venice_SHXPRTGDE_0001
V E N I C E
ITALY
AT A GLANCE
SIZE: 116,303 square miles,
about the size of Florida and
Georgia combined.
POPULATION: 57,772,000, about
one-fourth the U.S. population
LANGUAGE: Italian
CAPITAL: Rome
TYPE OF GOVERNMENT: Republic
CURRENCY: Euro, formerly
Italian Lire
TIME ZONE: GMT +2
ABOUT YOUR PORT GUIDE
This is your guide to Venice, specially
prepared by Princess Cruises. This guide
is intended to assist you if you are on a
shore excursion, touring independently
or doing both.
Venice
Please note that the information provided is
general in nature and is subject to change.
Adventures Ashore Port Guide
Where Waters Rich with Historical
Importance Carve Out a Unique Culture
The bewitching city of Venice has always
considered itself to be “married” to the sea.
Overseas commerce and investment made
the metropolis wealthy and powerful, and
much of the city’s unique charm comes
from the reduced noise and slower pace
of life along the canals. But don’t be
deceived; the Venetians are second to
none in their astuteness, vigor, and
capacity for hard work.
Venice was founded originally by refugees
from the mainland seeking a safe haven
from the Huns, then later from the Franks
between the 5th- and 8th-centuries. At one
time Venice controlled Cyprus, Crete, and
much of southern Greece. Centuries of
naval warfare with the Ottoman Turks cost
Venice control of those areas, but they
didn’t lose their commercial edge until
Napoleon abolished the Republic in 1797.
Because of its strategic location at the
head of the Adriatic Sea, Venice quickly
became a transit port for trade between
central Europe and everywhere in the
Mediterranean, but especially the Holy
Land. Much of the commercial and
military traffic during the Crusades was
carried by Venetian ships, which acquired
untold wealth for the city’s merchants.
The Crusaders also helped to expand the
land controlled by the Republic to islands
and coastal enclaves along the Balkan
peninsula and the Aegean Sea.
In 1204, the Venetian Doge Enrico
Dandolo led a powerful army to
Constantinople and captured it from
the Byzantine Empire. Some of Venice’s
greatest artworks and treasures were
violently looted from the East at that
time, and triumphantly brought home
as booty. Although the Greeks were able
to recapture their city within just a few
®
years, the treachery of the over-eager
Venetians has poisoned relations between
the two peoples ever since. It also became
a major source of the great rift between
the Eastern and Western Christian
Churches, which continues to this day.
Today Venice spans 118 islands, with
a well-planned web of 150 canals and
400 bridges. Although the motorboat,
or vaporetto, is well accepted today, the
gondola is the more traditional means of
transportation. A surprisingly agile craft,
each gondola is lovingly built like a piece
of fine furniture, sometimes requiring
more than a year to complete. Gondoliers
belong to a centuries-old guild, steeped
in tradition, and are quite adept at
moving their boats easily with a single oar.
The tall mooring poles with distinctive
spiral striping are the original models
for barber poles.
One thing that strikes you immediately
is the wide use of Venice’s characteristic
emblem, the winged lion of St. Mark the
Evangelist. The saint’s bones were brought
from Alexandria in 823, and reburied
with honor in the Basilica. Symbol of the
patron saint of Venice, St. Mark’s lion has
been used to identify outlying possessions
of the city ever since, and is found all over
the eastern Mediterranean.
The heart of Venice centers around
St. Mark’s Square, which has been called
“a great, marble salon” open to the sky.
The piazza is huge yet harmonious, with
covered galleries all around, sheltering
luxury shops and cafes.
The Basilica San Marco was built in
830 to accommodate St. Mark’s tomb,
and then rebuilt during the 11th-century
in its present Byzantine style. Built as a
 Adventures Ashore Port Guide ~ Venice
Greek cross with several eastern domes,
the Basilica is so richly decorated that it is
called the “golden church.” The acoustics
inside are so intricate and unique, that
musical works by Venetian composers like
Vivaldi and Monteverdi do not sound the
same when performed elsewhere.
The four bronze horses above the central
doorway were among the prizes brought
from the Hippodrome in Constantinople.
