Recently in Venice Category

Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and also one of the most unusual. Instead of being criss-crossed by streets and avenues, it has a series of canals that connect its various neighborhoods, necessitating a fleet of taxi boats, water buses, and gondolas to help people get around. On the first Sunday of every September, the Venice Historical Regatta pays tribute to the city's rich maritime heritage with events that celebrate the boats and sailors who have plied the waters for a thousand years. The regatta begins with a colorful parade of boats from the various Venetian rowing clubs led by the bucintoro, a large, two-decked luxury craft originally built for the duke that uses up to 40 rowers. After everybody's had a look at these grand boats floating down the Grand Canal, it's time for the races, starting with the swift, two-oared pupparini, which are piloted by young Venetian men, followed by the women in their mascarete. The six-oared caorline race next, giving fans a glimpse of a style of transport vessel that's all but extinct today. The grand finale is the race of two-oared gondolini, and its winners are treated like Venetian royalty until the next year's races. Starwood has five Venice properties, including the luxurious Hotel Gritti Palace, Venice, which is located right on the Grand Canal with great views of the action.

[image via venicexplorer.net]

It's going to be a great summer for art lovers who happen to be in Europe. The San Jose Mercury News points out that four major art shows will be held in Europe this season, offering an unprecedented view of what's going on in the art world right now. The Venice Biennale, which is the most well-known of the festivals, began last week and will run for six months, showcasing some of the best emerging artists as well as paying tribute to established artists. In addition to works by Italian artists like Giuseppe Penone (pictured), expect to see contributions from African artists, whose work will be prominently displayed in an African Pavilion in the main Aresenale venue. The Venice Biennale, which has been going strong for 120 years, is always a highly anticipated event, both for the fine art on display and the opportunity to mingle with artists, collectors, and curators in such a beautiful city. Guests at the Hotel Gritti Palace, a member of Starwood's Luxury Collection, might want to check out this interesting festival to see what today's most talented artists are up to. And if you still haven't had your fill of fine art, there's always Art Basel in Switzerland, as well as Documenta Kassel and Sculpture Projects Muenster, both in Germany.

[image via La Biennale di Venezia]