Venice, Italy:
The Catholic Shrines & Places of Interest in Venice:
Most people associate this city with its winding canals and gondolas: Venice has about 150 canals, more than 400 bridges, and no cars, which means it is one of the worlds few pedestrian-only cities. Venice was at one time the most powerful nation-state in the region and traces of that still remain.
It is also home to some magnificent Catholic churches (well over 100 of them). Certainly the Basilica of Saint Mark and Saint Mark’s Square are some of its most recognizable sites, but there are others as well.
Basilica of Saint Mark
The tomb of Saint Mark
Basilica Santa Maria della Salute (Saint Mary of Health)
Probably the most recognizable of the churches in the city..built in honor for intercession during the plague of 1630-31.
Basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
Dedicated as well to the Blessed Virgin Mary this Basilica is known for its magnificent altar and works of art.
Church of Saint Germania (tomb of Saint Lucy)
Church of Saint Roch (Chiesa di San Rocco)
Tomb of Saint Roch…Patron Saint against plagues.
Traveling to Venice:
Venice has a major airport and is also easily accessable by train. For independent travelers who are flying and planning to hit the three most popular cities (Rome, Florence and Venice) we recommend an “open jaw” ticket: eg, fly into Rome and back out of Venice. That itinerary will give you more time in Italy since you can travel by train from Rome to Florence then on to Venice and fly back out of Venice rather than having to take the train back to Rome and then overnight in Rome before your flight home. It is like adding a full extra day to your stay without the extra cost.
Get train & bus schedules, see fares & buy tickets here.
Hotels in Venice are expensive, so if you are on a budget you might want to consider staying nearby in Mestre (5 miles away). It lacks the charm of Venice, but hotel prices are often half of what they are in Venice.
Another alternative is Padua. It is about 25 minutes away by train and, again, hotel prices are about half of what they are in Venice and there is frequent train service throughout the day. You can find train schedules here.
⇐ Back to Catholic shrines and places of interest in Italy
