Hi,<BR>I can't find my last message...did a search...will try again.<BR>Has anyone stayed in this area of Venice? I thought this would be ideal after a long day of crowds (trip is in September).<BR><BR>Please let me know your thoughts! Thanks!

It's a residential area sufficiently distant from the tackiness of St. Mark's square to be appealing to the tourist wanting a taste of &quot;authentic&quot; Venice (and flee from the &quot;madding crowd&quot.

Thanks! It isn't too far for walking though, is it?

Hi<BR>if memory serves it would be at most a 20 minute walk to the Piazza. I think it would be a great location. The church is magnificent. Do you have a hotel in mind?<BR><BR>Immediately next to the south side of the church is the Ospedaletto, aka Santa Maria dei Derelitti. It was set up as a charitable institution to care for the sick, aged, orphans, and abandoned children. Notable architecture.<BR><BR>Also, ask at the reception desk if you can see the Sala della Musica, a stately Baroque room painted with frescoes and which celebrates Venetian music.<BR>

Thanks for the feedback! My dad loves churches, so we'll be sure to check that one out. We're staying at the Locanda SS Giovanni e Paolo, a newly renovated, tiny hotel. It was a good price, but I wasn't sure of the location. I definitely want to check out the real Venice and hopefully, find some great restaraunts. Thanks again!