They are antique bronze sculptures, once
considered the work of the ancient genius
Praxiteles. Anyone who climbs the tall,
graceful Campanile or bell tower will
have a wonderful panorama of the
entire city, which is shaped like a lute.
To the right of the Basilica you will
find a smaller extension of the square
called the Piazzetta or the “Broglio”
(the Intrigue), since entry was restricted
to noblemen each day for two hours
before noon. It was the ideal time
and place to exchange gossip and
hatch intricate plots. To the left of
the Basilica is the commanding Clock
Tower, with its large 15th-century
dial with signs of the zodiac.
The Palace of the Doges became the
heart of Venetian government from
the 9th-century, even though the present
Venetian-Gothic masterpiece was not
constructed until the 14th-century.
Venice’s chief executive was a Duke,
or Doge, an elected official with
sweeping powers over life and death.
Assisting the Doge was the Grand
Council, elected from the wealthiest fami-
lies of the city, and the far more powerful
Council of Ten. Known also as the Black
Counselors because of their dark clothing,
members of the Ten watched over security
for the Republic with a network of spies
and secret agents. Inside the palace is the
model of a “Lion’s Mouth” where written
notes denouncing traitors could be
left secretly and anonymously for the
Counselors. Criminal judgments that
the Ten imposed did not require the
presence of the accused. Sentences were
carried out immediately, and were not
subject to appeal.
®
The graceful Bridge of Sighs links the
Doge’s Palace with the dark old prison
building, on the far side of the Rio de
Palazzo. The name comes from the small
windows on the bridge, providing the last
direct sunlight that prisoners might feel
for many years, perhaps forever.
Away from the huge Square, a ride on the
Grand Canal will reveal some of the more
“ordinary” Venetian palaces and churches,
and they are uniformly splendid. The tall
Rialto Bridge, in the heart of the business
district, is intentionally arched to allow
fully armed galleys to pass underneath.
Venice’s large Jewish community was
concentrated on the island known as
Ghetto, and flourished because of the
many commercial contacts all over the
Mediterranean. The term “ghetto” for
a Jewish quarter originated in Venice.
Venetian Islands
Further offshore are the fascinating islands
of the Venetian Lagoon. Torcello was
actually established as a lagoon settlement
earlier than Venice, and traces of its
prosperity remain. The romanesque
Church of Santa Fosca was built on an
octagonal pattern in the 11th-century.
Nearby is the Cathedral, with a wonderful
inlaid pavement, Greek marble columns,
and some very fine Byzantine mosaics.
The island of Murano once had a
near monopoly on fine blown glass,
Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge
beginning in 1292. The island of Burano
is a delightful fishing community with
cheerfully painted houses. Lacemaking
is a well established craft here.
Brenta Canal
On the way to Padua, on the mainland,
you will pass the so-called Brenta Riviera,
a series of opulent villas built along the
Brenta Canal. Palladio built the Villa
Foscari in 1574. A member of the Foscari
family banished his wife there, giving it the
nickname La Malcontenta. Lord Byron also
stayed there during his travels. The Villa
Pisani at Stra shows some of Tiepolo’s finest
painting, as well as remarkable gardens.
Padua
The city of Padua became Venetian
in 1405, and contributed much to the
Republic. It is actually an old University
center, where Dante, Petrarch, Copernicus,
and Tasso studied, and Galileo was a
professor. The town is also known for
St. Anthony of Padua who died here
in 1231, though he was born in Lisbon.
The Basilica dedicated to him is an
imposing church, built in a transition
style somewhere between Romanesque
and Gothic, with a trace of Byzantine
influence as well. Donatello’s bronze statue
in the square honor the Venetian general
Gattamelata, a nickname meaning “tabby
cat” because of his agility and cunning.
