VCE

ARTS & CULTURE

Art lovers from around the world have been gathering at one of the largest and most prestigious art events in the world, held every other year since 1895. From 9 May through 22 November, approximately half a million visitors will be here to admire the works of 136 artists from 53 countries, including surprising newcomers such as Mauritius, Mozambique and Mongolia. The 56th Biennale in Venice is a cornucopia of world-class modern art.

ROMANCE

This is Venetian romance at its best: exploring the canals in a gondola as the paddling gondolier sings 'O sole mio'. Even a gondola ride of less than an hour will easily set you back 100 euros. There are, however, other ways to admire the Doge's Palace and Rialto Bridge from the water without going bankrupt. Here are 3 budget-friendly alternatives to the infamous gondola ride.

ARTS & CULTURE

The San Marco Basilica is the stuff of real fairy-tales: large domes and towers, elegant arches, gilded mosaics and magnificent images of saints. And this is just the outside! Venetians themselves cannot get enough of the cathedral’s façade. The interior of the San Marco Basilica, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, is even lovelier.