25 - 26 Sept - Venice

Flew from Zurich to Venice over the Alps. Trina and Gary joined us in Venice. From the airport you take a car then a boat to get to Venice. The hotel has a dock on the side that your enter to the reception area. Venice is a beautiful and very busy city. We did two self guided tours today from an app called Voice Map...highly recommend it! The city is about 3 miles X 1.5 miles with very narrow walking streets..no cars, buses, bikes, etc. Every inch is a store (roughly 1800), restaurant (1300), or church (150).

Venice

Origins

Venice was founded in the 5th century AD by refugees fleeing from barbarian invasions. They settled in the marshy islands of the Venetian Lagoon, utilizing the natural defenses provided by the water.

Medieval Era

By the 9th century, Venice had developed into a significant trading power, establishing itself as a crucial hub between Europe and the East. The city became known for its maritime trade, particularly with the Byzantine Empire and the Islamic world.

Rise to Power

During the 13th century, Venice reached the height of its power and wealth. The establishment of the Venetian Republic in 697 AD marked a period of political stability and economic prosperity. The city became known for its elaborate architecture and art, exemplified by the construction of St. Mark's Basilica.

Renaissance and Decline

The Renaissance brought cultural flourishing to Venice, with advancements in art, literature, and science. However, by the late 16th century, the city's power began to wane due to competition from other maritime powers, such as Spain and Portugal.

Napoleonic Era and Aftermath

In 1797, Venice was conquered by Napoleon and subsequently became part of the Austrian Empire. It remained under Austrian control until the unification of Italy in the 19th century.

Modern Venice

Today, Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major tourist destination, known for its unique canals, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage. The city faces challenges such as rising sea levels and tourism management, but it remains a symbol of resilience and beauty.

Venice's population is about 50,000 but it has about 25 million visitors each year (including same day visitors)!