Places of Interest
ACCADEMIA BRIDGE -
ACADEMY BRIDGE
One of three bridges that span the Grand Canal
ACCADEMIA GALLERY -
ACADEMY GALLERY
Venice’s most important art museum with an
extraordinary collection of Venetian paintings
BASILICA SAN MARCO -
ST. MARK’S BASILICA
A masterpiece of Venetian-Byzantine architecture
and one of Europe’s most beautiful churches
CA' REZZONICO
Former Grand Canal Palace that now houses
the museum of 18th century Venice
CAMPANILE - BELL TOWER
Offers panoramic views of Venice and its
surroundings
GRAND CANAL
Two-mile-long main canal that winds through
Venice; it has an average depth of nine feet and
varies from 40 to 76 yards in width
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM
Small but choice gallery of 20th-century
painting and sculpture located in the heiress’s
former residence
PALAZZO DUCALE - DOGE’S PALACE
An important museum, this Gothic-Renaissance
pink and white marble palace was both the
former residence of the dukes (doges) of Venice
and the seat of Venetian government
PIAZZA SAN MARCO - ST. MARK’S SQUARE
The heart of Venice and the site of many of
its most famous landmarks
PIAZZETTA SAN MARCO
Landing stage for boats into St. Mark’s Square.
PONTE DEI SOSPIRI - BRIDGE OF SIGHS
The bridge connecting the Doge’s Palace with
the ancient prison
PRINCESS WATER SHUTTLE PIER
A motor launch shuttle will operate round
trip from the ship to a drop-off location within
walking distance of St. Mark's Square
RIALTO BRIDGE
Venice’s most famous bridge arched high over
the Grand Canal so that war galleys could sail
under it; the area around the Rialto is popular
for shopping
SAN GIORGIO MAGGIORE
Masterpiece of church architecture designed
by Andrea Palladio and located on the island
of San Giorgio
SANTA MARIA DELLA SALUTE
Huge, white, domed 17th-century Baroque
church designed by Longhena
SCALZI BRIDGE
One of three bridges that span the Grand Canal
TORRE DELL’OROLOGIO - CLOCK TOWER
Commanding 15th-century clock with its
famous Moors, giant bronze figures who have
been striking the hour for five centuries
THESE SITES CAN BE FOUND ON THE
MAP AT THE BACK OF THIS GUIDE
Note: The information in this port guide is subject to change without notice. We apologize for any inconvenience,
but Princess Cruises cannot accept responsibility for any such alterations. Thank you.
Practical Information
DOCKING
Your Princess ship docks in Venice at either
the Marittima Station berth or the Riva Sette
Maritime berth.
MOTORLAUNCH SERVICE
When docked at the Marittima Station berth,
Princess offers motorlaunch service to and from a
drop-off location along Riva degli Schiavoni within
walking distance of St. Mark's Square. A charge of
$10 per person will be automatically placed onto
your shipboard account. Any passenger not wishing
to utilize this service should return their unused
Water Shuttle Pass to the Purser’s Desk or Tour
Office prior to the last evening of the cruise. Please
refer to the Princess Patter and the Venice City Map
for more information.
SHORE EXCURSION DEPARTURES
Passengers will meet at a specific location for each
shore excursion departure. Please refer to your tour
ticket and the Princess Patter for the correct place
and time. Your Shore Excursion staff will be at that
location to assist you.
VAPORETTOS
The local transport system for Venice are the
vaporettos. There are numerous landing stages and
ticket booths along the Grand Canal and around
the Venetian Lagoon. Local currency will be needed
to purchase tickets for the vaporettos. For more
information, inquire at www.actv.it
SHOPPING
Venice offers a dazzling array of shops and window
displays. You’ll find good buys in: Glass Famous
Murano glassware Jewelry Beautiful pieces in all
varieties; finely crafted gold and silver Fashion Rich
leather goods and fine silk scarves, shawls, blouses
and ties. Lace Handmade by the women of Burano
Distinctive gifts Paper-mache theatrical and carnival
masks; velvet gondolier slippers with rope soles; and
gondolier straw hats with colored bands. The best
places to shop are along the Merceria, around the
Rialto and on the Strada Nuova. Please refer to
the Venice City Map for specific locations.
Venice gondola
PUBLIC SERVICES
Banks: Most banks are open Monday through
Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Museums: Hours and closing days vary greatly,
but most are open Monday through Saturday
from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Some reopen in the
afternoon and are open Sunday as well.
