Venice, the jewel of the Adriatic Sea has long been a top destination for visitors looking for unique works of art, historical palaces overlooking the main waterway, the Grand Canal, hidden corners, romantic spots, breathtaking panoramas of the lagoon and its islands, delicious traditional cuisine, craftmanship and of course, the iconic gondolas. Every single part of the city shows the evidence of the glorious wealth of the former Venetian Republic and the huge artistic heritage. All long the itineraries you admire the countless masterpieces of well-known artists, some of them are inside buildings some others are en plein air. Venice is composed by 6 areas: Cannaregio is famous for its ancient Jewish ghetto and the convivial Fondamenta della Misericordia, in Castello area is located the glorious Arsenal of the Serenissima Republic, San Marco is the heart of Venice with its marvelous Piazza, San Polo hosts the Rialto Bridge area, Dorsoduro is the university zone and in Santa Croce you find some of the most beautiful palaces on the Grand Canal, as Ca’ Pesaro.
A quick glance on history
Officially Venice was founded in 421, but the area was populated by fishermen generations before that time. The seat of the Doge was moved to its current Palace in Saint Mark’s Square during the 9th century. On the same time the Basilica was built, initially as a private chapel of the Doge, and the supposed relics of Saint Mark was transferred here from Constantinople in an incredible way. The city became a powerful center of trade and dominated the Mediterranean naval commerce. In 1172 Venice becomes a Republic and includes in its territories different Italian and foreign areas. The city was devastated by different plagues, the one in 1630 killed one-third of the population of the city. Venice continues to flourish as independent Republic until the Napoleon conquest in 1797 and then passed under Austria administration.
How to move in the city
Inside the city ACTV provides a public transportation service, waterbuses or vaporetti. The routes can change due to weather conditions or water level. For tickets and more information visit: http://actv.avmspa.it/en. To have a quick access to waterbuses timetable download the following free application: CHEBATEO? https://chebateo.it/#/app/home
Season Events
In September you can enjoy a historical Regatta, a colorful rowing show of the historical boats adorned with flowers on the Grand Canal. In November 21st venetians celebrate Festa della Madonna della Salute to commemorate the terrible plague epidemic of the 17th century. During the Venetian Carnival in February visitors and locals dress in costumes take part in concerts, balls, shows, and events all over the city. The summertime starts with the Biennale modern and contemporary art and architecture exhibition. In July, the city offers the spectacular fireworks to commemorate one another terrible plague, Redentore Church in Giudecca Island raised after it. From 1932, in august, the city hosts Venice Film Festival at Lido Island.