DK Travel : Venice

The uniquely romantic city of Venice was built entirely on water and has managed to survive into the 21st century without cars. Narrow alleyways and canals pass between sumptuous palaces and magnificent churches, colourful neighbourhood markets and quiet backwaters, unchanged for centuries. Few cities possess such an awesome line-up of sights for visitors.

For guided tours around Venice (see Guided Tours)

Magazzini del Sale

The lagoon’s salt pans largely contributed to the Republic’s trade monopoly and salt was stored in these cavernous 14th-century warehouses. The buildings now store boats.
Manin 56

Striking etched bowls and slender wine glasses from Salviati flank international designer items in this wonderful collection.
Marbled Paper

Swirls of pastel hues can be used for covering books or simply as elegant wrapping paper for gifts.
Marco Polo

Legendary Cathay and the kingdom of the mighty Kublai Khan took pride of place in explorer Marco Polo’s best-selling account of his 20-year odyssey to the Far East, Il milione . Son of a Venetian merchant, Marco Polo (1254–1324) is responsible for the introduction of pasta and window blinds to the western world.
Martini Scala-Club Piano Bar

This chic locale is the only place in Venice where you can enjoy high-quality cuisine and wine until the small hours of the morning, while being entertained by live music in air-conditioned comfort. No sleeveless tops or shorts, for men or women, are allowed.
Masks

A mind-boggling array of masks, traditionally made for Carnival in papier-mâché , ceramic and even leather.
Mauro Coducci

The Renaissance designs of Lombard native Coducci (c.1440– 1504) can be seen in the shape of Palazzo Vendramin-Calergi (see Casinò Municipale, Palazzo Vendramin-Calergi) and the churches of San Zaccaria and San Michele.
MaxMara

For more than 50 years this family company has been designing fashionable clothes and accessories for city girls.
Mazzega

Vast showrooms display traditional and semi-modern glass designs with an emphasis on chandeliers and vases.

Mazzega
Mazzon le Borse

For 50 years Papa Piero has been personally making beautiful leather bags that last a lifetime. Luckily his daughter Marta is taking over the reins.