Shops: Usually open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
and from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m., and are closed Sunday
and Monday morning. Many tourist-oriented shops,
however, are open all day, every day.
Post Office: The main branch at Rialto Bridge
is open Monday through Saturday from 8:15 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m.
PROPER ATTIRE
Please wear proper attire ashore when planning
to visit churches, cathedrals and other sacred places.
Shorts for both men and women are considered
improper. Women should also cover their bare
shoulders.
LOCAL CUISINE - Food Specialties
Pasta and seafood make up much of Venetian fare.
Recommended foods include:
Pasta e fagoli: Classic first course of thick bean
soup with pasta
Risotto: A creamy rice dish cooked with vegetables
or shellfish
Bigoli: A local favorite, this pasta is made of whole
wheat and usually served with a salty tonno or tuna
sauce; it’s often an accompaniment to fegato alla
veneziana, Venetian-style liver and onions
Tiramisu: A heavenly Venetian dessert made of
creamy cheese, coffee and chocolate with pound cake
Drink Specialties - Venice is a great place for wine
tasting. Visit some of the city’s many wine shops,
where you can enjoy a sample along with cichetti,
assorted tidbits which are often a meal in themselves.
Fine local wines include:
White Wines: Tocai and Pinot from the Friuli
region, both dry; Prosecco, a naturally fermented
sparkling wine; and Cartizze, considered by many
to be a superior Prosecco
Red Wines: Merlot, Cabernet, Raboso and Refosco
It is always recommended that you drink bottled
water while in port.
TIPPING
Suggested tipping is 10 percent for good service.
SOME USEFUL WORDS
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Si
No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No
Please . . . . . . . . . . . . Per favore
Thank you . . . . . . . . Grazie
Good morning . . . . . Buon giorno
PRINCESS CRUISES AGENTS
In case of emergency while you are ashore,
please contact:
BASSANI S.P.A.
San Basilio/Santa Marta
Fabbricato 17
Venezia
ITALY
Telephone: 39-041-522-2744
Telefax: 39-041-523-0336
 Adventures Ashore Port Guide ~ Venice
Greek cross with several eastern domes,
the Basilica is so richly decorated that it is
called the “golden church.” The acoustics
inside are so intricate and unique, that
musical works by Venetian composers like
Vivaldi and Monteverdi do not sound the
same when performed elsewhere.
The four bronze horses above the central
doorway were among the prizes brought
from the Hippodrome in Constantinople.
They are antique bronze sculptures, once
considered the work of the ancient genius
Praxiteles. Anyone who climbs the tall,
graceful Campanile or bell tower will
have a wonderful panorama of the
entire city, which is shaped like a lute.
To the right of the Basilica you will
find a smaller extension of the square
called the Piazzetta or the “Broglio”
(the Intrigue), since entry was restricted
to noblemen each day for two hours
before noon. It was the ideal time
and place to exchange gossip and
hatch intricate plots. To the left of
the Basilica is the commanding Clock
Tower, with its large 15th-century
dial with signs of the zodiac.
The Palace of the Doges became the
heart of Venetian government from
the 9th-century, even though the present
Venetian-Gothic masterpiece was not
constructed until the 14th-century.
Venice’s chief executive was a Duke,
or Doge, an elected official with
sweeping powers over life and death.
Assisting the Doge was the Grand
Council, elected from the wealthiest fami-
lies of the city, and the far more powerful
Council of Ten. Known also as the Black
Counselors because of their dark clothing,
members of the Ten watched over security
for the Republic with a network of spies
and secret agents. Inside the palace is the
model of a “Lion’s Mouth” where written
notes denouncing traitors could be
left secretly and anonymously for the
Counselors. Criminal judgments that
the Ten imposed did not require the
presence of the accused. Sentences were
carried out immediately, and were not
subject to appeal.
®
The graceful Bridge of Sighs links the
Doge’s Palace with the dark old prison
building, on the far side of the Rio de
Palazzo. The name comes from the small
windows on the bridge, providing the last
direct sunlight that prisoners might feel
for many years, perhaps forever.
