There is truly no other place in the world like Venice in the winter. Each time I go to the Venetian islands I wish that the time machine was invented. All I want to do is to go back in time and visit the era these islands echoes of. Wear a wig and an over-sized dress with too many layers of fabric. Giggle in a Gondola and be courted. History tends to be romanticized and as an Art Historian I normally strive for historical facts, but when it comes to Venice it becomes difficult not to let your imagination be swept away. Everywhere there are small shops that sell handmade masks and invite visitors to fantasies about the epochs when they were so common almost everyone wore them in the city. Imagine what a mysterious ambiance. Grand fabrics rustling against the streets as a noble woman would get up from a Gondola. Street facades lit up by nothing but the fire flames from the street light. Oh, what a time!
Less People!
Okay, so we all get that Venice is attractive, but why should one visit it even when most of the other tourists don’t? The answer is within the question itself. This means less time standing in line and easy access to the sites! A visit to Venice during off-season is a great choice just because there are not that many other people that comes to Venice. The weather might be a little colder but in Italy that assurance can sometimes be a blessing. Like that saying: There are no bad weather, only bad clothing. So bring options and dress in layers and leave your shorts and summer jackets at home.
Visit the Doge’s Palace
Doge Palace is one of my favorites. It houses the largest room in Europe, the Chamber of the Great Council. The space is overwhelming and during off-season it is less crowded, which means you as a visitor get a greater experience. We do tours of the Doge Palace; On this special tour you get to see where the administration of the Palace were housed and their offices and chambers. It also takes you through the dungeons and prisons. See the cell at the attic where Casanova was kept and mysteriously escaped from and visit the intimidating interrogation room. Please note, these places are not opened for visitors of the Palace that are not on a tour.
Enjoy the Mysterious Weather
I admit that I am weak for the atmosphere of these islands. In the winter there is frequently a fog hovering over the Venetian islands. Don’t be put off by it! I think it contributes to a magical atmosphere. Mystery is a perfect word to describe Venice, especially in the winter. The fog brings tranquility and limited visibility, just like the famous Venetian masks: a titillating atmosphere. So don’t exclude Venice from your Italian Bucket List just because it is not summer or spring. Embrace that the season turns Venice into an even more mystifying group of islands. As if houses on water was not enough of a mystery.