<< Veneto
Venice (Venezia) is unique and rightfully ranks among the most beautiful cities in the world. Located in the middle of the Venetian Lagoon, it is built on a group of small islands separated by canals and connected with each other by bridges. The city was founded by people fleeing from the Germanic and Huns invasions of the mainland during the last decades of the Western Roman Empire, and it grew to prominence first under the Byzantine rule and then as an independent state. Since the 9th century and during the Late Middle Ages, the domains of Venice expanded throughout the surrounding regions and all the Eastern Mediterranean, making the city one of the richest ones in the world, as capital of a flourishing maritime republic. During this time, Venice was not only the center of European commerce, but also one of its most important hubs of art and culture. With the main European trading routes moving away from the Mediterranean, the importance of Venice on the world stage declined, but it remained a major cultural and political center for centuries. The Republic of Venice fell to Napoleon in 1797 and the region was later ruled by Austria before becoming part of Italy in 1866. Venice is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and it is also famous for its Carnival, the Biennale art exhibition, and the Venice Film Festival. Walking through the narrow streets reveals many richly adorned churches and palaces filled with impressive artworks, and enveloped in a peculiar charm and a romantic atmosphere.
Subdivisions of Venice
Map of Venice