Away from the huge Square, a ride on the
Grand Canal will reveal some of the more
“ordinary” Venetian palaces and churches,
and they are uniformly splendid. The tall
Rialto Bridge, in the heart of the business
district, is intentionally arched to allow
fully armed galleys to pass underneath.
Venice’s large Jewish community was
concentrated on the island known as
Ghetto, and flourished because of the
many commercial contacts all over the
Mediterranean. The term “ghetto” for
a Jewish quarter originated in Venice.
Venetian Islands
Further offshore are the fascinating islands
of the Venetian Lagoon. Torcello was
actually established as a lagoon settlement
earlier than Venice, and traces of its
prosperity remain. The romanesque
Church of Santa Fosca was built on an
octagonal pattern in the 11th-century.
Nearby is the Cathedral, with a wonderful
inlaid pavement, Greek marble columns,
and some very fine Byzantine mosaics.
The island of Murano once had a
near monopoly on fine blown glass,
Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge
beginning in 1292. The island of Burano
is a delightful fishing community with
cheerfully painted houses. Lacemaking
is a well established craft here.
Brenta Canal
On the way to Padua, on the mainland,
you will pass the so-called Brenta Riviera,
a series of opulent villas built along the
Brenta Canal. Palladio built the Villa
Foscari in 1574. A member of the Foscari
family banished his wife there, giving it the
nickname La Malcontenta. Lord Byron also
stayed there during his travels. The Villa
Pisani at Stra shows some of Tiepolo’s finest
painting, as well as remarkable gardens.
Padua
The city of Padua became Venetian
in 1405, and contributed much to the
Republic. It is actually an old University
center, where Dante, Petrarch, Copernicus,
and Tasso studied, and Galileo was a
professor. The town is also known for
St. Anthony of Padua who died here
in 1231, though he was born in Lisbon.
The Basilica dedicated to him is an
imposing church, built in a transition
style somewhere between Romanesque
and Gothic, with a trace of Byzantine
influence as well. Donatello’s bronze statue
in the square honor the Venetian general
Gattamelata, a nickname meaning “tabby
cat” because of his agility and cunning.
Places of Interest
ACCADEMIA BRIDGE -
ACADEMY BRIDGE
One of three bridges that span the Grand Canal
ACCADEMIA GALLERY -
ACADEMY GALLERY
Venice’s most important art museum with an
extraordinary collection of Venetian paintings
BASILICA SAN MARCO -
ST. MARK’S BASILICA
A masterpiece of Venetian-Byzantine architecture
and one of Europe’s most beautiful churches
CA' REZZONICO
Former Grand Canal Palace that now houses
the museum of 18th century Venice
CAMPANILE - BELL TOWER
Offers panoramic views of Venice and its
surroundings
GRAND CANAL
Two-mile-long main canal that winds through
Venice; it has an average depth of nine feet and
varies from 40 to 76 yards in width
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM
Small but choice gallery of 20th-century
painting and sculpture located in the heiress’s
former residence
PALAZZO DUCALE - DOGE’S PALACE
An important museum, this Gothic-Renaissance
pink and white marble palace was both the
former residence of the dukes (doges) of Venice
and the seat of Venetian government
PIAZZA SAN MARCO - ST. MARK’S SQUARE
The heart of Venice and the site of many of
its most famous landmarks
PIAZZETTA SAN MARCO
Landing stage for boats into St. Mark’s Square.
PONTE DEI SOSPIRI - BRIDGE OF SIGHS
The bridge connecting the Doge’s Palace with
the ancient prison
PRINCESS WATER SHUTTLE PIER
A motor launch shuttle will operate round
trip from the ship to a drop-off location within
walking distance of St. Mark's Square
RIALTO BRIDGE
Venice’s most famous bridge arched high over
the Grand Canal so that war galleys could sail
under it; the area around the Rialto is popular
for shopping
SAN GIORGIO MAGGIORE
Masterpiece of church architecture designed
by Andrea Palladio and located on the island
of San Giorgio
SANTA MARIA DELLA SALUTE
Huge, white, domed 17th-century Baroque
church designed by Longhena
SCALZI BRIDGE
One of three bridges that span the Grand Canal
TORRE DELL’OROLOGIO - CLOCK TOWER
Commanding 15th-century clock with its
famous Moors, giant bronze figures who have
been striking the hour for five centuries
THESE SITES CAN BE FOUND ON THE
MAP AT THE BACK OF THIS GUIDE
Note: The information in this port guide is subject to change without notice. We apologize for any inconvenience,
but Princess Cruises cannot accept responsibility for any such alterations. Thank you.
