City Guide - Venice

Formed on a series of low mud banks amid the tidal waters of the Adriatic, Venice is one of only a few cities in the world that actually be described as unique. Once a powerful commercial and naval force in the Mediterranean, Venice is now one of the great tourist "must see" spots. More than 12 million visitors a year are amazed by the magic of this unlikely city whose streets are made of water.

In the 6th century AD, Venice was a collection of small villages in a swampy lagoon. But by the 13th century, the city ruled the Veneto and the area of the eastern Mediterranean, Byzantium. In 1508, the pope (Julius II), France, Spain and the Roman Emperor (Maximilian) decide that was enough. They joined forces to put a halt to the expansion of this great empire through a coalition Known as the league of Cambrai - the combined armies sacked the main cities of the Veneto region and thus stopped at least the land advances of the Venetians. The empire was further impacted by advances from the east in the form of the Turks and the Ottoman Empire. This began in 1522, until Venice relinquished Cypress in 1570.

In the late 18th century, no longer a major power, Venice became a city of great decadence. Wealthy family's of the past had little or nothing to do with their money, but to waste it on lavish parties and gambling. This lifestyle was met with the arrival of Napoleon in 1797. He captured the city, dethroned the great leaders (doge) and then turned control over to his ally, Austria. Although he later took it back, the Austrians again regained control, driving the French from Venice in 1815. Finally in 1866, as Italy had transformed herself into a single country Venice was freed from outside rule and became part of the Italy we know today.

A new harbor was built for ocean-going cruise ships in 1869. Always connected to the sea, Venice once again became an embarkation point for the growing number of rich Europeans traveling east at the end of the 19th century. They brought new interest in the city and its heritage, resulting in the formation of the Biennale in 1895, an artistic organization attracting Europe's leading personalities in the visual arts and music.

In 1932, Venice held its first film festival. In 1979 Venice's renowned Carnival was reborn.