The old historical centre of the city is situated four kilometres from the mainland, on 118 islands of the Venetian Lagoon. Its singular appearance and wealth of art treasures make it unique. It is criss-crossed by more than 150 canals and 400 bridges, and is divided into 6 districts known as `sestieri' (San Marco, Castello Cannaregio, Santa Croce, San Polo, Dorsoduro). Characteristic buildings look onto hundreds of small squares (campi and campielli) linked by narrow streets called calli. The municipal territory also includes the mainland areas of Mestre and Porto Marghera connected to the lagoon city by road and rail bridges. The lagoon centres of Burano, Murano, Lido, Cavallino, Malamocco, San Michele and Torcello are also administrated by Venice.
Early historical information on Venice dates back to the fifth and sixth centuries when, to escape the Barbarian invasions, refugees from the Venetian countryside took shelter in the Lagoon. At first, they were ruled by Maritime Tribunes then by the Doges (the first was Paolo Lucio Anafesto, in 697), gradually eluding Byzantine influence, partly as a result of the initiative of the inhabitants, who transformed it into an important trading centre for shipping in the Mediterranean and towards the Orient. Its importance increased during the Crusades, when it extended its rule over the Aegean islands, Peleponesia, Crete and part of Constantinople. Rivalry with Genoa and the other Italian maritime republics served only to increase its strength which reached its apogee in the fifteenth century.
In the same period, Venice increased its territories on the Venetian mainland, occupying Treviso, Padua, Vicenza and later Verona, Feltre, Belluno and Bassano (1404-1405), until in 1454, its boundaries stretched to the Adda river to the west, and into Friuli to the east. The fall of Constantinople, however, and the discovery of America, marked the beginning of commercial and political decline for the Republic of Venice, culminating in the loss of independence ratified by the Treaty of Campoformio (1797), which gave Venice to Austria. After the Napoleonic period (1805-14) and the heroic events of the Risorgimento (1848 uprising against the Austrians under the leadership of Daniele Manin) it was finally reunited with the Kingdom of Italy in 1866, following the Third War of Independence.
It is a very difficult task to synthesize in a few lines the countless attractions that make Venice one of the most world famous tourist cities. One can only mention the monuments, churches or places which must absolutely not be ignored. First and foremost, Piazza San Marco, the traditional postcard scene of Venice with its famous cafés and surrounded by beautiful Renaiss ance buildings, with the Basilica of the same name, of Byzantine inspiration, (11th-15th century) overlooking the whole square. Near by is Palazzo Ducale (14th-15th century), a typical example of Gothic-Venetian architecture, housing works by famous artists. By taking a boat on the Grand Canal, one will admire the many noble Gothic-Venetian buildings overlooking the waters: Cà Foscari, Palazzo Giustinian, Palazzo Cornèr (Cà Grande), Palazzo Grimani, Palazzo Vendramin Calergi, the very famous Cà d'Oro and many others. The churches include Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (13th-14th century) housing works by Titian and Giambellino, S. Zanipolo (13th-14th century), S. Maria dei Miracoli (Renaissance), S. Maria della Salute (17th century) with paintings by Titian and Tintoretto, S. Giorgio Maggiore (17th century) on the island of the same name. The campi (the small squares) are of great environmental and artistic interest, always surrounded by buildings or churches worthy of a visit. Among others are Campo S. Moisè, S. Bartolomeo, S. Cassiano, S. Maria Mater Domini, S. Polo, S. Zulian, Saints Giovanni and Paolo (monument to Bartolomeo Colleoni). Lastly, one must not fail to take a trip in a gondola under the famous Ponte di Rialto and the even more famous Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs).
Economical activity in Venice is based particularly on tourism and the service sector. Glass-blowing is an important tradition at Murano and lacemaking at Burano. Industry is based on the mainland at Mestre and Porto Marghera, attracting an increasing number of inhabitants from the Lagoon, which is progressively depopulating. Porto Marghera has chemical, petrochemical, engineering, metallurgical, textile and shipyard industries as well as a large thermoelectric power station and a busy port. Pollution caused by industry has unfortunately had ruinous effects on the ecological equilibrium of the lagoon and on the artistic wealth of Venice, which already has to cope with progressive sinking of the land and the `high water' phenomenon.
