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Visit Venice
Wading Through This Magnificent City in Italy with Kids
By Sonia Michaels
Venice, Italy, isn't on most people's top 10 lists of family destinations, but it should be. While the city's history and art may not be everyone's cup of cappuccino, there's a lot to see and do in Venice even if you decide to go easy on the museum and gallery visits.
While the city is more expensive than many other parts of Italy, the relative strength of the U.S. dollar against the Euro helps to offset the higher prices. Best of all, in Venice – as in the rest of Italy – you'll find that children of all ages are welcome just about everywhere.
Most paths in Venice eventually lead to the Piazza San Marco, and with good reason. Kids will love running around among the thousands of pigeons in the square, though little ones may be frightened by the loud bang that is used every so often to disperse the birds. Take the elevator ride to the top of the campanile for the best views of the city and the lagoon. If you're up there on the hour, the huge bells may start ringing right above your head – this is great fun for older kids and adults, but can be somewhat daunting for younger children.
Be sure to visit the Palazzo Ducale – Doge's Palace – next to the Basilica of San Marco, where you can see how Venice was governed during its most glorious period, view a huge collection of paintings, artifacts and militaria, and cross the Bridge of Sighs into the damp and gloomy dungeons. The Basilica is also a "must see," even children who aren't thrilled by the prospect of traipsing through yet another church will be impressed by the huge glittering mosaics.
Find some postcards showing the city's many different church towers, and spend some time "steeple spotting" with your older kids as part of your family travel activities. (Many thanks to J.G. Hooks' excellent book Venice for Pleasure