The captivating city of Venice, Italy, sits on 118 small islands connected by 150 crisscrossing canals and 417 bridges. Venice is stunning with its artistic architecture featuring works by famous artists such as Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese, and others.
History
Venice was founded in the 5th century and emerged as a significant maritime port in the 10th century, according to the World Heritage Convention.
During the 5th century, invaders continuously threatened Venice’s mainland, prompting the Venetian population to flee from these raids to Torcello, Jesolo, and Malamocco. These locations evolved into permanent settlements and important maritime ports for fishermen.
In the 5th century, refugees returned to the mainland after the fall of the Roman Empire. Venice was constructed using wood and water by driving wooden poles deep into the clay beneath the sea and above the ground, creating wooden platforms above to support the buildings.
It has been a miracle for centuries; its wooden and pole platforms have not decayed or been affected by oxygen because saltwater has petrified the wood, making it durable.
Venice’s expansion for centuries defended its trading markets from the Arabs, the Genoese, the Ottomans, and the Turks. During the Middle Ages, Venice continued to develop areas such as Torcello to the north and Chioggia, transforming each tiny island into settlements and fishing and artisan villages, which are the heart of the lagoon, establishing itself as one of the medieval world’s influential capitals.
Venice’s tiny islands formed a unique urban network of canals, including the Giudecca Canal, St Mark’s Canal, and the Grand Canal, which serve as the water thoroughfares of the city.
Must-sees
Take a ride through the Canal Grande, Venice’s main channel, lined with unique Renaissance palaces.
Doge’s Palace was built in Gothic architecture and features works by artists Titian, Veronese, Tintoretto, A. Vittoria, and Tiepolo. The building includes council chambers, residential apartments, and the austere prison.
Piazza San Marco is a central point of interest in Venice. Its architecture is breathtaking.
Basilica di San Marco features architecture that reflects styles from both the East and West. This massive structure in Venice was consecrated as a religious site in 832 AD and is known as the place where the remains of St. Mark are buried.
San Giorgio is Venice’s waterfront basilica gem, offering panoramic views from the Campanile and featuring paintings by Tintoretto.
Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari was built in the 13th century and features works of Venetian Renaissance art, including Giovanni Bellini’s triptych “Madonna and Child with Saints,” Titian’s “Assumption” and “Pesaro Madonna,” and Donatello’s Saint John the Baptist.
Ponte di Rialto is a landmark bridge and the heart of Venice, featuring a 24-foot arch and supported by 12,000 wooden pilings that have upheld the bridge for 400 years.
Campanile di San Marco was built as a lighthouse to help seamen navigate the lagoon. You can take an elevator to the top of St. Mark’s Campanile, or the bell tower, to see a breathtaking view of Venice and the lagoon, and from a distance, you can see the Alps.
How to get around
The best way to explore Venice is on foot to discover hidden gems, canals, and bridges. The second option is the Vaporetto, a water bus. It operates 24/7, 365 days a year, with stops along Venice’s main Grand Canal and trips to the islands of Murano, Burano, and Lido.
The water bus runs every 10 minutes during the day and every 20 to 40 minutes at night. If you prefer private transportation, the water taxi is another option. For an intimate and personal sightseeing ride around Venice, consider taking the gondola or sandoli.
The best time to visit Venice is in April, May, June, September, and October. The temperature in Venice during the summer ranges from the 70s to the 80s.