Coat of arms:
The location of the city, as well as its detailed map, can be found at the following link.
Venice is a city in northeastern Italy and the center of the Veneto region. It is built on 117 small islands separated by canals and connected by bridges. Its rich fifteen-century history, dotted with epochal events, gives Venice a special charm. In the form in which we see it today, the city arose at the beginning of the 9th century. Then the islets in the Rialto lagoon were occupied and the feverish construction of ships began. Venice soon became an important commercial center, the capital of the Venetian Republic, carrying out trade with both the East and the West. During the Middle Ages, and especially during the Crusades in the Holy Land, the trading city also established itself as a military and political power.
Description: Venice and the Grand Canal /picture source: Shutterstock/;
Some of the greatest treasures of European art are gathered in Venice. Many world-renowned artists, sculptors and architects have created here and left their mark. St. Mark’s Square is one of the most beautiful urban ensembles in the world. The square also houses the Basilica of San Marco, the Campanile bell tower, the buildings of the Old and New Procurations (ancient administrative buildings surrounding the square) and the Golden Altar. The Doge’s Palace, the centuries-old seat of the rulers of the Venetian Republic, is an imposing Gothic building.
There are various theories regarding the founding of Venice. According to one legend, the city arose from the foam of the sea in 421. According to other sources, Venice dates back to 425, when the population of the ancient city of Aquileia took refuge from the raids of Attila’s Huns on the islands that today form Venice. The most supported theory is that Venice was founded in 568, during the Lombard invasion.
Description: Santa Maria della Salute /picture source: Shutterstock/;
The city acquired its present appearance in 810, when the central islands in the Rialto lagoon were assimilated. It was then that the active construction of ships began, and hence the development of trade. Since then, Venice has not changed at all. Most buildings look like they were painted on the canvases of the old masters. The largest and busiest street in Venice is the Canale Grande, or “Grand Canal,” which divides the city in two, winding like a snake through its heart. The channel is about 3,800 meters long and its width varies between 28 and 73 meters. The main form of transportation in Venice is the gondola. In addition to her, small ships called “vaporetto” move along the canals.
Description: Rialto bridge /picture source: Shutterstock/;
Sailing along the Grand Canal (best done by gondola), you will be able to admire the Rialto Bridge and the magnificent temple next to it. If you like visiting museums, don’t miss the Academy gallery – there you will enjoy the largest collection of Venetian paintings from the 14th to 16th centuries. Following the Grand Canal, you cannot miss the so-called Golden House, featuring sculpture and painting by Italian and Flemish masters. You can also visit the Naval Museum, the City Museum Korner and the School of the Brotherhood of Saint Rocco (palace of an influential philanthropic organization of the time).
As already mentioned, San Marco is the central square of Venice, described by Napoleon as “the most beautiful drawing room in Europe”. It is located in the heart of the city. Three of Venice’s emblematic sights stand on it – the Basilica of San Marco, the Doge’s Palace and the bell tower. The two columns not far from the coast, brought from the eastern Mediterranean in 1170, cannot remain unnoticed. On top of one stands the lion of St. Mark, and on the other – St. Theodore, the patron saint of the city. In the past, the space between the two columns served as a place of execution. The more superstitious Venetians to this day avoid passing between the columns.
Description: San Marco square;
And this is far from an exhaustive list of the sights and museums of Venice. It would take a lot of time to describe them all, and even more time to visit them! Don’t miss the famous Carnival in Venice. One thing is for sure – Venice never disappoints. It enchants all year round – no matter if you visit it in winter, when the lagoon is covered in thick fog, or in summer, when the sun burns hot and patterns the numerous churches, canals and palaces.
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You can find our hotel offers in our special “Accommodation” section, where we have shared our personal impressions.
Повече снимки от Венеция може да видите в нашата Галерия по-долу:
