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venice Many places in the world vie to be named "The Venice of —," but the true original will always keep the bar set high. Built on a lagoon, navigable only by foot and by boat, over 117 islands are separated by 177 canals and linked back together by more than 400 picturesque bridges, creating a story of separation and connection as romantic as any to emerge from this beautiful city. Time stands quite still in Venice's quiet serenity. Gondoliers shuttle visitors to their destinations with traditional songs, including the works of native musical geniuses Vivaldi and Monteverdi. The bell tower in Piazza San Marco continues to ring through the narrow streets, and the pigeons in the square remain as unfazed as ever by the echoes. Here, the famous St. Mark's Basilica and the Campanile still stand resplendent over the cobbles, only minutes from the stunning Bridge of Sighs, a baroque masterpiece that leads from the Doge's Palace to the prison, and source of inspiration for writers through the ages—lord Byron among them. A softly romantic city comes to vibrant life when one of the most well-known Carnival celebrations takes place, the celebratory air extending to every corner of all six quarters of Venice. lending even more color to the island of Murano, treasured for turning glass-blowing from a skill into an art, and giving cause for the lacemakers of Burano to carry on their craft, this festive season is an immense draw. But no matter when, it only takes one visit to realize that every day in Venice is an occasion to remember. 38 | Venice