Venice Guide and Boat

VGB Blog

The Bridge of Sighs: A Whisper from the Past

Hidden in plain sight between two of Venice’s most iconic landmarks—the Doge’s Palace and the old prison—stands the legendary Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri), a small yet evocative piece of architecture that has captured imaginations for centuries. Built in 1600 and designed by Antonio Contino, the bridge served a very practical purpose: it connected […]

The Colorful Secrets of Burano. A Hidden Gem of the Venetian Lagoon

Just a 45-minute boat ride from Venice lies the island of Burano – a tiny, colorful jewel floating in the Venetian Lagoon. Known around the world for its impossibly vibrant houses, Burano is more than just a pretty face; it’s a place where history, craftsmanship, and folklore intertwine. One of the most fascinating legends behind […]

Discovering Santa Maria Formosa: A Hidden Gem of Venice’s Artistic Heritage

Nestled in the heart of the Castello district, away from the city’s more crowded landmarks, the Church of Santa Maria Formosa offers a fascinating glimpse into Venice’s artistic and architectural evolution. Built in the late 15th century on the site of an earlier 7th-century church, this remarkable building is one of the masterpieces of Renaissance […]

Domenico Tramontin: the silent architect behind Venice’s iconic gondola

When we think of Venice, our minds often drift to the slow, graceful glide of gondolas beneath romantic bridges and along narrow canals. But few stop to wonder: who shaped the gondola as we know it today? The answer lies not in grand palaces or famous paintings, but in a quiet workshop where one man’s […]