The city of Venice is situated at the north side of the capital of Veneto. It was basically an independent nation. It had many names like “City of Water”, “The City of Light”, “City of Bridges”, “Queen of the Adriatic”, “La Dominante”, “Serenissima” it was said that City of Venice is the most beautiful and most romantic cities built by man. The city of Venice has 118 small islands located along with Adriatic Sea in the north east side of Italy. It was the most important and commercial and art city from 13th century up to the end of 17th century.
There are no records related to the origin of Venice how ever it was said that the origin natives of this place were the people from the Roman cities like Altino, Aquileia, and Padua, and the German people from Concordia were also the refugees of this place. People found the existence Roman fishermen on the islands of marshy lagoons and there were known as Incolae lacunae. The main center of the area was destroyed by Quadi and Marcimanni people in 1666-1668. It was known as the Venetian lagoon. The Roman people were thrown away in the 5th century by the Visigoths and Huns. After the conquest of the Exarchate of Ravenna in 1751 the central and northern Italy got eliminated by Aistulf. The seat of local Byzantine governor got situated in this period. After the conquest of the Byzantine territories the settlement in the lagoon islands got increased. The standard of the city got raised after getting the relics of Mark the Evangelist of Alexandria which are now placed in new Basilica. As the Byzantine power came into existence it took the city towards independence.
Venice developed in a state in the time from ninth to twelfth century. It became the widely expanded trade center between Europe and rest of the world. Venetian navel and commercial power was also secure with the help of the Adriatic. The foundation of Venice power was laid in the 12th century when Venetian Arsenal was under construction in the year 1104, and Vitale Michiele was died in 1172. Many locations came under the Republic of Venice, most them were of eastern shores of the Adriatic before 1200 and mainly were seized because of commercial reasons. The Duke of Dalmatia and Duke of Istria were taken over by Doge, the mainland possessions got extended across Lake Garda and the Adda River both were known as “Terraferma”. Both the lakes supported as main wheat trade routes. The trade of salt was started and by the time the towns of Bergamo, Brescia and Verona acted as a defense towns of Venetian sovereignty.
Venice was connected with Constantinople because of trade relations with Eastern Roman Empire. The decline of Byzantium helped the rise of Venice power. It became an imperial power with the Fourth Crusade and seized Constantinople in 1204 and established the Latin Empire. The Roman Empire partitioned the Latin crusaders and Venetians. It carved the Duchy of the Archipelago and took over Crete. The Byzantine Empire lost Anatolian themes and Manzikert. Through they gained control on some cities later how ever this empire was a weak empire at this time with loans from Venice. In the year 1453 Sultan Mehmet took over the city. The Byzantine brought Venice with the bronze horses which are now placed at the entrance of St. Mark Cathedral.
In the 15th century Venice faced a long decline when it was failed to hold Thessalonica against the war with the Ottomans. The city of Thessalonica went under the control of Sultan Mehmet II and declared war on Venice. Eastern Mediterranean reason went under the control of Sultan Mehmet II and the war lasted for thirty years. A new route to India was found by Portugal to destroy the land route monopoly of Venice.
Every monument, church, museum of Venice has its own story to say. It is a small city with and one of the most visited tourist destination of the world. The city offers its traditions, news, events on daily basis to its visitors. Discover Venice in its beautiful museums, monuments, churches, theaters. Venice is a unique city in the way it celebrates international carnivals, feasts etc. Bars, Restaurants, hotels, shops, and markets make Venice special. It is one of the greatest and beautiful cities of art. Tourism is the major sector in this city covering 50,000 tourists a day. It was the world’s 28th most internationally visited city in 2006 with 2.927 million international arrivals. It is famous for the grand tours because of its cultural heritage, music and artistic culture and the uniqueness of the cityscapes. It became a fashionable center for rich celebrities in the 19th century and early 20th century. It is the big center for international conferences and festivals such as Venice File Festival and Venice Biennale.
Festivals and Carnivals held annually in the city which are associated with Venetian masks. The most important event in the art calendar of Venice is Venice Biennale. Venice Film Festival is one of the oldest film festivals in the world. It takes place every year in the month of August and September on the Lido Island. Screenings of this film festival takes place in historic Palazzo del Cinema on the Lungomare Marconi. This festival is the part of Venice Biennale. This year Venetians are celebrating New Year with Love Fest 2010. Some 60,000 people will join each other with vast communal kiss to send message of peace, love, and brotherhood to the world.
How to reach Venice
Macro Polo International Airport is newly built international airport connected with all major countries. It is located in the mainland but away from the coast. The airport is 13 kilometers away and can be reached by bus or taxi. The train services are connected with regional and national stations. This is the most convenient way if you are traveling from Rome or other Italian cities. Venice is situated on water so there is no car zone in the state. You will get cars/busses from terminals on the bridges. There are huge amount of boat services in this water city many people have their own boats while there are many public boats available you can get these from Cruise Ship terminal located at Port of Venice. Many Cruise Ships offer free shuttle services from their dock to Piazza San Marco. Gondola is one of the classical Venetian boats in Venice which is widely used by the tourists; it is also used for weddings, tourist, and other ceremonies.
Where to Stay in Venice
It is advised to spend at least 5 to 6 nights in Venice; this is not a short day trip city. It is a night city where most of the events can be enjoyed in night life. To experience romance and charm stay in this city for a week or more. The accommodation in the city is not always expensive; if you book in advance then it will be easier for you to have a better stay in the city. There are expensive, mid-range and budget hotels on the Grand Canal. Luxury hotels with five star facilities are also available for the tourists.
Must visit places in Venice
Venice is one of the most beautiful places in the world. There are many churches, museums, art galleries, and an amazing night life to see Venice.
- Piazza San Marco
- St. Mark’s Basilica
- Campanile
- Doge’s Palace
- Museo Correr
Travel Venice and enjoy with an incredible night life, rich culture, and entertainment with carnivals and festivals. Venice is a wonderful tourist destination of the world with lots of fun, delight, and relaxing holidays.