Tourist Attractions In Venice - The Cannaregio District
The Cannaregio area district or, as they say in Venice, sestiere, makes up the north central section of this city. One major attraction is the Museum of "Ca d'Oro", built in the early Fifteenth Century. This lovely Gothic palace on the Grand Canal was originally covered with gold leaf. The palace roof and sinuous pointed arches show Moorish influence. This edifice is now a museum featuring Titian and Tintoretto, as well as Gothic and Renaissance furniture. You really should see this building at night when its facade is illuminated and reflected in the water below.
To the west along the Grand Canal is a distinctive building, located in the late Fifteenth Century Palace of Ca Vendramin Calergi. This is one of the world's most beautiful gaming houses. It opened in 1638 and claims to be the world's oldest such establishment. If you still have money to lose before leaving Venice, Italy's first American style gaming house is located near the airport.
Another magnificent edifice is the Palazzo Labia, facing on the Cannaregio and the Grand Canals. This is one of the last great palaces of Venice, built in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries. It seems that the Labia family were foreigners, coming from Spain, and may have felt the need to compensate for their lack of Venetian ancestors by showing their money. If you keep track of such things, the Palazzo's new French owner held a masquerade ball on September 3, 1951, one of the social events of the century. It launched Pierre Cardin's career. Christian Dior and Salvador Dali designed each other's costumes. What do you do for an encore? This property was subsequently sold to Italian State Television, who put it up for sale. Just in case you want to make an offer, the Palazzo must be used in for cultural purposes. So I am out.
Of course this sestiere offers many beautiful, historic churches. The little Baroque Church of San Marziale was completely rebuilt in the late Seventeenth and early Eighteenth Centuries on its original medieval structure. Highlights include Rococo frescoes and a painting on the ceiling. The Fourteenth Century Church of Madonna dell'Orto was originally dedicated to St. Christopher, as seen in the sculpture above the entrance door. Its name changed when a statue of the Virgin found in a nearby orto (garden) was brought into the church and allegedly worked miracles. This was Tintoretto's parish church; it boasts several of his beautiful frescoes, and his tomb.
About the Author
Once upon a time Levi Reiss wrote or co-authored ten computer and Internet books. And yet, he really prefers drinking fine Italian or other wine, with the right food and friends. He teaches computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his website http://www.wineinyourdiet.com which focuses on wine, weight loss, health, and nutrition issues.
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