Population: Approximately 270,000
Time zone: GMT +1 hour
Currency: Euro
Language: Italian
Int. dialling code: +39
Religion: Predominantly Christian
Victoria Mather
Travel Editor, Vanity Fair
"Venice because the streets are full of water. In soft-shell crab season there's nothing like them at the Trattoria al Gatto Nero on Burano, the Cipriani is still one of the best hotels in the world and you can teach children the history of art by cocktails like Rossini (prosecco with strawberries), Bellini (prosecco with peach juice), Canaletto (prosecco with raspberries). And Carpaccio is a painter as well as thinly sliced beef with anchovy sauce."
The city of Venice has long held reverential status as one of Europe's most elegant, cultural and beautiful. For centuries the city has attracted travellers looking to be part of the refinement and heritage of a majestic destination where art, music, commerce and more have thrived.
Venice is predominantly associated with the waterways and canals that criss-cross the city and enable visitors to negotiate their way between its many attractions. Built over 118 small islands on the Adriatic Coast, Venice was also the seat of the now defunct Venetian Republic.
Rialto Bridge: One the most recognisable sights in Venice, the Rialto Bridge has a history that dates back over 800 years. Stretching across the Grand Canal, the original crossing at the site was little more than a pontoon bridge constructed in the 12th century. Its present form dates from 1591, with architect Antonio da Ponte chosen to build the bridge.
St Mark's Square: Famously referred to as the 'finest drawing room in Europe', St Mark's Square has seen travellers come and go since its origination in the ninth century. Expanded to its present size in 1177, the piazza is dominated by St Mark's Basilica and surrounded by other buildings such as St Mark's Clocktower, the Procuratie Nuove and St Mark's Campanile.
St Mark's Basilica: One of the undoubted highlights of Venice, St Mark's Basilica is a magnificent example of Byzantine architecture and a sight not to be missed by visitors to Venice. Located adjacent to the Doge's Palace, the opulent cathedral on view today was completed in 1617, replacing several earlier constructions on and around the site since the ninth century.
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