Unexpected Origins: The Horses of St. Mark's Basilica

The Horses of St. Mark are iconic, but did you know they're not actually from Venice? These statues have quite a journey behind them. They were taken from Constantinople (present-day Istanbul) in 1254 after the Fourth Crusade.

Theories suggest they date back to the 4th century BCE, possibly from Egypt or Rome. Today, you can see them inside the St. Mark’s Basilica. The ones outside are replicas, moved inside in the 1980s to protect them from the weather.

Exploring Venice's Unique Calendar

Venice had its own calendar system before adopting the Gregorian calendar. This calendar, called the More Veneto, started the year in March, marking the beginning of spring. Surprisingly, Venice used this system until 1797, long after most regions had switched to the Gregorian calendar. You might still spot old dates marked with "m.v." around the city.

Built on Sticks?

Venice's stunning architecture is even more impressive when you know it’s built on wood. The city was constructed on thick wooden poles driven into the muddy swamp. These wooden logs, covered by a layer of stone, serve as the base for Venice.

The lack of oxygen underwater helps preserve these ancient logs, preventing them from rotting. However, Venice is slowly sinking into the Adriatic Sea.

Venice's Island Count

Venice is made up of 118 islands, connected by 150 canals and 400 footbridges. Some islands, like Burano, Murano, and Torcello, are further out in the lagoon and can only be reached by boat or water taxi.

The Origin of "Ciao"

The popular Italian greeting "ciao" originated in Venice. It comes from the Venetian dialect “sciavo,” meaning “slave” or “servant.” Originally used as a formal greeting, it eventually became a casual way to say hello and goodbye, spreading throughout Italy.

Venice and Coffee

Venice was the first Italian city to enjoy coffee. In 1570, Prospero Alpini brought coffee beans from Egypt to the Venetian Republic. The first coffee shop opened in St. Mark’s Square in the late 1600s, and Caffè Florian, established in 1720, remains the oldest cafe in the city.

A Sinking City: Fact or Fiction?

Venice is sinking at a rate of 1-2 millimeters per year. The population has halved in the last 50 years, dropping from 120,000 to 60,000. Some experts fear Venice could become a ghost town by 2030, with only tourists visiting during the day.

However, Venice isn't about to disappear underwater anytime soon. Engineers are constantly working on solutions to preserve this irreplaceable city.

Bridge Heaven

Venice is known for its bridges. There are 417 bridges in the city, 72 of which are private. The Grand Canal, the city's main waterway, is crossed by only four bridges.

No Cars Allowed

In Venice, boats replace cars, and canals replace roads. Once you reach the city center, you won’t see any cars. It's all about boats and walking in this unique city.

Flooding and Resilience: Living with the Lagoon

Venice' unique location also means it has to contend with occasional flooding. The city's main island experiences high water roughly four times a year, typically during the fall and winter months. Venetians have adapted to this reality, using raised walkways and special boots to navigate these periods.

Exquisite Craftsmanship: The Legacy of Venetian Lace

A walk down any Venetian street will likely reveal a glimpse of intricate lace adorning windows and shops. The island of Burano is particularly famous for its lace-making tradition, a craft passed down through generations. The delicate threads are a testament to Venetian skill and artistry.

A City Steeped in Tradition: Celebrating on the Water

Venice has a long and rich history of water-based events. Every first Sunday of September, the city comes alive with the Venetian Historic Regatta. This exciting boat race boasts a long tradition, dating back to the 15th century.

A Wealthy Empire

Venice was once an independent empire, lasting from 697 AD to 1797 AD. During the 14th century, it was the wealthiest city in Europe, controlling trade between Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Venice’s influence extended to Crete and along the Balkan coastlines.

Fun Gondola Facts

Venice is famous for its gondolas. There are about 350 gondolas and 400 gondolier in the city. Each gondola is around 11 meters long and weighs about 600 kilos. These iconic boats are a must-experience for any visitor.

Canals in Venice

Venice's Grand Canal is crossed by only 4 bridges: the Rialto Bridge (oldest and grandest), the wooden Ponte dell'Accademia, the Ponte degli Scalzi near the train station, and the modern Ponte della Costituzione. In total, Venice has 177 canals with the Grand Canal being the largest, splitting the city in two.

Rialto Market: Venice’s 1,000-Year-Old Shopping Spree

The Rialto Market, just steps from the famous Rialto Bridge, has been buzzing since 1097! This nearly 1,000-year-old market was a big deal during the Venetian Empire, selling everything from spices and jewels to food and animals. It's a must-see, bursting with history and culture!

An Ancient Independent Empire

Venice wasn't always a charming tourist destination. For centuries, it was a powerful and independent republic, reigning from the 7th to the 18th centuries. During its peak, Venice controlled a vast maritime empire, stretching from the eastern shores of the Adriatic to the island of Crete. This legacy of trade and power is still evident in the city's grand architecture and cultural treasures.

More than souvenirs: Venetian masks hid secrets

Venetian masks aren't just a pretty face for your shelf! These intriguing disguises have a history of longer than 1,000 years. Back in the day, they weren't just for Carnival.

They were used to hide identities during secretive activities, they’re now iconic at the Venetian Carnival. You can snag a small mask for 3€, or splurge on a stunning hand-crafted one for thousands.