JOURNEYS

enice is one of entire room dedicated to Jackson Pollock. See the Quintessential the rare world’s most significant collection of Venetian cities that is masterpieces at Gallerie dell’Accademia, in a Italy’s majestic floating city has charm to spare. truly unique, building dating back to 1343. It’s hard to miss BY JENNIFER BRADLEY FRANKLIN inspiring the imposing , the V other watery church at the ’s southern metropolises to be called “the Venice tip. Completed in 1687, it features sculptures of of ...” Really, though, this northeast- the Virgin and Child protecting Venice from the ern Italian gem, surrounded by the plague. Finally, escape the hustle and bustle of glittering Adriatic Sea, stands alone. the city and retreat to the JW Marriott Venice The city, which rose to prominence Resort & Spa. The resort sits on its own private as a trade gateway between the East island, Isola delle Rose, and is home to GOCO and West during the Middle Ages Spa, one of the largest spas in town. You'll feel and the Renaissance, boasts more refreshed after a relaxing massage and a soak in than 100 natural islands separated the heated pool with city views from across the by canals and connected by 400 lagoon. bridges. Residents of the historic center number fewer than 60,000, TREASURE HUNT but the city welcomes more than 20 On the island of Murano, familiarize yourself with million guests annually. It’s easy to see one of the area’s most recognizable exports at the the allure: Spend a day getting lost Glass Museum, which chronicles how Murano Clockwise: A look inside GOCO Spa at JW Marriott in Venice’s winding streets and you’ll became the epicenter of glass artistry in 1291. Venice Resort & Spa. A find yourself believing that magic Then, wander the surrounding streets in search glass exhibit on the Island of Murano. A sculpture in awaits around every corner. of a colorful piece of hand-blown glass of your the garden of the Peggy own. For another Venetian tradition, peruse the Guggenheim Collection Museum Venier dei SIGHTS TO SEE crowded showroom and workshop of Ca’ del Sol, Leoni Palace. Step off a boat at , not far from San Marco, where you’ll find intricate and you’ll be greeted by the Basilica carnival masks made of everything from leather di San Marco, the arches and domes to brocade. Shop the Rubelli Venezia showroom, and snack like a true Venetian. Enjoy an after- of which are some of the world’s which has been producing fine fabric and furni- noon pick-me-up with the crema de doge (fresh most recognizable. The visible ture using traditional techniques since 1858. Just cream, chocolate and orange), Gelateria Il Doge’s structure today is the third church steps from the lies Piedàterre, a tiny signature flavor.JW Marriott Venice Resort & built on the site to honor Saint Mark. shop turning out furlane veneziane, or slippers, Spa guests and non-guests can enjoy one of the Adjacent, you’ll findPalazzo Ducale, customizable in seemingly endless combinations " Spend a day area’s best dining experiences, with the Michelin- the official residence of Venetian of styles and fabrics. Pick up another wearable starred Dopolavoro Dining Room right on rulers from the ninth century on. souvenir at The Merchant of Venice flagship getting lost in property. Chef Federico Belluco executes creative The massive Gothic building became perfumery, housed in a 17th-century pharmacy. Venice’s winding dishes with just-picked produce from the island’s a museum in 1923, and guests can The brand offers dozens of fine fragrances, some prolific garden and uses oil pressed from its 104 explore its grand halls, chambers of them in Murano glass bottles. streets and you’ll olive trees (October visitors may be lucky enough and apartments filled with Venetian find yourself to witness the harvest). Or, hire a boat to the artifacts. From there, hop aboard a Vaporetto MANGIA — EAT! charming island of Torcello, the first in Venice to No. 1 and let the waterbus take you in a loop Start your day with a cup of strong espresso at believing that be settled. Before a robust dinner of crisp seafood around the curving Grand Canal, lined with the only coffee roasting company in the historic misto, hearty risottos and fresh pasta at Locanda the historic palaces built by Venetian aristocrats. center, La Torrefazione Cannaregio, which has magic awaits Cipriani, wander the grounds of The Cathedral From the water, you’ll see the Rialto Bridge, lined been roasting its rich beans since 1930. Stop for around every of Santa Maria Assunta, founded in 639. Finally, with tiny shops. Completed in 1591, it’s the oldest cicchetti (tapas) at Cantina Do Mori, the oldest have a nightcap of bussola buranello (butter bridge spanning the Grand Canal and marks the wine bar in Venice. Tucked near the Rialto Bridge, corner." cookies) dipped in vin santo wine at Al Sacro E heart of the city. Art buffs will want to stop at the it opened in 1462 and is said to have been a Profano before tucking in for the night. Peggy Guggenheim Collection, in the one-story favorite spot of the famously amorous Giacomo One trip won’t allow exploration of all of 18th-century Palazzo Venier, which houses 200 Casanova. Order a glass of local pinot bianco Venice’s watery breadth, but it’s certainly enough [ modern paintings and sculptures, including an CREDIT TK PHOTO from a cask and baccalà (creamed cod on toast) to be charmed to return again and again.

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