Venice is a wonder unlike any other in the world: built on water, it offers an unparalleled travel experience.
The absence of cars and engine noise gives way to the lapping of the water and the singing of the gondolas, creating a magical and suspended atmosphere. Its romantic canals, historic bridges such as the Rialto, and labyrinthine streets invite you to lose yourself in a journey back in time.

Visiting St. Mark's Square with its majestic Basilica and Doge's Palace allows you to experience firsthand its ancient political and commercial grandeur. Its famous nickname, “La Serenissima,” is not just a historical name, but evokes the sense of stability, splendor, and tranquility that the Venetian Republic was able to guarantee for centuries.

In addition to its artistic wealth, the lagoon city boasts an excellent culinary tradition and unique craftsmanship, particularly Murano glass. Every corner, every reflection on the water tells a thousand-year-old story.

It is impossible not to be enchanted by the immortal charm of this unique city.

Venice

* St. Mark's Square: The heart of the city, home to St. Mark's Basilica and the Bell Tower, offering breathtaking views.
* Doge's Palace: The former seat of the Doge and the Venetian magistrates, symbol of the power of “La Serenissima.”
* Rialto Bridge and Grand Canal: Admire the Grand Canal from the most famous bridge or travel along it on a vaporetto or gondola.
* Bridge of Sighs: The bridge that connected the Doge's Palace to the Prigioni Nuove, famous for its history.
* Peggy Guggenheim Collection: For lovers of modern and contemporary art, in a palace overlooking the Grand Canal.
* Acqua Alta Bookshop: One of the most unusual and photographed bookshops in the world, where books are stored in tubs and gondolas for high tide.
* Bacari Tour: The typical Venetian experience of enjoying cicchetti (small snacks) and a glass of wine (ombra) in local taverns.

The Islands of the Lagoon

* Murano: Famous throughout the world for its centuries-old art of glassmaking.
* Burano: An explosion of color! The island is famous for its brightly painted houses and lace-making tradition.
* Torcello: The historic cradle of the lagoon, a quiet island with the ancient Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta and Attila's Throne.

Other charming surroundings

* Chioggia: Nicknamed “Little Venice” for its resemblance to the capital, but with a more peaceful atmosphere.
* Riviera del Brenta: To admire the splendid Venetian villas, such as Villa Pisani, along the river.

Venice

Stroll through St. Mark's Square and admire the Basilica: The square is always accessible, as is the external view of the iconic monuments.
Panoramic view from the Fondaco dei Tedeschi: You need to book online, but access to the terrace with a 360° view of the Grand Canal and rooftops is free.
Explore the Jewish Ghetto: Europe's first ghetto, an area rich in history and atmosphere in the Cannaregio district.
Cross the famous bridges: The Rialto Bridge, the Accademia Bridge, and the Bridge of Sighs (viewed from the Ponte della Paglia) are freely accessible and offer unique photo opportunities.
Visit the Acqua Alta Bookshop: A charming and quirky place, with books stored in gondolas and tubs to protect them from high tide.
Observe the Squero di San Trovaso: One of the last traditional shipyards where gondolas are still built and repaired, visible from the opposite bank.
Stroll through the Arsenale: Admire the imposing entrance and outer walls of the Republic's famous shipyard.
Look for Calle Varisco: The narrowest street in Venice (just 53 cm wide), a little fun to look for in the maze of streets.
Stroll through the Royal Gardens: A recently restored oasis of peace and greenery, just a few steps from St. Mark's Square.
Enter the churches: Many smaller churches and St. Mark's Basilica (with its main entrance) offer free admission for worship.

Surroundings

Admire the colors of Burano: Stroll around the island and photograph its famous multicolored houses, a free visual experience.
Visit Torcello: Explore the island and see the Church of Santa Fosca (free) and the mysterious Throne of Attila (outside the Basilica).
Walk along the Lido di Venezia: Perfect for a long bike ride (if rented) or walk on the beach and promenade.

The history of LGBT people in Venice has its roots in the period of the Serenissima, revealing a surprisingly complex and contradictory context. Although the laws of the Republic were extremely severe against sodomy, punishable even by burning at the stake, the city was known for its widespread de facto tolerance of practices that were unthinkable elsewhere.

