venice

After my time in Florence, I traveled to Venice. One of the highlights was climbing St. Mark’s Campanile, the famous bell tower, where I enjoyed sweeping views of the lagoon and the city’s intricate canals. I also visited the Bridge of Sighs, a symbol of Venice that once connected the Doge’s Palace to the old prison — its name coming from the prisoners’ last sighs as they glimpsed freedom before imprisonment.

I spent time in the heart of the city at St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), Venice’s grand central square surrounded by cafés, basilicas, and remarkable architecture. I even dipped my feet into the water of the Venetian lagoon, a unique way to connect with the sea that defines this city.

During my stay at AO Hotel Venice Mestre, I took trips to the nearby islands.

• Murano is world-renowned for its centuries-old tradition of glassmaking. Visiting the workshops there revealed how master glassblowers have passed down their skills through generations, producing everything from delicate jewelry to monumental chandeliers.
• Burano, by contrast, is famous for its brightly painted houses and its historic lace-making tradition. Local women once spent months handcrafting intricate lace pieces, a skill that became sought after across Europe. The island also has strong ties to fishing — the colorful homes are said to have been painted in vivid tones so fishermen could easily spot them from afar through the fog.

Both islands offered a more intimate side of Venice, away from the crowds, yet deeply tied to the city’s heritage.