Venice is famous for being a city on water and indeed, the city has over 170 canals! Another interesting fact about Venice is that it’s home to one of the narrowest streets in the world. the big canal) which crosses the city forming an S shape. 24 Fun and Interesting Facts About Venice. Add to this, its beautiful townscape of canals and bridges and it’s easy to see why Venice is one of the most fascinating cities in Italy we have visited. A gondolier can earn a salary of around €100,000. Venice canals divide up the city of Venice is over 18 islands, connected by 417 bridges. Wooden stacks are laid along with a combination of clay, which makes the city float. If you’re short on time, it’s still possible to discover the best of Venice in 2 days or even one day if you’re visiting as part of a cruise. I love the Cannaregio area. As of May 2019, the population of Venice is about 260,000 people. He went on his way with good counsel, gold he won in his travels”. The wooden stilts were originally used to build the foundations of fisherman's houses but this method of architecture grew to be used to support the entire city as it expanded into the Venice that exists today. Venice is located in the north-east of Italy, on the Adriatic Sea. I was told that 2010 saw the arrival of the first officially recognised female gondolier. Calle Varisco is just 53 cm wide and is named after the Varisco family, a group of silk workers who were notable in the city in the 15th century. Some experts have predicted that unless something is done about population decline, there will be no full-time residents by 2030. It was later incorporated into the Kingdom of Italy in 1866. Rialto crosses the Canal Grande. But, did you know that you need a professional licence to become a gondolier. You might think it fun to play dress up at the annual Carnival of Venice, but for Venetians in the … Curiously, it contains a number of runic inscriptions that are thought to have been made by Viking travellers back in the 11th century. The city is located in the Venetian Lagoon which is a wold heritage site. These logs were mainly from Alder trees (known for its water resistance). The city of Venice is located in the Venetian Lagoon which is … Have you got an interesting fact about Venice? St Mark’s Basilica had reflecting sheets attached to help reflect light to the surrounding lagoon. There are 417 bridges in Venice, and 72 of those are private. Venice (or Venezia in Italian) is one of the most significant city-states from the Renaissance in Italy and developed along the coast of the northeastern section of the Italian peninsula next to the Adriatic Sea. The city was founded in the 5th century and was a powerful trading city by the 12th century. It was an influential and important maritime trading republic from 697 to 1797, when Napoleon conquered the city. During Austria’s dominance in Italy, the soldiers apparently found Italian wine too strong, so decided to add some sparkling water. These logs were originally imported from central European countries like Slovenia and Croatia, and are made from alder trees, known for their water resistant properties. I hope these fun facts about Venice have given you some inspiration for your next Italian adventure! 10 Unusual Facts about the Venice Carnival 1. It’s packed with unforgettable sights, art galleries, museums and restaurants… plus a charm like no other European city. Having entertained rich and famous visitors to the city for centuries, the casino is now housed in a 1930s building, and its original site is the final resting place of the German composer Richard Wagner. Historically, Venice was the capital of the Veneto area, which is one of the interesting facts about Venice. Another fact about Venice is that the narrowest street in the city, Calle Varisco, is just 53cm wide. Venice Beach is named for Venice, Italy, and is known for its beaches and canals, as well as the Ocean Front Walk that resembles a circus with performers and vendors. The one and only Saint Mark’s Square. It is the capital of the Veneto region. The Swedes set this on the lion. Facts about Venice. The word ‘ciao’ originated in Venice. 9. 20 fun facts about Venice If you love literature, and you must have heard of Shakespeare’s book, The Merchant of Venice, one of his masterpieces is based on the city of Venice! The origin of Venice dates back to the mid 400, over 1500 years ago. It was taken from Athens by the Venetians in the 17th century. Today, Giorgia Boscolo, the daughter of a gondolier, remains the only female in the profession that has been almost exclusively male for a thousand years. This saw them transport a casket through the city on 3 gondola, not much changed following this protest and numbers continue to decline. Venice is built on 10 million underwater logs. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply want to brush up on your local knowledge, here are 21 interesting facts about Venice. Back in the Middle Ages, these masks provided rare possibilities for mixing between social classes, which was usually strictly prohibited in the highly stratified Venetian society. Venice was called different names like – “the Floating City”, “Sereniccima” and “City of Canals” of Course. Renowned for it’s beautiful canals and historic buildings, the city is a popular spot on the tourist trail. It has developed a romantic reputation built upon by countless movies, and thanks to one startling horror film has also evolved a darker atmosphere. With no cars in Venice, 60% of the total city traffic passes along the Grand Canal, making it one of the most important waterways in Italy. The Venetian lagoon was the perfect hiding place for refugees seeking to avoid the turmoil and violence of the end of the Roman Empire. This must be mentioned in the 10 funny facts about Venice. These high prices are driven by the substantial tourism – many houses are bought up and turned into hotels and restaurants. The event was originally established to allow the gondoliers to show off