Events: Biennial, theatre season at the La Fenice and Goldoni theatres, Venice Carnival, Historical Regatta (September), Regatta of the Four Marine Republics (every four years), Campiello Award, Festa della Salute (21st November), Festa della Sensa, with the Vogalonga.
Famous People: Canaletto (artist, 1697-1768), Vittore Carpaccio (artist, 1465 circa-1526), G. Battista Tiepolo (artist, 1696-1770), Tintoretto (artist, 1518-1594), Marco Polo (explorer 1254-1324), Carlo Goldoni (playwright, 1707-1793), Daniele Manin (patriot, 1804-1857), Antonio Vivaldi (musician, 1678-1742), Giovanni Bellini called `il Giambellino (1430-1516), Giangiacomo Casanova (adventurer, 1725-1798), Cesco Baseggio (actor, 1897-1971).
Cultural Institutions: there are numerous museums including: Archeological Museum (Greek and Roman sculptures), Gallerie dell'Accademia (art gallery with paintings of the 14th-18th century Venetian school), Museo del Settecento Veneziano, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (Palazzo Venier dei Leoni), Pinacoteca Querini-Stampalia, Museo Storico Navale, Museo Correr, House of Goldoni, University, Palazzo Grassi Culture Centre, Ligabue Research and Study Centre, Cini Foundation, San Servolo Foundation, Querini Stampalia Foundation, Accademia di Belle Arti, Istituto Statale d'Arte. At Murano - Glassblowing Museum, at Burano - lacemaking schools and workshops.
In the Province: Chioggia (environmental and artistic interest), Iesolo (seaside tourism), Caorle (seaside tourism), Portogruaro (Museo Nazionale Concordiese), Quarto d'Altino (Museo d'Altino).
Rising on a plateau 389 m. above sea level, near the confluence of the Ardo torrent with the Piave, at the foot of Mount Serva (2,132 m.), lies Belluno.
Of Venetian origin, it was a Roman municipium and grew in importance under Lombard and Frank rule. In medieval times it was ruled by bishops and subsequently (twelfth century) became a free municipality. It later fell to Ezzelino III da Romano, the Da Caminos, the Scaligeris, the Emperor Carlo di Boemia and the Viscontis until in 1404, it went over to Venice, sharing its historical vicissitudes until its fall (1797). From 1866 Belluno was part of the Kingdom of Italy. During the First World War Belluno was occupied (November 1917-November 1918) by Austrian troops.
Monuments: Duomo (16th century), Palazzo dei Rettori (15th century, Renaissance), Piazza del Mercato (environmental interest, Renaissance buildings and porticos), Church of S. Stefano (15th century, Gothic), Church of S. Rocco (16th century, restored in the 19th century), Palazzo dei Giuristi (17th century, Civic Museum).
The town's economy is still based in part on agricultural activities connected with the primary sector, while limited industrial growth can be observed, though this is hindered by a poor communications network which isolates this zone from the rest of the region. Fresh life may be injected into the local economy by tourism and in particular the increase in facilities for winter sports in the surrounding mountain areas (Nevegal, Alpago).
Events: International concert season, Opera season (autumn), International archery tournaments (in summer).
Famous People: Sebastiano Ricci (artist, 1659-1734), Marco Ricci (artist, 1676-1729), Andrea Brustolon (sculptor and carver, 1662-1732), Andrea Alpago (philosopher, 1450-1520), Urbano Bolzanio (humanist, 1443-1524), Valentino Alpago Novello (architect, 1707-1793).
Cultural Institutions: Civic Museum (with archeological section and art gallery), Biblioteca del vescovo Alvise Lollino (ancient manuscripts, codes and incunabulum).
In the Province: Cortina d'Ampezzo (summer and winter tourism, Rimoldi collection), Feltre (galleries and museums, environmental and artistic interest), Pieve di Cadore (Museo della Magnifica Comunità di Cadore, birthplace of Titian, Paleovenitian Museum), Auronzo di Cadore (pop. 4,000, holiday and winter sports resort), Alpe di Nevegal (tourism, botanic garden).
