When lovers of romance are looking for a place to visit, Venice is one of the first cities that comes to mind. The vibrant energy of its bridges, gondolas, squares, museums, gardens, palaces, and much more makes this coastal city in northern Italy truly unique and enchanting. Navigating the city's 121 islands via the numerous bridges is a genuine pleasure. It's no wonder it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Originally built by refugees from the Lombard invasion, Venice remained the capital of Italy for several centuries. Throughout its history, as Europe's main trading center, situated at the heart of numerous trade routes for silk, grain, and spices, the city was a magnet for people from all over the world. Many artists also settled there, transforming the city into a true cultural center.
Located in a lagoon of the Adriatic Sea, Venice was built on oak piles driven into the sand. These foundations allow the houses, palaces, and churches to better withstand the constant tides. Venice is crisscrossed by 177 canals. Over the years, 455 bridges have been built to allow passage from one island to another, and gondolas have become increasingly popular for easier travel.
Venice stands apart from other major Italian and European cities with its entirely pedestrianized historic center, where the famous canals, which crisscross the entire city, serve as its "streets." Thus, you won't find cars for getting around, but rather boats and gondolas. A train station does connect Venice to the rest of Italy, but within the city itself, you'll need to get around on foot.
Today, the city of Venice has six main districts:
The city of Venice is renowned for its flamboyant architecture and its unique local craftsmanship and expertise . Behind the most famous monuments and squares, such as St. Mark's Square, lie workshops and artisans who have inherited skills passed down through generations. Glassmaking, the creation of the famous masks and costumes of the Venice Carnival, the making of oars and gondolas—all these handcrafted creations are hidden along the canals. From the San Polo and San Croce districts, a whole Venetian savoir-faire has been rooted in the city for centuries and continues to thrive today.
Finally, one cannot speak of Venice without mentioning its cuisine, heir to centuries of cultural exchange. Its location in the lagoon provides it with a wealth of fresh produce, which can be found on market stalls and on your plate. Fish and seafood are accompanied by vegetables from Sant'Erasmo, and new flavors await discovery at every turn. Simplicity of technique, precision of ingredients, perfection of cooking—here too, a whole world of expertise is at work.
