venice Archivi - Page 2 of 6 - Hotel Bucintoro

Jan 29 2018

Venice Carnival 2018

The Venice Carnival 2018 is famous all around the world and every year it attracts a lot of tourists. The first document that testifies the festivity in town dates back in 1094 but it is known that Venice carnival has more ancient origin: some pagans rites celebrated the end of winter time and the start of spring time, also if, with the Christianity, this event has changed its meaning, turning this in a period of joy and festivity before the Lent. Through the centuries, the carnival has changed. The decline of the Carnival began with the end of the Venetian Republic despite some islands continued to celebrate it. Since 1979, thanks to some popular initiatives and the support of institutions, the tradition that recalls tourists and sponsor, has relived.

Venice Carnival has very ancient origin: this poster dates back the first years of 1900.

The duration of the carnival is of two weeks during which a lot of shows take place. You can assist at the flight of the angel (more information about in the next post), at the flight of the eagle, masks parades, dances in the squares to the famous dinners around the palaces in town. The 2018 edition begins on Saturday Febr 27th on the Canareggio canal, scenario of an evening show on the water. On Saturday Febr 3rd the carnival gets live with the masks contest and the Festa Delle Marie (published soon). The real opening of Carnival is on Sunday Febr 4th, in Saint Mark’s square, with the flight of the angel, at noon. Who will fly down from the tower? The beautiful Elisa Costantini, the winner of the Festa Delle Marie in 2017. On Sunday Febr 11th, always at noon, will take place the flight of the eagle. In the afternoon will continue the parades of carnival masks. Venice Carnival 2018 will end on Tuesday Febr 13th (mardi gras) with the coronation of the 2018 Maria at 4.30 pm and with the flight of the lion at 5 pm,both in Saint’s Mark square.

Venice Carnival starts officially with the flight of the angel in Saint Mark’s square.

When: From Jan 27th to Febr 13th.
Where: Most in the historical centre, Saint Mark’s square surroundings.
Prices: Most of the shows are free-entry with exceptions to private parties, dinners and shows where a reservation is expected.

Do not hesitate to contact our reception for more info!

Dec 28 2017

San Marco district Venice

San Marco is the smaller district of the town but it contains the political and religious heart of Venice. It has always been inhabited by the nobility and, together with Rialto and San Pietro di Castello, it is part of the original nucleus in the development of Venice. It is limited north by the Grand Canal, south by Saint Mark’s basin, west by Rio del Palazzo and east by Rio de San Zulian. It borders north with Cannaregio district and east with Castello district, it is connected with San Polo district through Rialto bridge and with Dorsoduro through Accademia bridge. Administratively, the district contains San Giorgio Maggiore island too.

Saint Mark’s square, the political and religious heart of Venice.

In the origin, its name was Rivoalto, in which Rialto come from too. It was called also Civitas Rivoalti, recalling the area of its foundation. Saint Mark’s square is naturally the heart of the district: for more than 1000 years was the political, decision and judiciary center of the Republic of Venice. Here took place the most important event as the Venice Carneval, who is still alive nowadays. Saint Mark’s square is the only square of the town exposed on the maritime basin: richful of monuments and palaces, it gathers more than 15 centuries of history and art. Saint Mark’s square is the living room of the venetian citizens: the open space dedicated to host all the most importants events in the town.

San Marco district hosts several monuments like the Bell tower, the basilica and the Doge’s Palace.

Together with the “Paròn de casa“, the bell tower, who towers with its 98 meters of height in the square and all the town, you can enjoy the view of several monuments, very close together and in different styles, as the venetian stylistic instructs. You can see the Procuratie right in front of the Basilica and the Doge’s palace, venue of the juridical power of the Serenissima; the clock tower, restored in 2006; the famous bridge of sighs beyond which starts Castello district. There is also the Napoleonic wing where you can find Correr museum. Outside the square you can also find La Fenice theatre, Goldoni theatre, San Moisè church, Palazzo Grassi and the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, where the basilica and the Cini foundation rise.

San Giorgio Maggiore island is part of the San Marco district too

From Hotel Bucintoro you can reach San Marco district very easily! Ask at the reception for mor information!