Situated twelve metres above sea level in the lower Venetian plain between the Brenta and the Bacchiglione rivers, about twenty kilometres from the lagoon of Venice, Pauda was, according to legend, founded by Antenore, mythical Trojan prince; an important Roman municipium in 452, it was destroyed by Attila. After the period of the free cities (comuni) (11th century), it was the property of Ezzelino da Romano (1237), followed by the Scaligeris and the Carraras, who dominated it until 1405, the year in which it became part of the Republic of Venice; it then shared Venetian vicissitudes until 1797. After the Napoleonic and Lombard-Venetian periods, it became part of the kingdom of Italy in 1866.
Principal Monuments: The Basilica di Sant'Antonio (13th-14th century), Romanesque-Gothic with Venetian and Byzantine elements: in the interior, sculptures by Donatello and Sansovino, paintings by Titian; Palazzo della Ragione (13th-15th century), Cappella degli Scrovegni (early 14th century chapel with frescoes by Giotto), Chiesa degli Eremitani (13th century church with frescoes by Mantegna), Chiesa di Santa Sophia (9th century church), Chiesa di Santa Giustina (16th century church, paintings by Veronese), Duomo (rebuilt in the 16th century) with Battistero (13th century Romanesque baptistry), equestrian statue of Gattamelata, a masterpiece by Donatello.
The Paduan economy is based on a well-articulated industrial sector, particularly active in the engineering, chemical and textile sectors; commerce and agriculture are important as well as activities related to tourism, religion (pilgrimages to the Basilica di Sant'Antonio) and to the ancient and well-attended University.
Events: Biennale della Piccola Scultura (biennial sculpture exhibition), Spring festival, Feast day of Sant'Antonio, International Trades Fair (from May to June) and numerous individual fairs (footwear, transport, tourism, floriculture, etc.), Giuseppe Tartini violin festival.
Famous People: Tito Livio (Latin historian, 59 BC.-17 AD.), Marsilio (philosopher, 1275-1342), Angelo Beolco known as `il Ruzante' (playwright, 1502-1542), Andrea Palladio (architect, 1508-1580), Gaspara Stampa (poetess, 1523-1554), Bartolomeo Cristofori (inventor of the piano, 1655-1732), Ippolito Nievo (writer and patriot, 1831-1861) and Arrigo Boito (poet and musician, 1842-1918).
Cultural Institutions: The university, founded in 1222 (the oldest in Italy after Bologna), Museo Civico (civic museum with paintings of the Venetian school, from 1300 to 1700), Orto Botanico (botanical garden), Biblioteca Capitolare (library) and the Biblioteca e Museo Antoniani (library and museum).
In the Province: Abano Terme (thermal spa), Monselice (city of art), Este (city of art, Museo Nazionale Atestino), Montagnana (civic museum), Arquà Petrarca (tomb and home-museum of the poet Francesco Petrarca), Cittadella (Pinacoteca del Duomo, art gallery), Borgoricco (Museo della Centuriazione Romana), Piazzola sul Brenta (Galleria di Villa Contarini).
This town is situated seven metres above sea level on the fertile Po Valley plain between the Adige and Po rivers, in an intensely cultivated area which has been taken from the waters by centuries of land reclamation.
Of medieval origin (Rhodigium), until 1482 it belonged to the Este family, apart from brief interludes in the fourteenth century, when it was held by the Duchies of Padua and Venice. It was subsequently ruled in turn by Venice, the Este family, the French, Venice and the Estes again until, in 1514, it definitively became part of the Republic of Venice, sharing its fortunes.
Monuments: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele (16th century buildings), Accademia dei Concorsi (19th century, picture gallery), Duomo (already standing in the 10th century, it was rebuilt in the 17th century), Church of S. Bartolomeo (15th century), Church of S. Francesco (14th-15th century, Romanesque-Gothic), Chiesa della Beata Vergine del Soccorso (16th century, with bell tower designed by Longhena, 57 mm high; housing paintings of the 17th century Venetian school).
The economy is based principally on agriculture or on marketing the area's agricultural products (cereals, sugar beet, fruit, livestock).
Industry is expanding however, particularly in the foodstuffs sector (sugar refinery, pasta and salami factories, wine cellars and flour mills). The textile, chemical, engineering and wood-processing firms are of minor importance.
Events: Sagra d'autunno (20th October), seafood festivals in the seaside resorts on the Adriatic.
