This most romantic of cities rests in a shallow blue lagoon in the flatlands of Northern Italy. Sited on 118 islands, Venice is a sumptuous confection of canals, more than 150 of them, which in turn are dotted with more than 400 bridges. Throw in some of the greatest architectural splendour in Europe and what you have is a place of astonishing and intoxicating beauty. Venice also has an impressive historical legacy which you can explore in its many superb museums, galleries and public buildings.
Marco Polo International Airport is on the mainland, 12km from Venice and a short bus ride to the main pier where a water taxi takes you to the old city. Some charter flights use the much smaller Treviso airport, 35km to the North. As well as flights to Venice there are direct trains from Italy, Switzerland and France arrive at Stazione di Santa Lucia. It is also possible to travel by train from London using the world famous Orient Express. In the 19th century a causeway to the mainland added the railway station and a car park was added in the 20th century. Apart from these land entrances at the Northern side of the city everything moves via boat taxi or Gondola or on foot.
The main square with its Byzantine basilica of San Marco, the patron saint of Venice, and the Doges Palace of the once mighty Venetian Republic. One of many reminders of how impressive the Venetian State was.
Enjoy the main monuments of the Grand Canal and quaint sights of the smaller canals with a Gondola tour.
Even by Italian standards an extremely ornate 10th Century church famous for its golden mosaics and countless works of art, sculptures, precious jewels and ornaments.
The best known collection of Arts contains works by Bellini, Titian, Canaletto and others.
The first bridge overlooking the Grand Canal was built here connecting the main commercial areas of Venice. A popular tourist attraction in itself this beautiful 16th Century marble bridge is the gateway to the many treasures of Venice.
One of the major tourist cities of the world, Venice attracts 12 million visitors a year. This means Venices main central tourist attractions can be extremely busy in peak season. Never fear though as Venice is a large enough city to explore hidden secrets and it is easy to wander off the beaten track and discover less congested sights. Find time to get lost in the myriad charming squares, canals, bridges and walkways and you will discover the real romance of Venice.
Venice is Europes largest urban car-free zone and is the only functioning major city in Europe to operate without cars or trucks.
Venice is the capital of the Veneto Region in North Eastern Italy. Veneto lies in the Northern Italian Plain.
The best time to visit is Spring and Autumn when the weather is milder and the crowds less dense. Winter is cold.
Venice is one of the worlds popular tourist destinations but retains an exclusive feel. Accommodation is varied but can be expensive. The city is busy all year round so it is advisable to book in advance.
The marshland on which Venice rests was originally settled in First Century AD and began to prosper towards autonomous city status. By the 12th Century the Venetian Republic was a major sea power and Venice an important trading centre. By 1450 it was a major colonial power with more than 3,000 Venetian merchant ships and a strong military presence. The Venetian Republic lasted until it was conquered by Napoleon in 1797. It became part of Italy in 1866.
