VENICE HISTORY FOR FAMILIES: TWO LEGENDARY VENETIANS
VENICE HISTORY FOR FAMILIES: TWO LEGENDARY VENETIANS
Did Casanova really exist? Was Marco Polo a Venetian? This tour starts by taking you into the secret section of the Doges’ Palace.
We will pass through the meandering corridors and the somber torture chamber, heading into the Piombi, the famous prison from where, in 1756, Casanova escaped with his prison mate, Father Balbi.
This provides us with a good occasion to learn about the 18th century Venetian justice system.
Later, we’ll stroll to the medieval Corte del Milion, by the Rialto bridge. Here, once Venice’s main trading centre, the merchant Marco Polo and his family settled after returning from China.
By reviving the true story, and the big lies regarding the two most famous Venetians of all time, we’ll take a peek into Venice’s fascinating past. Due to this tour’s secret itinerary, we can only offer this selection in the morning.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Secret Itineraries of the Doge’s Palace
- Venice history and legends
- The Old Prisons and Torture Chamber
- The Adventurous LIfes of Marco Polo & Casanova
MORE ABOUT
THIS TOUR
VENICE HISTORY FOR FAMILIES
Marco Polo was born in Venice in 1254 and died here in 1324.
Then, the city was reaching the peak of its commercial expansion towards the East. Venice was a very dynamic metropolis importing spices, silk fabrics, precious stones and many other expensive goods.
Marco Polo represents the adventurous but business-minded citizen of the golden era of the Venetian Republic.
His book, Il Milione (also known as The Book of Marvels), describes Marco’s trips in the Far East, and became a sort of Medieval best seller, regardless of it being published well before printing presses were invented!
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Giacomo Casanova was born in Venice in 1725 and died in 1798 in Bohemia. He was born into a family of actors, he received a good education, and traveled extensively around Europe and the Mediterranean, ending his days as a librarian. He is infamous mainly thanks to his descriptions of numerous love affairs with women of all ages and conditions. He was the inspiration for Mozart’s librettist, Lorenzo da Ponte, as he created the character of Don Juan.
Casanova lived in the Venice of decadence, when the city was no longer a commercial hub, instead an attraction for the wealthy travelers of the Grand Tour.
These two emblematic figures will help our guide sketch the Venice’s history, the way its institutions and society developed through the centuries, from the great days of the Maritime Empire to the golden decadence of the 18th century.
DRESS CODE AND ADVICE
- No dress code required
- ACCESSIBILITY: The spaces have, in some cases, small size and are on different levels connected by steep and narrow stairs: are therefore not accessible to those with mobility problems and is not recommended for those suffering from claustrophobia, vertigo of cardio-respiratory disorders. They are also not suitable for pregnant women. Children under 6 are not allowed.
- Walks inside Venice recommends NOT TO CHOOSE this tour in July and August, too hot!
COST
- This tour lasts three hours and costs 280 euros up to five people (not per person), only private parties.
- Museum fees per person:
- Secret Itineraries of the Doge’s Palace: 33 euros (full rate) – 21 euros (reduced rate)
- Tickets should be booked and purchased in advance and once paid are NO MORE REFUNDABLE. Please read our “Dress code and advice” section.
CONTACT US
WALKS INSIDE ITALY
ART CITY WALKS aff. Network Giv
San Polo 1541 30125 VENICE, ITALY
C.F. e P. Iva 04331170276
Prot. 2016/16140 del 25-2-2016
Polizza Europ Assistance 8957877
