The history of Venice began with an escape. In the 5th century, during the fall of the Roman Empire, the inhabitants of the area sought refuge on the islands of the marshy lagoons from the barbarian hordes (Huns, Goths, Lombards) that were ravaging the mainland. What was initially a forced solution became one of the most extraordinary urban architectural achievements in history.
The city’s foundations are a technical feat. Millions of larch columns were driven deep into the muddy soil, which petrified in the oxygen-free environment and still support the heavy marble palaces today.
For centuries, Venice was one of the richest and most powerful states in the world, the Serenissima (the Most Serene Republic). Due to its strategic location, it became a gateway for trade between East and West. Silk, spices and precious stones changed hands here. The city was not ruled by kings, but by elected Doges, whose power was limited by a council of ten. This stability allowed Venice to remain independent for 1,100 years. The accumulated wealth was used to build the lavish palaces that can still be seen today, and artists such as Titian, Tintoretto and Canaletto created here. Venice is not just a collection of buildings, but 118 small islands connected by more than 400 bridges. The Byzantine gold mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica in Piazza San Pietro and the Gothic lace of the Doge’s Palace proclaim the city’s former wealth.
The city’s main street is the Grand Canal, along which the most beautiful palaces are lined. Here is the famous Rialto Bridge, which for centuries was the only pedestrian connection between the two banks of the canal. The Bridge of Sighs is perhaps the most romantically named bridge, but with the saddest history, as it connected the Doge’s Palace to the prison. According to legend, it was here that the prisoners took their last look at the free world and the sea.
Today, Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, despite its constant struggle with rising sea levels, remains one of the most visited places in the world.
Modern city management now places great emphasis on sustainability, and although the crowds can sometimes be large, in the smaller side streets, such as the Cannaregio or Castello districts, you can still find the quiet, ancient Venice that was like five hundred years ago.
