Venice

Founded around the 8th century AD and built on more than 400 little islands, Venice's mascot is the lion of Saint Mark.

Venice is surrounded by one of the most ecologically rich bodies of water in the Mediterranean - the Laguna Véneta, or Venetian Lagoon.

This beautiful and mysterious city of winding canals, palazzos and churches hosts one of the world's great carnivals in February. It is also a shoppers' paradise renowned for its glassblowing, lace and designer stores.

Honeymoons in Venice are de rigeur and culture vultures flock here in their thousands.

Events calendar

International Theatre Festival

Jul 2008 (annual), Piccolo Teatro Arsenale

Venice's International Theatre Festival, directed by Maurizio Scaparro in 2007, features shows, installations and performances at the Piccolo Teatro Arsenale, developed around a central theme of "representation". more »

ArtExperience

Sep 2008 (annual), Telecom Italia Future Centre

The Domus Academy and Progetto Italia present ArtExperience, a one-day event featuring meetings and seminars on contemporary art at the Telecom Italia Future Centre. Key figures from the international art scene debate the relationship between art, sound, architecture and technology. more »

Historic Regatta

7 Sep 2008 (annual), Canal Grande

On the first Sunday of September, everyday business comes to a halt and Venice stages the Historic Regatta. The Grand Canal is filled with beautifully-crafted 13th-century boats and its banks are lined with thousands of spectators. more »

See more events »

	Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
	The world's most celebrated train carries passengers across Europe in the style of a bygone era. more »

	Hotel Cipriani
	The Cipriani is one of the world's most exclusive hotels overlooking the basin of St Mark's. more »

	Venetian Interlude
	Experience the perfect three-night romantic escape in Italy's most discerning hotel. more »

	Cip's Club
	This elegant, yet informal restaurant enjoys a splendid view of St Mark's Square and the beautiful lagoon. more »

	The Cipriani Cooking School
	Hotel Cipriani's fine cuisine, a long-lasting and successful tradition at the hotel. more »

Language: Italian

Currency: Euro

Climate: Winter is quiet and a good time to see a relatively-tourist-free Venice. Icy temperatures and mists should be expected. Summer can be extremely hot.

Culture: The blend of Byzantine, Gothic architecture offers splendid palaces (palazzi) and churches, as well as Renaissance art in the form of frescoes, paintings and mosaics. Works by Leonardo da Vinci, Bellini and Titian adorn many of Venice's walls.

Places to visit: St Mark's Basilica, Gallerie dell'Accademia, the Doge's Palace, Grand Canal, Ponte di Rialto, Ca' d'Oro.

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