The school trip is the undisputable highlight of many a student school year. Although the concept of a school trip is not new, it is only recently that the benefits have been recognised on a national scale. Now an encouraged part of the national curriculum, the school trip is considered a positive and constructive part of both learning on an academic level and developing on a social one. While the classroom is the perfect place to learn theories and consider ideas, there is nothing quite as motivating or inspiring as putting learned theory into context.
Venice, one of the most romantic cities in the world, is the epitome of Italian art, culture and history. The perfect place for a school trip, Venice is a haven of architectural delights, historical sites and a wonderfully rich cultural heritage. The intricate waterways criss cross the city and the imposing bridges, churches and beautiful palaces standing bold and breath taking for all to see, are very much part of the true essence of this intriguing and captivating city.
In simple terms the city is a museum that lives and breathes. For art lovers and history enthusiasts alike there is no place more awe inspiring and interesting than Venice.
The Best Venetian Attractions
Venice claims to have the most artistic masterpieces per square kilometre than any other country. Such a claim is not refuted, as the city boasts an array of artwork from medieval pieces through to Renaissance works, and some wonderful examples of Cubism and Abstract Expressionism. Students will have ample opportunity to sketch the Venetian street scenes, capture the beautiful light that rebounds from the gloriously old palaces and reproduce some of the stunningly depicted scenes captured by many a famous artist.
Visit the Doge’s Palace, which was once the seat of government, the law court and the city prison. Today the Gothic Palace, once home to Venice’s supreme authority, is one of the city’s main landmarks. In 1923 a museum was established here, and today the museum constitutes one of the eleven main museums in Venice.
The Galleria dell’Accademia is a huge attraction in the city of Venice and home to the largest collection of European and Venetian paintings in the world. On the way into the museum you can linger on the large wooden arch, known as the Ponte dell’Accademia, and take in a wonderful view of the Grand Canal and the famous Church of Santa Maria della Salute.
Being a city of waterways it is little wonder Venice showcases some fine bridges. The Bridge of Sighs is one of the most famous and is the one that connects the Doge’s Palace to the old city prison. Built of fine white limestone in an ornamental style, the bridge was actually a practical necessity, used to lead prisoners from the examining rooms to the prison cells. The romantic poet Byron, who referenced the bridge in his 1812 book ‘Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage’, immortalised it in his words.
No visit to Venice would be complete without taking to the water. Students can take the vaparetto and travel like the locals do or hire a gondola and explore the canals in real style. St Mark’s Square and its 10th century basilica should be included in the itinerary, as should a stop or two in the wonderful Italian ice cream or pastry shops.
A school trip to Venice will be one to remember. With abundant opportunity for academic stimulation this place will open eyes, broaden horizons and inspire learning in all students who visit.