Guide of Venice

Venice was the capital of the Venetian Republic for over a thousand years, it is an incredibly charming city and is a major tourist destination for travellers from all over the world. Venice embodies the artistic, architectural and cultural beauty of Italy. The architecture in Venice makes it unique and it can be admired just by strolling through the narrow streets or taking a ride on a gondola. The city of Venice includes both island and mainland areas and develops around two distinct centres, the lagoon and Mestre, on the mainland.

A brief history of Venice 

Human settlements were recorded around the lagoon as early as the eighth century, it was an important location for hunting and fishing. During the Roman period, infrastructure was improved, the port was developed and the lagoon became a resort for nobles. The port became powerful because it was importantly located between the West and East, which lead to the development of a class of enterprising merchants.

The thirteenth century is the period of greatest development in Venice and the rest of the Adriatic coast. Venice became an important military power with considerable mercantile force in the Middle East. By the end of the 1700s, Napoleon was forced to abdicate and resulting changes and modifications were made to the structure of the city and its sovereignty. The Treaty of Campoformio saw Venice, Istria and other territories handed to Austria and a Venetian province of the Austrian empire was created which lasted until the Unification of Italy.

What to see in Venice 

We start with the most famous place in Venice, Piazza San Marco, home to the San Marco's Basilica with its five large domes. This building tells the story of the city through mosaics, bas-reliefs and charming paintings. The Palazzo Ducale is next to the basilica and is joined by the Porta della Carta, a marble building, constructed in the 15th century to house the government of the Serenissima.

Walking through the streets of Venice is a lovely experience, do not miss the famous Bridge of Sighs, that was built in the seventeenth century in Baroque style. The wonderful Rialto bridge is the oldest that crosses the lagoon. Don't miss the Ghetto Synagogue, the arsenal and the great little cafés scattered around the small streets. Do not forget the theatre of La Fenice, built in the late 1700s and the Goldoni theatre from 1620.

Beaches around Venice 

The beach in Venice has fine golden sand dunes, the waters are clean and the atmosphere is very special. There are two free beaches called San Nicolò and lido degli Alberoni. There are also some bathing establishments with huts, umbrellas and services, some of which date back to 1800s when the first bathing establishments were built in Venice.