Also Visit: St. Mark' s Basilica