Across from Bellagio sets one of two totally over-the-top facilities bent on historical and cultural re-creation. I am speaking of the Venetian, a hotel that goes out of its way to provide stylistic details reflecting the richness of its Italian namesake, Venice.

This place is quite excessive, from the indoor canals (complete with gondola rides), to the exquisitely painted ceilings. It simply has to be seen to be believed. I can't begin to imagine the amount of time and money that went into creating this place. Both inside and out, the Venitian comes across as a masterpiece, even though it is, of course, just a facsimilie. The real art is still over there in Europe.