Famous People: Celio Rodigino (humanist, 1469-1525), Antonio Riccoboni (historian, 1540-1599), Giovanni Miani (explorer, 1810-1872).
Cultural Institutions: Pinacoteca (paintings by Bellini, Palma the Elder, Piazzetta, Tiepolo), Museo Archeologico dell'Accademia dei Concordi, Pinacoteca del Seminario (paintings by Strozzi, Palma the Younger, Piazzetta, Longhi), Museo della Civiltà in Polesine (Museum of the civilization of the Po Delta).
In the Province: Adria (archeological museum), Lendinara (Boldrini Foundation), Fratta Polesine (Palazzo degli Estensi, 15th century, Abbazia di S. Maria della Vangadizza).
This town lies on the lower Venetian plain 15 metres above sea level at the confluence of the Botteniga with the Sile river, about twenty kilometres from the Venetian Lagoon.
Originally a prehistoric settlement (Bronze Age), the town was a Roman municipium with the name of Tarvisium, acquiring great importance in Gothic, Lombard and Frank times, becoming the seat of a mint and capital of a vast area.
The comune era was to be its that of greatest splendour when it was defined by poets `marca gioiosa et amorosa'; subsequently (13th-14th century) it passed a through tumultuous period, when it came under the rule of the Ezzelinis, the Da Caminos, Counts of Gorizia, Viscontis and Scaligeris until, in 1389, it spontaneously went over to Venice, sharing its fortunes until 1797, date of the fall of the Republic of Venice. In 1866 it was united with the Kingdom of Italy.
Monuments: Palazzo dei Trecento (13th century, Romanesque), with Palazzo del Podestà, Baptistry (11th-12th century, Romanesque), Duomo (11th-12th century renewed in the 15th-18th century) with painting by Titian, Santa Maria Maggiore (15th century, Gothic), S. Nicolo (Romanesque-Gothic), S. Maria Maggiore (Gothic), Piazza dei Signori.
The economy of Treviso is based particularly on commercial, activities, especially in relation to agricultural and animal products from the surrounding fertile plain.
In recent decades, however, industry has progressively developed especially with regard to the textile, foodstuff, furniture and household appliance sectors. Treviso constitutes an important rail junction.
Events: Exhibition of commodities in the agricultural sector, Fiera di S. Luca (mid-October, dates back thousands of years).
Famous People: Girolamo da Treviso il Vecchio (artist, 1455-1496), Pier Maria Pennacchi (artist, 1464-1514), Paris Bordone (artist, 1500-1571).
Cultural Institutions: Municipal library, Civic Museum (paintings by Giambellino, Lotto, Titian, Cima da Conegliano, Tiepolo; sculptures by Canova), Museo della Casa Trevigiana (craftsmanship, furnishings).
In the Province: Castelfranco (Casa del Giorgione), Asolo (Civic museum with historical relics of Caterina Cornaro, Queen of Cyprus), Conegliano (Cima da Conegliano Foundation), Vittorio Veneto (town of artistic interest, Gruppo archeologico del Cenedese, Battle Museum), Fonte (Museum of lost arts), Maser (Carriage Museum), Riese Pio X (House-Museum of S. Pio X).
Situated 59 m. above sealevel, at the foot of the Lessini mountains and on the banks of the Adige river, at the junction of important lines of communication between the Po Valley and Central Europe, Verona was founded by the Euganeans and grew in importance during the imperial Roman period; successively, it submitted to the Barbarians and was the seat of duchies, first the Lombard and then the Frankish. Constituting a free municipality in the thirteenth century, it was a member of the Lombard League against Barbarossa; after the occupations of Ezzelino da Romano and the Viscontis, Verona fell in 1262 under the control of the Della Scalas, who dominated it until 1387 when it again became a Visconti possession. In 1405, it became part of the Venetian Republic, sharing its fortunes until 1797. After Austrian domination, it was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy in 1866.
Monuments: The Arena, the Roman theatre and Porta dei Borsari (1st century BC.), Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore (12th century, famous example of Romanesque architecture), Arche Scaligere (Gothic complex, 14th century), Duomo (Romanesque-Gothic, 12th-15th century), Castelvecchio (14th century, seat of the Museo d'Arte), San Fermo Maggiore (Romanesque), various Renaissance buildings (among which: Belilacqua, Canossa, Pompei), Porta Palio, Porta Nuova (by Sanmicheli, 15th century), Loggia del Consiglio (Renaissance), Tomba di Giulietta (Juliet's tomb), Piazza delle Erbe.
