Venice, city of canals and palaces
Venezia, the city of canals and palaces, is located along the Adriatic Sea and encompasses 118 small islands joined together by the Venetian Lagoon and the Po and Plave rivers. Water has always played a prominent role in the city's fortunes and some regard Venice as Neptune's portico resurrected from the sea.
During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Venice was as one of the world’s major mercantile sea powers for over a century. It was a key center of commerce, especially for the grain, spice and silk trade. The city was also a seat of art from the 13th to the 17th century.
During the 1700s, Venice was the most elegant city in Europe, and its influence extended to art and architecture. It was an independent republic for 1,070 years until Napoleon Bonaparte captured the city in 1797. Under Napoleon’s rule, many buildings and palaces were abandoned and the city began its decline. The exception was Lido beach, which was a famous resort during the 19th century.
While that time is long gone, there are many reminders of the city’s past glory and influence on the world. After 600 years, the city’s landscape and character may be a little decayed, but they remain virtually the same. Venice is still one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
Venice is home to over 280,000 residents, and there are slightly more tourists than residents around. But if you count the entire Padua-Venice Metropolitan Area, the population rises to 1.6 million.
Today, Venice is divided into many districts, but the most prominent ones are Cannaregio, Castello, and San Marco, which houses most historical sights and monuments. There’s also the Mestre district on the industrial mainland, home of 220,000 of Venice’s 280,000 population.
Art Hotel Venice Mirano