As early as the 15th century, Venetian court records attest to the existence of a veritable homosexual subculture, with well-known meeting places such as the Rialto arcades. The presence of merchants and visitors from all over Europe contributed to creating a libertine environment, almost as if to defy official prohibitions. The Republic even went so far as to tolerate and even encourage female prostitution in certain areas, such as San Cassiano (the area of the ‘Ponte delle Tette’ or ‘Bridge of Breasts’), in an attempt to curb widespread male homosexuality.

Famous figures, such as the renowned seducer Giacomo Casanova and the poet Lord Byron, who lived in Palazzo Mocenigo, are linked to this hidden, libertine side of the city. This dual nature, between legislative rigor and a lively underground reality, has made Venice a fundamental historical location for queer culture, a tradition that is revived today with events such as Laguna Pride.

Appetizers and Snacks

* Cicchetti: Small bites, similar to Spanish tapas, found in *bacari* (traditional taverns). They can be crostini with creamed cod, meat or fish balls, and other seasonal variations.
* Baccalà mantecato: A creamy mousse made from boiled stockfish whipped with oil and herbs, typically served on bread croutons or polenta.
* Sarde in saor: Fried sardines marinated in a sweet and sour mixture of cooked onions, raisins, and pine nuts.

Pasta

* Bigoli in salsa: Fresh long, thick pasta (bigoli) served with a sauce made from onions and anchovies (or salted sardines). It is a dish with an intense and savory flavor.
* Risi e bisi: A traditional first course that is halfway between a risotto and a soup, prepared with rice and fresh peas (bisi) and often enriched with pancetta.
* Risotto al nero di seppia: A risotto cooked with cuttlefish ink, which gives the dish its characteristic dark color and a deep sea flavor.
* Pasta e fagioli: A thick and comforting soup made with legumes and short pasta.

Main courses

* Fegato alla veneziana: Veal liver cut into thin strips and cooked quickly with plenty of white onion, often served with polenta.
* Polenta e schie: Polenta (usually white) served with *schie*, small gray lagoon shrimp, fried or boiled.
* Fried moeche: Small lagoon crabs caught during the moulting season, when they are shell-less (and therefore very soft), and served fried.

Desserts

* Baicoli: Thin, oval-shaped biscuits, ideal for dipping in coffee or zabaglione.
* Bussolà and Esse di Burano: Dry biscuits typical of the island of Burano, the former shaped like a doughnut and the latter shaped like an “S,” made with butter and eggs.
* Fritole: Sweet fritters with raisins and pine nuts, traditionally associated with the Carnival period but often available at other times of the year.

Venice is considered a very safe and welcoming destination for LGBTQIA+ people (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and other identities).

Tolerance and Welcoming Atmosphere

* Open Atmosphere: As one of the most visited cities in the world, Venice has a long tradition of tolerance and openness towards visitors and different lifestyles. The general atmosphere is very relaxed and discreet.
* Public Life: Same-sex couples can safely walk hand in hand or show affection in public (like most heterosexual couples) without attracting significant negative attention. Venetian culture is generally more focused on minding one's own business than judging others.
* Institutional Context: The City of Venice is a member of the National Network of Public Administrations for Overcoming Discrimination (RE.A.DY) based on sexual orientation and gender identity, demonstrating an institutional commitment against discrimination.

Friendly Infrastructure

* Accommodation: Many hotels and B&Bs declare themselves “gay-friendly” and openly welcome the community.
* Events: The city regularly hosts Laguna Pride and other initiatives and evenings aimed at the LGBTQIA+ community, offering opportunities for meeting and visibility.
* General Safety: The city has a very low violent crime rate. The main problems are pickpocketing, which is not related to sexual orientation but to the presence of crowds.

History

Historically, Venice has been a very progressive city in terms of social customs, and its culture has often shown greater tolerance than other cities.

In summary, LGBTQIA+ tourists and residents can expect a safe, peaceful experience in Venice, free from particular fears related to sexual orientation or gender identity.