Nov 29 2017

Scala Contarini del Bovolo Venice

Hidden inside a small court on the side of Campo Manin, at the end of a tiny street, rise in all its beauty the Scala Contarini Del Bovolo Venice. This staircase, a particular structure for the venetian architecture, is part of the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, a gothic-style palace built between the 14th and 15th century as mansion of the Contarini family. In the end of the 15th century, when the staircase was annexed at the palace, they family name became “Contarini dal Bovolo”.

The Staircase Contarini del Bovolo, a few minutes from St. Mark’s square.

The staircase, 26 meters tall with a diameter of 4.7, was built with bricks and Istria stone and is composed by loggias and arches. You can climb the 80 steps counterclockwise and, on top, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the venetian roofs. The columns and the arches give to the staircase a peculiar aspect. Some experts see a sort of connection between the Gothic period and the Renaissance.

The magnificent view from the top of the staircase.

The entrance ticket for the staircase Contarini del Bovolo is valid for a visit of 30 minutes on the day and time chosen. You can add at you ticket the visit of the Oratorio dei Crociferi. The oratorio is 15-20 minutes far from the Scala Contarini del Bovolo. The Oratorio could be visited in a different day of the Staircase. The Oratorio is opne Fridays and Saturdays from 10-13/14-17. For groups you can organize a visit ,out of this timetable, contacting the reservation office. Entrance is free for children under 12 years who have to be accompanied by an adult. Every adult can accompany 2 children under 12 years.

Ask at the reception for more information!

Nov 21 2017

Castello district Venice

Castello district Venice is the biggest and the second, for inhabitants, of Venice town. It is also the only district that is not on the Grand Canal. It has been one of the first living area of Venice (V-VI century). The district takes its name from the castle who rised. It was built as defense from the attacks coming by sea. You can find also the Arsenale in this district, for centuries the biggest in the world.

San Pietro di Castello Basilica.

Like the other districts, Castello took its shape in the high middle age thanks to colonies. In Castello you can admire the San Pietro di castello basilica , episcopal headquarters until 1807, when Napoleon moved it in Saint Mark’s basilica. In the beginning, the district was divided in two islands, the Gemine and the Olivolo. Together they became the actual district.

In Castello district Venice you can live an unique atmosphere where the heart of the real Venice beats.

If you are walking in this districtyou cannot miss some churches or some fascinating monuments. The ancient Arsenale, the historical Naval museum, the old headquarters of the granaries today hosts maritime memories of Venice. The church of San Francesco Della Vigna, built by Andrea Palladio, or church Santa Maria Formosa, was erected in the 12th century and the rebuilt in 1492, keeping its plan in greek cross. This church is located in a colorful square, surrounded by private palaces of different ages.

Castello district Venice hosts the international art exhibition Biennale and the gardens, a place where to relax for locals and tourists.

Comparing Venice to a fish, Castello could be the tale, being at the extreme East. Here you can live and fell the real Venice, between fish markets and typical stores.

Do not miss the opportunity to stay at the Hotel Bucintoro, located in the Castello district!

Nov 12 2017

Madonna Della Salute feast Venice

The Madonna della Salute feast Venice is a religious feast instituted by the venitian Republic in 1630. This event is celebrated every year on November 21st, since four centuries. It is a very popular feast by the venetian and by the pilgrimages that come to Venice to thank the Holy Mary for miracoulous healings.

The Basilica of the Madonna della Salute.

This feast has the same roots of the Redentore feast. It was born due to the plague in 1630-1631 (narrated by Manzoni in “I promessi sposi”. A desperate Nicolò Contarini, the Duke, and the patriarch Giovanni Tiepolo organized a procession of pray that gathered all the survivors. It lasted for 3 days and 3 nights. The venetian promised that they would have built a temple in honor of the Holy Mary if the town would have survived at the plague. In few weeks the plague stopped, leaving behind 47000 deads (1/4 of the citizens), Duke and patriarch included.

Since 1631, the venetian gathered in procession on November 21st.

The government of Venice decided to build this temple . The designated area was the Dogana as destination of pilgrimages and venue of the new temple. The contest was won by Baldassare Longhena. He built a baroque temple with a octagonal structure overcomes by a majestic dome. The first pilgrimage took place on November 28th 1631, right after the plague.

The temporary bridge allows to reach the basilica della Madonna della Salute from Santa Maria Del Giglio.

Admire the basilica from your room in our hotel! What a view!

HOTEL BUCINTORO SRL