See art, architecture and audacity in Venice, Italy

24th Apr 2012 by Page & Moy

The people of Venice have been impressing the world for hundreds of years - and they're still doing it.

Known as one of the most beautiful cities on Earth, Venice started out as marsh lands facing the Adriatic Sea but was transformed into a powerhouse of trade by the audacious architects who made it into what it is today.

With lazy trips through the watery streets on a gondola, eye-catching Venetian Gothic architecture and more masterpieces per square kilometre than any other city in the world, Venice is just as romantic as legend would have it.

The destination is also packed with high culture, whether it's the contemporary art Biennale or the osteries serving squid risotto, and visitors are sure to leave feeling even more refined than before.

Art at the Bienalle

Every two years (in odd years), the city is transformed into one of the biggest festivals of contemporary art in the world, showcasing some of the most avant garde and well regarded artists of the current generation.

With a hundred-year history, the Biennale has played host to new works from pop artist Robert Rauschenberg, minimalist Donald Judd and sculptor Louise Bourgeois, among many others who have formed the shape of the art canon.

Over time, the show has incorporated all of the arts, with the Arsenale della Danza catering for dance fans, the Venice International Film Festival pleasing cinema-goers and the International Festival of Contemporary Music providing a suitable soundtrack to a trip to the city.

However, there are visual treats on offer outside of the Biennale season - tourists just need to step out onto the street to be wowed by the vision of those who built Venice.

Daring design

Take a walk down the Guidecca towards the Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore (known simply as Il Redentore), the 16th century Roman Catholic church created by Andrea Palladio.

From the outside, the magnificent building features the main facade, a glistening white homage to Roman indulgence, featuring perfectly rendered inset sculptures which make the front of the building look like it is carved out of one piece of marble.

The beauty is not just reserved for the outside either. Entering the serene building, you will find perfect proportions and geometrical accuracy that make the construction itself worthy of worship.

Il Rendentore is a perfect example of how Venice manages to combine great art with everyday life. In whatever way you can think of, the Venetians really know how to live.