Venice – a beautiful collage of 116 islands and 150 canals connected by 409 bridges – is one of the most unique and captivating destinations in the world. Packed with fascinating museums, unforgettable sights and grandiose architecture, Venice is an immensely popular destination and it’s not difficult to see why.

History

The origins of Venice is said to have been during the 5th and 6th centuries when , following barbarian invasions, people from the Roman Veneto towns and along the Adriatic fled to the marshy islands of the Venetian Lagoon. A loose federation of the islands formed in the 6th century and a central authority was elected although the leaders were under the influence of Byzantine rulers in Ravenna until the 8th century when this Byzantium hold weakened and the people of Venice elected their first Doge (Duke) in 726. By the late 11th century Venice prospered from the First Crusade becoming a strong Mediterranean merchant power and in the 13th century Venice led the Fourth Crusade acquiring territorial gains in the Easter Mediterranean. In 1271 Venetian legend Marco Polo set out on an overland trip to China returning some 20 years later by sea. The city’s wealth was made all the more apparent by the luxury goods produced and traded there – Murano glass, mosaics, fine silks and lace. During the 16th and 17th centuries the Republic lost territory to Turkey and the Papal States before Napoleon entered the city in 1797 and handed Venice over to the Austrians. After several rebellions in the movement for Italian unification, Venice was united with the emerging Kingdom of Italy in 1866. During the 19th century the city’s stature as a top tourist destination grew as Trieste replaced it as a major trade port. Venice today is still one of the major tourist hotspots in the world with over 20 million visitors coming to the city each year.

Getting In & Getting Around

The closest airport is Marco Polo International Airport located on the mainland near Mestre. Water bus and fast ferry services connect the airport with Venice. Treviso Airport, located 25km (16 miles) from Venice, is relatively smaller but is increasingly popular with low-cost budget airlines. Bus services connect the airport with the city. Within the city there is an extensive network of water buses (vaporetti) and water taxis. Public ferries (traghetti) are a traditional and popular way to cross the Grand Canal but are becoming increasingly rare. Gondolas are the most iconic mode of transport in the city and although costly they are worth it just to get a true Venetian experience.

Culture, Sights & Attractions

Venice is a truly fascinating city with a vibrant culture and many sights to explore. The best way to really see the city is to just go for a walk – there are so many things to discover, some obvious and some tucked away. Basilica di San Marco (St Mark’s Basilica), Piazzo San Marco (St Mark’s Square) and the Rialto Bridge are probably the most famous sights in the city and won’t disappoint. Along the Grand Canal, a tourist attraction in itself, you will find a number of attractions including the Galleria dell’Accademia, the Peggy Guggenheim Museum and a number of canal side restaurants. Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), Basilica dei Frari (Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari) and the Ponte Della Paglia (Bridge of Sighs) are other popular sights well worth a look.

Eating Out

Venice is home to a fine selection of restaurants serving a range of cuisine from traditional Venetian to foods from all over the world such as Australian and Asian. The rows of restaurants beside the Rialto Bridge offer a quintessential Venetian experience of al fresco dining under the canal lights.  Ice cream is available all over the city and is welcome refreshment on a hot Venetian day.

Outside The City

There are a number of places located outside Venice that are perfect for a day trip outside the city. Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake and home to some of the most breathtaking scenery, is easily reached by train. The Lido, famous for its stunning beaches and for hosting the annual film festival, is just a short boat ride away and offers stunning views back over Venice. There are a number of islands nearby including Murano – famous for its glass and Burano – famous for its lace and vibrantly painted houses that are just a short vaporetti ride away.

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