Practical Information
DOCKING
Your Princess ship docks in Venice at either
the Marittima Station berth or the Riva Sette
Maritime berth.
MOTORLAUNCH SERVICE
When docked at the Marittima Station berth,
Princess offers motorlaunch service to and from a
drop-off location along Riva degli Schiavoni within
walking distance of St. Mark's Square. A charge of
$10 per person will be automatically placed onto
your shipboard account. Any passenger not wishing
to utilize this service should return their unused
Water Shuttle Pass to the Purser’s Desk or Tour
Office prior to the last evening of the cruise. Please
refer to the Princess Patter and the Venice City Map
for more information.
SHORE EXCURSION DEPARTURES
Passengers will meet at a specific location for each
shore excursion departure. Please refer to your tour
ticket and the Princess Patter for the correct place
and time. Your Shore Excursion staff will be at that
location to assist you.
VAPORETTOS
The local transport system for Venice are the
vaporettos. There are numerous landing stages and
ticket booths along the Grand Canal and around
the Venetian Lagoon. Local currency will be needed
to purchase tickets for the vaporettos. For more
information, inquire at www.actv.it
SHOPPING
Venice offers a dazzling array of shops and window
displays. You’ll find good buys in: Glass Famous
Murano glassware Jewelry Beautiful pieces in all
varieties; finely crafted gold and silver Fashion Rich
leather goods and fine silk scarves, shawls, blouses
and ties. Lace Handmade by the women of Burano
Distinctive gifts Paper-mache theatrical and carnival
masks; velvet gondolier slippers with rope soles; and
gondolier straw hats with colored bands. The best
places to shop are along the Merceria, around the
Rialto and on the Strada Nuova. Please refer to
the Venice City Map for specific locations.
Venice gondola
PUBLIC SERVICES
Banks: Most banks are open Monday through
Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Museums: Hours and closing days vary greatly,
but most are open Monday through Saturday
from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Some reopen in the
afternoon and are open Sunday as well.
Shops: Usually open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
and from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m., and are closed Sunday
and Monday morning. Many tourist-oriented shops,
however, are open all day, every day.
Post Office: The main branch at Rialto Bridge
is open Monday through Saturday from 8:15 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m.
PROPER ATTIRE
Please wear proper attire ashore when planning
to visit churches, cathedrals and other sacred places.
Shorts for both men and women are considered
improper. Women should also cover their bare
shoulders.
LOCAL CUISINE - Food Specialties
Pasta and seafood make up much of Venetian fare.
Recommended foods include:
Pasta e fagoli: Classic first course of thick bean
soup with pasta
Risotto: A creamy rice dish cooked with vegetables
or shellfish
Bigoli: A local favorite, this pasta is made of whole
wheat and usually served with a salty tonno or tuna
sauce; it’s often an accompaniment to fegato alla
veneziana, Venetian-style liver and onions
Tiramisu: A heavenly Venetian dessert made of
creamy cheese, coffee and chocolate with pound cake
Drink Specialties - Venice is a great place for wine
tasting. Visit some of the city’s many wine shops,
where you can enjoy a sample along with cichetti,
assorted tidbits which are often a meal in themselves.
Fine local wines include:
White Wines: Tocai and Pinot from the Friuli
region, both dry; Prosecco, a naturally fermented
sparkling wine; and Cartizze, considered by many
to be a superior Prosecco
Red Wines: Merlot, Cabernet, Raboso and Refosco
It is always recommended that you drink bottled
water while in port.
TIPPING
Suggested tipping is 10 percent for good service.
