The Serenissima Republic

When my colleagues suggested to me a trip to Venice Architectural Biennale, I did not feel keen on the idea at the first thought, as niche images that stored in my mind over the years of couples in love ‘seating lousy’ in a gondola under the silhouette of a sleazy gondolier punting over the busy canals, or the Rialto bridge loaded with kitsch souvenir shops selling carnival masks.

My arrival to the city wiped out the stereotypes instantly. On the way to the hotel, I was walking alongside buildings of grandeur scale and human size scenic neighborhoods, whilst an awe overtook all my senses. Venice looked as a jewel of urban magnificence.

Anyone who supports the idea of Venice’s urban life does not exist without the tourist population, I should say that the visitor simply followed the same tricks of the established tourist trails. Fair to say that large stake of the city's economy is directly associated with holiday souvenirs and antique hunters.

The urban life of Venetians follows identical patterns to those of any other modern European city but using waterways instead. The water is city’s natural ally.

The city program works like a well-tuned clock facilitating all functions of every day life from deliveries, supplying shops and providing for businesses. The impressive transportation amenities are well scheduled and plenty to serve for free movement of both tourists & Venetians from city centre, to the surrounding islands and mainland. I felt many times an adrenaline rush when watching the ‘vaporetti’ approaching to the floating platforms abut tightly to the edge while myriads of people embark & disembark without a single one accidentally falling into the lagoon's waters. However, safety measures are in place but discreet enough leaving no unpleasant impact to the Venetian experience.


Trying to imagine the exact short trip taking place under British rules, a cage type enclosed boat would have been in operation, with passengers wearing safety inflated yellow jackets and a recorded message playing loud the instructions of the boat evacuation procedures, while you are trying to soak the magnificent views of the Doge's Palazzo.


While I was exploring the city, I crossed many times little bridges which overlooked buildings with water parking at ground ‘sea’ level, opening up into the canals. I found then myself envying all those living there, that at any moment of time they could drive their polished 'motoscafo' to their local bar for a social catch up with friends. In which other city in the world a journey leading to a simple event of meeting a friend could have been such an experience within an urban web?

Even an autumn rainstorm that floods the canal side walks is not capable to put off the proud Venetians from their activities as trendy wellies are part of their wardrobe. They appear to have accepted the ‘water’ both as a facilitator of their unique urbanity and as an untamed chaotic force which reclaims back the splendor given generously before to the city. Nothing seems to spoil this harmonious co-existence between humans, built and natural environment. It’s not accidental that the city is known historically as ‘the most serene republic of Venice’.