Venice was founded in 811 by a local tribe called "Veneit" fleeing from barbaric  tribes. They lived on tiny islandss where they built huts on high poles over the water to protect them selves from invaders.They used stone to strenghthen walls and dug canals for transport and comunication. They elected their first leader in 826. The town grew  developing into powerful city.Their unwillgness to be included in gthe kingdoms around them saw a very strong sense  of indipendence emerge.Venice's reputation grew  whn in 828 it received the body of St. Mark, the Evangelist, which was stolen from Alexandria in Egypt. Due to its location as a crossroad of the east and west, Venice prospered through the trade of spieces, silks and other goods. They also had one of the most powereful merchant fleets and remained an indipendent state for a long time. The end of 15th century saw the discovery of the new world and with it trade moved away from Venice. The city also lost its colonies plus much income, which on turn lead to loss of presperity and loss power. Venice however recovered so much so that by the end of the 17th century it managed to promote the last years of  Renaissance movement,which had begun in Florence. Venice unified with Italy in 1866 but retained much of its cultural indipendence. Today's Venice enemy is  the sea with thge rising tides, wave erosion and pollution as problems. Really Venice's population of 400.000 is "sinking" not "floating". Tidal barriers are being constructed that are 20 meters wide at the entrance to the lagoon to help protect this fascinating, unique and wonderful city.   

Museums:

PALAZZO DUCALE ( DOGE'S PALACE)

This is the second place on the site and was finished in the 15th century built of pink and white marbles and it is unbelievably decorated inside. A differnt artist has painted each  rooms.It was the residance of Doges ( dukes) and the seat of  the government and court. Walk thorugh the bridge of sighs to see the Pozzi prision where Casanova was kept as a prisoner.

ACCADEMIA

Fine arts Museum containing 14th-18th century art works from venitian masters.Another important one is Peggy Guggenheim Museum: it is only a short walk in direction of Accademia.A collection of art works that is part of a wide collection based in New York.Much is based on Surrealism. Follow direction Accademia.

Other:

PIAZZA SAN MARCO (St Marks Square)

Covered galleries, shops, St.Mark Basilica and the Doges Palace,sorround this square.It was a meeting place for the Nobles and Napoleon called it the finest drawing room of Europe. Wacht out for the pigeons! It is a good place to take some silly photos and if you are lucky enough you can see the water rise through the ground. It floods in Venice 75 times per year.

BASILICA DI SAN MARCO ( St. Mark's Basilica)

Built from  1063 to 1073 to house the tomb of the Evangelist mark who was smuggled here by two merchants.The building is of mixed architecture and called Venetian Gothic. The entree is free for the main part but expect long line-ups to inside. There is a great view from the loggia or the balcony over piazza san marco ( St. Mark square).Inside the basilica you may see some awesome mosaics.

CAMPANILE ( Bell Tower)

The original bell tower stoodhere for over 1000 years before collapsing in 1906 and the current one was built. It stands 100 metres tall so get the lift to see the great views over Venice.

CANAL GRANDE - GRAND CANAL ( Main street) 

Venice's main street : actually a canal! Lined with over 210 marble palaces (from 12th to 18th century). wander along the banks or the best way to explore this street is to take the boat bus to  PONTE DI RIALTO from PIAZZA SAN MARCO.Line 1&2 direction Ponte di Rialto.

PONTE DI RIALTO (Rialto Bridge)

This is the place of the original settlement of the Veneti. It was built fron 1580 till 1592 and disigned to let soldier's pas underneath in their warship.It has  a 28 meters span and on the bridge you can find shops and market stalls. 

Accademia Bridge: this timber bridge provides awesome views over the gran Canal.

Shopping :

Follow signs " PER RIALTO" and you will pass many shops. On the ohter side of Rialto's bridge you will find market stalls.If youhead into direction of "PER ACCADEMIA" you will find many big name shops.

Things To Know!!!: 

Venice is built on 117 islands, has 150 canals and about 400 bridges.Tou can say Venice is one big maze and maps are useless but getting around is very  easy. You must follow on of these 5 signs:

PER SAN MARCO: it takes you back to the main square where all city tour star.

PER RIALTO:it takes you to the Rialto Bridge passing heaps of shops along the way.

PER ACCADEMIA: it takes you towards the Accademia gallery.

PER FERROVIA: it takes you towards train station.

PER PIAZZALE ROMA: it takes you towards Piazzale Roma, there you may find buses, taxies, and car parking. The most fomuous ones are: Parcheggio centrale and Tronchetto

Other: Money exchange. Thomas Cook is located in Piazza san Marco. American Express can be found if you head towards the Accademia Gallery.ATM's you can find near AMEX.Toilets. there are toilets just in Piazza San Marco and you will find signs on the floor or just have a coffee in one of the many bars and use their facilities.Public transport.The boat buses line 1 & 2 will take up and down the Gran Canal.FOOD.Venice is very expensive and oriented on the tourist industry.What we suggest is get away frome the tourist and go to the local shop where you find  the venetians having their Espresso (Expresso) and Tramezzini. These locals are called "BACARI" and like aperitiv they will serve you "Spritz" with some "Cicheti" (it is a sort of local pastry).Eat standing up so that you do not get charged a different rate.

SO GO AND GET LOST!!

HAVE FUN IN VENICE!! ;-))