their finely honed skills, and today is a colourful, flamboyant celebration of Venice’s maritime past. Think again. There is a siren system to warn about upcoming flooding so they can prepare but the local told me that nowadays most of them have a flood warning app too. Today, gondoliers decorate the inside of their gondolas with bright colours, padded seats and pretty extras to make them stand out from the crowds. It’s incredible to think these buildings have been constructed here really…. Many believe it was an invention by Austrian soldiers. The Campanile, the distinctive pointed bell tower of Saint Mark’s Basilica, is the tallest building in Venice. Venice’s power was so incredible that the city even managed to outgun Empires thanks to its incredible wealth, brilliant strategies, and unrivaled organization. Venice celebrates the 1,600th anniversary of its founding on March 25th. Venice is made up of 118 islands. Venice now receives over 20 million tourists per year, a figure which continues to increase. As you walk around, it’s easy to forget they are separate islands, as it feels like one city’s land mass. Whether you’re planning a trip soon or simply want to gain a deeper understanding of this popular city, it’s time to reveal some interesting facts about Venice! Applicants must have amassed over 400 hours of training, undertake an apprenticeship with a master gondolier, and pass an exam. Here are some facts about Venice. Venice is the capital of Italy's Veneto region, with 160 square miles of total area and only 3 feet of elevation. This goes on to show you how important the canal is to the very existence of the city. 102 Campi – Fields (the other squares) Smaller than Saint Mark’s Square, they function as a central hub around which the daily life rotates. The city of Venice is built solely on water. It used to be the place people were executed, so it’s considered unlucky. While it may have suffered from over tourism in recent years, there are still ways to explore at your own pace, swapping peak season for the quieter months of the year. Although St. Mark is inextricably associated with Venice, the original patron saint of the city was St. Theodore. Long hailed as the most spectacular city on Earth, there is no denying that Venice is overwhelmed with the admirers. The Republic of Venice The city used to be a powerful State in Europe that originated from the lagoon communities in the area of now northeastern Italy. Before this law was passed, gondoliers would decorate their gondolas to attract customers. As an affiliate I may earn a commission on any qualifying purchases, including those from Amazon, at no extra cost to you. 1 Piazza – Square. Venice is prone to flooding when high tides occur in the Adriatic Sea usually during December and January. These 417 bridges along with over 170 canals and 118 islands make up this incredible medieval city. The 118 islands that make up Venice are connected by around 400 bridges and over 170 canals. Venice is one of those cities laureled for its beauty. A place filled with colourful architecture, pretty waterways and a glittering lagoon. Interesting facts about Venice. When it comes to Venice, you might think you know it all already. Combine this with the rising sea levels due to climate change and you’ll realise why Venetians are increasingly concerned. Venice is a city in Italy, best known today for the many waterways which criss-cross through it. It was definitely our favorite area of Venice! Navigating the city can be strenuous and finding yourself lost amongst the winding streets and canals is commonplace. When the number of local residents living full time in Venice dropped below 60,000 in 2008, residents held a fake funeral to raise awareness of the decline. Venice is a city in northeastern Italy. There are now around 55,000 full time residents, compared to 120,000 just 30 years ago. Ever heard of the Ponte delle tette? These were bought to Venice by boat from other countries such as Slovenia and Croatia. The guide explained to us that many residents believe this is unsustainable and more than the city can cope with. One of the most iconic Italian celebrations, the Venice Carnival is a riot of colour, food and entertainment, and a ritual that stretches back to the Middle Ages. In 1797, Napolean conquered the city and over the next century France ad Austria fought for dominion over the city until it became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1866. It’s beyond beautiful! The very name Venice is evocative of Europe’s richest history. Big fines are in place if you’re caught using these transport methods. 17 Interesting Facts About Venice You Probably Didn’t Know, Lido de Venezia: Guide to Venice Beach Italy – with travel info + photos, Italy by Train– Detailed 1 Week Itinerary with Map and Photos. There are about 350 gondolas and 400 gondolieri in Venice. Candidates must also study and take an exam on Venetian history and landmarks. The twisting turning streets and canals of Venice are a real labyrinth. The graffiti reads: “ In the harbour the men cut runes by the sea in memory of Horsi, a good warrior. It makes even more sense when you hear that ‘spritzen’ is the Austrian verb for ‘to spray’. There are no foundation stones laid under. The foundation of the town was the result of a flight of the people living in the Veneto terra firma: as a consequence of the barbarians invasion from northern and eastern Europe following the Roman Empire decline they escaped towards the nearby archipelago. The city of Venice is actually made up of a number of different islands, each with different characters and landmarks. The facts about Venice in a straight line for anybody who’s interested in the statistics and figures of the city. Here are a few facts about the city, which you need to know right now: Built On Water . It’s amazing to see this traditional skill in action. Venice has hundreds of Canals and islands; however, the Grand Canal is the largest and most visible on the international front.