Travel the World: Venice

The ornate Basilica di San Marco, consecrated in 1094, is perhaps the most recognizable Venetian landmark.

The Italian gothic styled Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is probably the second-most visited church in Venice, after San Marco.

Venice is filled with cicchetti bars, where people drop in for tapas and a glass of wine.

The Gallerie dell'Accademia -- which contains paintings from the 14th century through the Renaissance -- is on every tour guide's must list.

The Venice Biennale is one of the modern art world's biggest events. It takes place in odd-numbered years, over six months in the summer and fall.

Venice's Carnevale is a 10-day celebration that ends the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.

The massive Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace) was the residence of the Doge of Venice.

Venice's main square is in the city's lowest-lying area, so it floods first at acqua alta (high tide).

Vaporetti are the Venetian equivalent of buses. Gondolas are strictly for tourists -- the locals get around on the vaporetti.

Fabled opera house Teatro la Fenice ("The Phoenix") has lived up to its name -- it's been rebuilt three times after being destroyed by fire.