As far as economy is concerned, Verona is particularly an active agricultural centre, where horticultural products are distributed to Central Europe. Industry is developed in the engineering paper, chemical and food sectors. Tourism is also a very important economic factor.
Events: The Opera season at the Arena (July-August), Fiera di Verona (agricultural-livestock fair in March), Vinitaly (April), `Bacanal del Gnoco' (Good Friday).
Famous People: Caio Valerio Catullo (Latin poet, 87-54 BC), Paolo Calieri known as `il Veronese' (artist, 1528-1588), Ippolito Pindemonte (poet, 1753-1828), Cangrande I Della Scala (1291-1328), Emilio Salgari (writer, 1863-1911), Aleardo Aleardi (poet and patriot, 1812-1878).
Cultural Institutions: University, Museo Civico di Storia Naturale (museum of natural history, Bolca fossils), Museo Lapidario Maffeiano, Museo Archeologico and Museo del Risorgimento (museums), Biblioteca Civica (library), Museo di Castelvecchio and Museo degli Affreschi (museums) Galleria d'Arte Moderna.
In the Province: Legnago (Musei della Fondazione Fioroni-museums), Soave (Grape festival in September), Cisano (festival of the `osei', song birds); Lazise, Garda, Bardolino, Torri del Benaco, Malcesine (Museo del Castello Scaligero, museum) and Peschiera del Garda.
This town is situated 40 metres above sea level at the foot of the Berici mountains, at the confluence of the Retrone and the Bacchiglione rivers on a flat fertile part of the upper Venetian plain.
Probably of Venetian origin, the town became a Roman municipium in 49 BC. with the name of `Vicetia', sharing in the fortunes of the Empire. After the Barbarian invasions, it came under the Lombards and Franks. Subsequently (11th-12th century) it became a free municipality forming part of the Verona League and the Lombard League against Barbarossa. In the 13th and 14th centuries it came under various rulers: first Ezzelino da Romano, then the Carraresi, Scaligeri and Visconti until in 1404, it was conquered by Venice, sharing its fortunes until the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797. Following the Napoleonic period and Austrian rule it was united with the Kingdom of Italy in 1866.
Monuments: many of these remain from the 16th century, the town's age of splendour. The Basilica Palladiana, considered Palladio's masterpiece, the Loggia del Capitanio, Monte di Pietà, Palazzo Chiericati, Teatro Olimpico (Palladio's last work), several monumental buildings (Porto Fontana, Porto-Breganze, Casarotti, Da Schio and the Casa del Palladio, attributed to the artist belong to this period).
From other periods, but interesting nonetheless, are the Duomo (14th-16th century, Gothic-Renaissance with a polyptych by Veneziano) and the Basilica di Monte Berico (17th-early 18th century, paintings by Veronese).
As regards the economy, Vicenza's traditional industries are textiles (cotton and wool mills, woollen garment factories), paper and gold jewelry. The town is also an active commercial centre with many markets and fairs. There is a considerable tourist movement, together with associated activities.
Events: Vicenza Trades Fair during which several specialist events are held-Regaloitalia and Vicenzaoro (gold jewelry exhibition); Classical performances at Teatro Olimpico.
Famous People: G. Giorgio Trissino (poet, 1478-1550), Antonio Pigafetta (explorer, 1485-1534), Giacomo Zanella (poet, 1820-1888), Antonio Fogazzaro (novelist, 1842-1911), Guido Piovene (writer, 1907-1974).
Cultural Institutions: Accademia Olimpica (founded in 1555), Civic library, Seminary library, Civic Museum (with rich art gallery), International Centre of Palladian Studies, Museum of the Risorgimento and the Resistance.
In the Province: Schio (wool mills), Valdagno (wool mills), Bassano del Grappa (Museo del ponte degli alpini), Recoaro (holiday resort and spa), Thiene, Marostica (Live chess game), Roana (Institute of Cimbri culture), Malo (Museo della civiltà rurale del Vicentino).