The city of canals
Venice
"VENICE CANNOT BE COMPARED BUT TO ITSELF."
By Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
THE ORIGINS
After the end of the Roman Empire and with the invasion of the Lombards, some Italic populations settled in the marshes and on the islets of the Venetian lagoon, previously inhabited only by fishermen. Venice, being between stagnant waters and marshes, enjoyed a privileged position from possible conquests. Over time the lagoon city became a powerful maritime community, expanding the naval trade more and more to Asia.
THE CARNIVAL OF VENICE
Figures and colors
"Good morning lady mask!"
This was the greeting that was used when she crossed paths with a new character. Citizens wear masks and costumes to conceal their identity, thus canceling any form of personal belonging to social classes, sex and religion, being free from any prejudice and slander.
Today the Venice Carnival is a major tourist event that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world and of all ages, a festival considered unique for its history, atmosphere, costumes and masks. It is celebrated in February.
"VENICE IS THE PLACE WHERE VIOLINS SAIL."
By Ramòn Gòmez de la Serna
The gondola is the best known and most photographed traditional boat. It was born as a means of luxury transport and in the past it was used by the wealthiest families. You cannot say that you have really visited Venice without taking a tour on it.
Venice consists of 120 islands lying on a large lagoon, between the mainland and the sea.
What to visit?
When one speaks of Venice, the first thing that comes to mind is St Mark's Square.
Square where the Basilica stands.
It is the only area called a piazza in the lagoon, all other areas with this shape are called 'campi'.
The square is made up of three areas: La Piazza, the Piazzatta San Marco and the Piazzetta dei Leoncini.
-the Doge's Palace, the centre of Venice's political life.
A palace to which Venetians are very attached, as it is the guardian of their history and the protagonist of many important events for Venice.
Over the years its style has undergone several changes, due to a series of bad fires.
- the Grand Canal, also called Canalazzo by the Venetians.
A good 4 km long, it bisects the city of Vezezia.
Older than the city itself, the canal is S-shaped in reverse and in some places even reaches a depth of 5 metres.
All the buildings facing the canal face the waterway.
-Venice has many bridges, 354 to be precise.
They allow passage between different areas and make it easier to move around the city.
The most famous bridge is the Rialto Bridge, covered with arches, one of the most famous photographic spots in the world.
-the Venice Arsenal, is an ancient complex of shipyards and workshops.
It was the heart of Venice's naval industry.
Venice... a unique city in all its aspects.