Venice
Itineraries
- Cultural tourism (2)
Where to lodge
- Camping (51)
- Bungalow (46)
- Agriturismo (6)
- Hotel (15)
- Bed and breakfast (6)
Made in Italy
- Specialities & recipes (1)
Map
Weather
Photo Gallery
Subscribe RSS

VENICE, THE CITY ON THE WATER

This unique city in the Veneto region is characterised by a very special relationship between water and the dry land. The beauty of Venice lies precisely in this distinctive relationship and the whole city should be considered a work of art, a treasure chest inside which there are genuine pearls.

San Giorgio Isle
Piazza San Marco

History

In 421 AD, following the incursions of the first barbarian hordes, the population sought refuge on the islands of the lagoon. This exodus led to the birth of the city of Venice, which developed around the oldest nucleus of Rialto, soon becoming a rich trading port, a link between western and eastern markets. However, the most flourishing era was undoubtedly the period of the Serenissima Republic, with its institutional organisation based on the dogate, when the Republic also extended its rule over the Veneto mainland, ensuring centuries of prosperity and shrewd government. Its decline began in the 16th century, with the transfer of trading routes towards the Americas, favouring the ports on the Atlantic Sea. In 1797 Napoleon conquered the city and ceded it to Austria; Venice remained under Hapsburg rule until 1866, when it became part of the Kingdom of Italy.

The city and its monuments

The Canal Grande, the true symbol of the lagoon city, offers an uninterrupted succession of aristocratic palaces and magnificent churches: travelling down it in a gondola is an unforgettable experience. The heart of Venice is Piazza San Marco, unanimously considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the world, with its basilica, bell tower and Palazzo Ducale. If we add to this all the works of art contained in the churches and museums and the lesser known but incredibly picturesque and charming corners which one can encounter when exploring the characteristic streets and small squares, one can understand why Venice is considered one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

The geographical area

The Venetian area is characterised mainly by the lagoon, a unique environment where man and his activities come into direct contact with nature and its laws. The landscape can change its appearance in the space of just a few hours, following the movement of the tides, as the renowned and picturesque islands of Murano, Burano, Torcello, San Francesco del Deserto, San Lazzaro degli Armeni, Pellestrina, Chioggia and many others emerge from the tranquil waters of the lagoon. The city does not have the range of entertainment offered in the larger cities, but it has a wealth of bars and restaurants where one can try the typical Venetian “cicchetti” (nibbles) and drink excellent aperitifs, perhaps listening to jazz music. The most extraordinary event is the Carnival, which attracts hundreds of visitors from all over the world: for around ten days the streets are filled with the most incredible colours and masks and in the city there is an atmosphere of music and revelry in the air.