Venice (wjarek/shutterstock.com)

The internationally renowned Venice Carnival runs from January 26 to February 12. While there are a host of special balls and concerts running for the duration of the festivities, there are also some key sites that visitors can't miss. 

Places of interest
The Venice tourist board recommends several permanent places of interest to visit in the city including the below, for more information see http://en.turismovenezia.it/.

Saint Mark's Basilica
The seat of the patriarch of Venice and the most important church in the city, Saint Mark's Basilica was consecrated in 1071 and is also known as "Chiesa d'Oro," "Church of gold".

Google Maps: http://goo.gl/R0jpr

The Doge's Palace
The Doge's Palace is the former residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority in Venice, and was first established in 1340.

Google maps: http://goo.gl/GQgSA

The Accademia Galleries
This museum contains one of the best collections of 14-18th century Venetian art. For more information on opening hours and collections see the official website at http://www.gallerieaccademia.org/.

Google maps: http://goo.gl/6bCct

The island of Murano
The island of Murano lies about 1.5km north of Venice and is famous around the world for its glass-making following the re-location of glassmakers in 1291.

Google maps: http://goo.gl/4aIpX

Basilica S.M. Assunta di Torcello
Standing on the island of Torcello in the Venice lagoon, the Basilica S.M. Assunta di Torcello is one of the most important religious buildings in the area. Parts of the Basilica S.M. Assunta di Torcello date back to 639.

Google maps: http://goo.gl/4hn0x