subject: An Introduction Of Venice, Italy! [print this page] Venice is a city in Italy, best known for the many waterways which criss-cross through it. It has developed a romantic reputation, and has a history dating from the sixth century. Venice developed a creation myth that it was founded by people fleeing Troy, but it was probably formed in the sixth century CE, when Italian refugees fleeing Lombard invaders camped on the islands in the Venice lagoon.
There is evidence for a settlement in 600 CE, and this grew, having its own bishopric by the end of the 7th century. The settlement soon had an outside ruler, an official appointed by the Byzantine empire, which clung onto a part of Italy from a base in Ravenna. In 751, when the Lombards conquered Ravenna, the Byzantine dux became a Venetian Doge, appointed by the merchant families who had emerged in the town.
Climate of Venice
The climate in Venice is Mediterranean, but rather wet throughout the year. The most pleasant periods are spring and from mid-September.
Winter is cold, with frequent fogs and sometimes some freezing in January.
Summer - July and August - is often very hot and wet with high points which exceeds 35 degrees and violent storms possible.
Cinema and Venice in popular culture and media
Venice has been the setting or chosen location of numerous films, novels, poems and other cultural references. The city was a particularly popular setting for several novels, essays, and other works of fictional or non-fictional literature.
Examples of these include Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice and Othello, Ben Jonson's Volpone, Voltaire's Candide, Casanova's autobiographical History of My Life, Anne Rice's Cry to Heaven. The city has also been the setting for music videos such as Siouxsie and the Banshees' "Dear Prudence" and Madonna's Like a Virgin (song), as well as in the video game Assassin's Creed II.
Venice Attractions:
Venice has many fine attractions and museums but one of the best things to do is take some time wandering along the canals off the main tourist track. See our Top Venice Attractions for more about what to see and do.
Venice highlights:
Saint Mark's Square - Piazza San Marco is the main square of Venice surrounded by chic sidewalk cafes and fancy shops. While it's a great place to enjoy the scenery and people, you will definitely pay top price to sit at an outdoor table. In the evening, you can listen to live music, too. Walking in the piazza and taking photos is, of course, free.
Saint Mark's Basilica - Basilica di San Marco is a beautiful church blending the architecture of East and West. It was consecrated in 832 AD.
Doge's Palace - Palazzo Ducale, also on St. Mark's Square, is the most impressive building in Venice and well worth a tour. It was the political and judicial hub of Venetian government until the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797. The palace was connected to its prisons by the famous "Bridge of Sighs."
Grand Canal - Canal Grande is the main thoroughfare of Venice. It's full of all kinds of boats and liined with beautiful buildings.
Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto): the main bridge crossing the Grand Canal in the heart of Venice, is over 400 years old. Nearby is the Rialto Market, an interesting and lively food market with lots of little shops.
Galleria del'Accademia: is one of Italy's best art museums with 24 rooms in 3 historic buildings. Get there early to avoid the crowds.
What to Buy in Venice: Venetian glass, especially from the island of Murano, is a specialty. Carnival masks make great gifts or souvenirs. Venice is also known for its marbled paper and you might find some good lace here, too. You will also see many nice watercolors of Venetian scenes.
