Holidays, Hellidays and the Journeys in between....: La Fenice Venice - the dazzling phoenix raised from the ashes

When I was in Venice last, the magnificent theatre had just burned down, so was under scaffolding. If you've been to Venice, you know just by looking how quickly a fire could spread across the city, as discussed here. So that was one place in Venice I'd never been to. I was delighted early one morning to be able to wander in and take a look.

The audio guide is great, as it covers not just the history but the rebuild. It's fascinating the work taken to recreate the beauty and historic look while keeping with modern fire & safety codes.

The ceiling cornices and decorative features were done with paper mache!

It is a spectacular theatre, and if you get a chance to see the Opera there, definitely go!

It was one of the highlights for me, on this return trip to the city, as I was so familiar with most of the places but this was new to me. In travel there is something so special about that feeling of discovery.

The audio tour not only explains the theatre itself, but you get an insight into the complications living in a city like Venice brings. There are many practical considerations that go beyond the postcard images.