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Venice, located in northern Italy, surrounds a lagoon. Venice is built on over one hundred islands. Venice has about 150, connected by numerous bridges, of which only three cross the main canal. The attractions include historic buildings, art galleries, museums, winding streets, canals, piazzas, churches and monasteries. The main Venice attractions are close to the square at San Marco. At very high tides the water level in Venice can flood the streets and squares. At that time raised walkways are used. Water is the main form of transportation to and around Venice and remember the only way you can directly reach Venice accommodation is by water taxi.
Venice was formed in the 9th Century and prospered when St Mark arrived and his bones were buried in Basilica di San Marco. Venice developed as a major trading centre. Venetians merchants benefited from the Crusades and use their power to force the Crusaders attack rival traders in Constantinople. Napoleon conquered Venice in 1797. In 1866, Venice became part of Italy. It is now one of Italy's most popular tourist's destinations, due to its romantic canal, very old churches and beautiful palazzi.
Located on the Adriatic Sea in northeast Italy, many people consider Venice – along with Paris – to be one of the most romantic cities in the world.
Venice is built on 118 small islands that are connected by a maze of canals, bridges, and winding streets. The “City of Water” has inspired countless writers and artists and is a favorite destination for honeymooning couples throughout the world. Behind every corner of the city, a scene worthy of a postcard reveals itself.
You might think that if you've seen one Venice bridge, you've seen them all, but each one is indeed unique, and some in particular are worth seeking out. The Rialto Bridge is Venice's most famous bridge. This grand stone arch is the oldest of three bridges that span the Grand Canal and is an iconic symbol of Venice. Next to the Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs is Venice's second most famous bridge. The Bridge of Sighs connects the old prisons to the interrogation rooms in the adjacent Doge's Palace and was the last view of Venice prisoners had before being locked up. The bridge's official name is the Ponte dei Sospiri, but it was given its poetic name by Lord Byron in the 19 th century to reflect the despair that the prisoners must have felt as they caught the last glimpses of their beloved city.
Venice is dotted with a number of public squares. St. Mark's Square (the Piazza San Marco) is Venice's largest and most crowded. St. Mark's Square is a popular meeting place for tour groups – and pigeons. Visitors can often be seen feeding the city's most famous residents. Among the buildings lining the perimeter of the square are St. Mark's Basilica, Venice's most famous church; the Doge's Palace; St. Mark's Clocktower; St. Mark's Campanile (bell tower), which provides stunning views of Venice from its top; and a number of outdoor cafés.
Venice is home to several churches and small chapels. Next to St. Mark's Basilica, the city's second most famous church is the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. The Salute, as it is known, is one of Italy's most photographed churches, and it is easy to see why. It seems to float on the canal, its intricate dome dominating the horizon.
Venice is known for its artisan traditions, particularly that of glass-blowing and lace-making. The center of Venice's glass-making trade is the nearby island of Murano. Murano has been making glass since the 13 th century and is home to the Glass Museum (Museo Vetrario). Visitors can find exquisite glass vases, wine goblets, and jewelry at any number of local shops. The island of Burano is home to Venice's lace-making trade. The Museum of Burano showcases the different lace-making techniques that have been used since the 16 th century, including examples of intricately-woven tablecloths, fans, and gloves.
There is no car traffic in Venice. The city is best navigated on foot or by water buses (vaporetti) or water taxis. The most popular way for visitors to travel within Venice is by gondola. Nothing epitomizes the Venetian experience more than riding a gondola along the Grand Canal.
Venice eGuide lists the very best Venice accommodation, provides an Venice restaurant guide, details Venice attractions and Venice tours. Venice official eGuide is the primary source for Venice tourism information for Venice. For complete Venice Information please use the navigation on the left of this page, the Venice site map or the quick links below.
The team at Venice eGuide very much hope that you enjoy your Venice holidays and have a wonderful time in Venice.
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