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** The Rialto Bridge ** The Rialto Bridge (//Ponte di Rialto//) on the Grand Canal is one of the most well-known sights in Venice, yet many tourists find themselves upon it by accident. Unlike most tourist attractions, the Rialto Bridge is actually visited by locals, largely because it is such an important crossing-place on the Grand Canal. Venetians stride over the bridge, cutting through the milling tourists and diving into the short-cuts which run behind the rows of souvenir stalls.
 * Venice ** itself is one large tourist sight, one of the most breathtaking in the world. Many travellers will be content to admire the views, to cruise along the Grand Canal, and to stumble upon hundreds of picturesque moments. If, on the other hand, you like visiting museums, churches and galleries, there are enough here to last you many weeks.

** St Mark’s Square **

St. Mark's Square lies in the heart of Venice and is one the most photographed attractions in the world. The square is defined by arcades on three sides and St. Mark's church on the eastern end. During the day, St. Mark's Square is filled with people, pigeons and music. Feeding the pigeons in the square is a popular activity. You can purchase packets of corn from the vendors in the square and take your picture balancing the birds on your arms. After visiting some of the sights, stop for a drink at the historic Caffe Florian or Caffe Quadri, both of which feature open-air orchestras playing in the square.

Burano

**Burano** is a pretty island in the northern part of the Venetian lagoon. Famous for its lace-making and for its brightly-coloured fishermen's houses, the island is a photographer's paradise. The town of Burano covers the island, with several small canals acting as thoroughfares. There are a couple of larger squares, and many little lanes and alleys. The town's fishing industry can be glimpsed along the canalsides and around the island's shores, where there are tiny fishing harbours. There are no essential tourist attractions other than the island itself. Burano's most identifiable landmark is the island's church, San Martino, which has an impressively-leaning belltower. Murano Murano Island - A Glassmaker's Paradise Since 1291, this tiny Venetian island has been the home of Venice’s glassmaking industry. Glass production was moved to Murano Island from the main part of Venice because its production posed quite a fire hazard. (Note: The buildings in Venice were constructed mostly of wood at this period of time.) Soon enough, Murano Island became quite a hot spot for glass production indeed. Glassmaking has quite an exalted tradition in Venice. It is an art form, after all. Murano is a great tourist destination with live glass blowing demonstrations and amazing gift shops. Torcello  Today's main attraction is the Cathedral of Santa Maria, founded in 639 and with much 11th and 12th century Byzantine work, including mosaics (e.g. a vivid version of the Last Judgement), surviving. Other attractions include the 11th and 12th century Churc of Santa Fosca, which is surrounded by a porticus in form of a Greek cross, and a museum housed in two fourteenth century palaces, the //Palazzo dell'Archivio// and the //Palazzo del Consiglio//, which was once the seat of the communal government. Another noteworthy sight for tourists is an ancient stone chair, known as //Attila's Throne//. It has, however, nothing to do with the king of the Huns, but it was most likely the podesta’s or the bishop’s chair.

The Golden Lion http://static2.bigstockphoto.com/thumbs/3/1/8/large2/8133285.jpg http://i41.tinypic.com/rbw6j4.jpg ** The golden lion statue, the symbol of the Venice Film Festival... **  The golden Lion can be found near St. Mark's basilica. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Lion

**Some of the pictures were taken on my trip!**
 * By Paige Stevens Yr 10**