Venezia

Venice can be described as a jigsaw of tiny islets connected by bridges, to form two main islands. Separating them flows the inverted 'S' shaped Grand Canal, showcasing ancient churches, luxurious hotels and historic houses on either side. Surrounding Venice are neighbouring islands - Lido, Murano, Burano and Torcello, all of which bring their own speciality to the beautiful lagoon.

The city's spectacular and extravagant architecture impress you instantly. When you see their creativity in designing masks or blowing glass or binding books or making candles, your impression gets thicker; thicker than Italian hot chocolate. And when you observe a gondola rower making music with water you want to fall in love one more time...

Basilica di San Marco: Originally built as a shrine to St. Mark in the 9th century, it was re-built and remodelled few times to make way for a more impressive building, becoming the grand cathedral of Venice. Crowned with five huge domes, it looks anything but a conventional church. The generous use of colourful stone and the detail in mosaic keep you gazing at it.

San Marco Square: Where small items come with big price tags; and authentic pizzas, pastas, cappuccinos or extensive selection of Italian dessert come with flying pigeons and a live tune from Vivaldi's Four Seasons.

Rialto Bridge: Most economically built stone bridge in those times and one of the three bridges connecting the two Venetian islands, it has always been the trading hot spot since ever. Shops selling Murano glass, lace-work and more.

Sometimes haunting, sometimes romantic, that's the sinking city of Venezia.

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