Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Navigational maps can be purchased at Mare di Carta, which is an excellent source of
information about lagoon boating routes and conditions.
Moorings may be available at Chioggia and Isola di Certosa.
FOOTBALL (SOCCER)
Football is a comparatively lesser passion here than in landlocked regions of Italy, al-
though Venetian kids learn to aim carefully so balls kicked around the campo don't end up
in the canal. Known as the arancioneroverde (orange, black and greens), AC Venezia (
041
520 68 99; www.veneziacalcio.it ) was founded in 1907 and won major championships during
WWII. Since then Venezia has shifted into Serie C (third division), where the team won a
championship. Venezia plays at an island stadium, Stadio Penzo, on Isola di Sant'Elena,
an island on the back side of Castello.
Tickets Match tickets are available at Stadio Penzo and from HelloVenezia ticket outlets (
041 24 24;
www.hellovenezia.it ; tickets €15-20) . Getting a ticket on the day is rarely a problem.
Transport to matches On match days, special ferry services run between Isola del Tronchetto's car parks and
Sant'Elena, and all buses arriving in Venice stop at Tronchetto.
Footy on TV On big game nights, Venetians and visitors converge to watch the match at Il Santo Bevitore.
VENICE BIENNALE
Europe's premier arts showcase since 1907 is something of a misnomer: the Venice Biennale
( www.labiennale.org ) is actually held every year, but the spotlight alternates between art (odd-numbered years,
eg 2013, 2015, 2017) and architecture (even-numbered years, eg 2012, 2014, 2016). The summer art biennial is
the biggest draw, with some 300,000 visitors viewing contemporary-art showcases in 30 national pavilions in
the Giardini, with additional exhibitions in venues across town. The architecture biennial is usually held in au-
tumn (fall), with architects filling the vast boat sheds of the Arsenale with avant-garde conceptual structures.
But the Biennale doesn't stop there. The city-backed organisation also organises an International Festival of
Contemporary Dance and concert series every summer, and runs the Venice International Film Festival each
September. For upcoming event listings, venues and tickets, check the Biennale website ( www.labiennale.org ).
Casino
Fortunes have been won and entire empires lost for centuries in Venice's ridotti (gambling
houses). Try your luck if you dare at CasinĂ² di Venezia, as long as you're at least 18 years
old - they do check identification - and dressed to impress the bouncers (men are expec-
ted to wear jackets). Slot machines are less formal and open earlier, but lack the high-
stakes drama of the poker and blackjack tables. Ask your hotel for a free-casino-entry
coupon, which may also entitle you to a few euros' worth of free gaming.
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