SOME USEFUL WORDS
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Si
No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No
Please . . . . . . . . . . . . Per favore
Thank you . . . . . . . . Grazie
Good morning . . . . . Buon giorno
PRINCESS CRUISES AGENTS
In case of emergency while you are ashore,
please contact:
BASSANI S.P.A.
San Basilio/Santa Marta
Fabbricato 17
Venezia
ITALY
Telephone: 39-041-522-2744
Telefax: 39-041-523-0336
 venice_SHXPRTGDE_0001
ITALY
AT A GLANCE
SIZE: 116,303 square miles,
about the size of Florida and
Georgia combined.
POPULATION: 57,772,000, about
one-fourth the U.S. population
LANGUAGE: Italian
CAPITAL: Rome
TYPE OF GOVERNMENT: Republic
CURRENCY: Euro, formerly
Italian Lire
TIME ZONE: GMT +2
ABOUT YOUR PORT GUIDE
This is your guide to Venice, specially
prepared by Princess Cruises. This guide
is intended to assist you if you are on a
shore excursion, touring independently
or doing both.
Venice
Please note that the information provided is
general in nature and is subject to change.
V E N I C E
Adventures Ashore Port Guide
Where Waters Rich with Historical
Importance Carve Out a Unique Culture
The bewitching city of Venice has always
considered itself to be “married” to the sea.
Overseas commerce and investment made
the metropolis wealthy and powerful, and
much of the city’s unique charm comes
from the reduced noise and slower pace
of life along the canals. But don’t be
deceived; the Venetians are second to
none in their astuteness, vigor, and
capacity for hard work.
Venice was founded originally by refugees
from the mainland seeking a safe haven
from the Huns, then later from the Franks
between the 5th- and 8th-centuries. At one
time Venice controlled Cyprus, Crete, and
much of southern Greece. Centuries of
naval warfare with the Ottoman Turks cost
Venice control of those areas, but they
didn’t lose their commercial edge until
Napoleon abolished the Republic in 1797.
Because of its strategic location at the
head of the Adriatic Sea, Venice quickly
became a transit port for trade between
central Europe and everywhere in the
Mediterranean, but especially the Holy
Land. Much of the commercial and
military traffic during the Crusades was
carried by Venetian ships, which acquired
untold wealth for the city’s merchants.
The Crusaders also helped to expand the
land controlled by the Republic to islands
and coastal enclaves along the Balkan
peninsula and the Aegean Sea.
In 1204, the Venetian Doge Enrico
Dandolo led a powerful army to
Constantinople and captured it from
the Byzantine Empire. Some of Venice’s
greatest artworks and treasures were
violently looted from the East at that
time, and triumphantly brought home
as booty. Although the Greeks were able
to recapture their city within just a few
®
years, the treachery of the over-eager
Venetians has poisoned relations between
the two peoples ever since. It also became
a major source of the great rift between
the Eastern and Western Christian
Churches, which continues to this day.
Today Venice spans 118 islands, with
a well-planned web of 150 canals and
400 bridges. Although the motorboat,
or vaporetto, is well accepted today, the
gondola is the more traditional means of
transportation. A surprisingly agile craft,
each gondola is lovingly built like a piece
of fine furniture, sometimes requiring
more than a year to complete. Gondoliers
belong to a centuries-old guild, steeped
in tradition, and are quite adept at
moving their boats easily with a single oar.
The tall mooring poles with distinctive
spiral striping are the original models
for barber poles.
One thing that strikes you immediately
is the wide use of Venice’s characteristic
emblem, the winged lion of St. Mark the
Evangelist. The saint’s bones were brought
from Alexandria in 823, and reburied
with honor in the Basilica. Symbol of the
patron saint of Venice, St. Mark’s lion has
been used to identify outlying possessions
of the city ever since, and is found all over
the eastern Mediterranean.
The heart of Venice centers around
St. Mark’s Square, which has been called
“a great, marble salon” open to the sky.
The piazza is huge yet harmonious, with
covered galleries all around, sheltering
luxury shops and cafes.
The Basilica San Marco was built in
830 to accommodate St. Mark’s tomb,
and then rebuilt during the 11th-century
in its present Byzantine style. Built as a