Venice is a city of romance, if not, the city of romance, its long history having given time for magnificent architecture to arise and its resting on water ensuring a distinctiveness and no small amount of intrigue. Situated in the north-east of Italy Venice is the home of gondolas, grand canal palaces, many tourists throughout the year and a labyrinth of canals. It is also a centre for art and culture; it is known for its long-running association with classic music (Vivaldi was born here) while it is home to the most artistic masterpieces per square kilometre.

No fewer than 117 islands come together to make up Venice in this saltwater lagoon on the fringe of the Adriatic Sea. Venice is capital of the Veneto region and is known throughout the world as a beautiful and romantic city. The city has a number of nicknames with one of the most prevalent being La Serenissima which is Italian for ‘the most serene’ and this gives some clues as to the reputation Venice has built up. Other nicknames include the Queen of the Adriatic, the City of Water, the City of Bridges and the floating city.

It was in the year 726AD that the people of Venice elected their first doge, or duke, when the grip of the Byzantines began to slip away. Prior to this a loose federation had been built around the lagoon islands but this brought them together even more. Over the years Venice became known as something of a cosmopolitan city with even Jews finding a place of refuge in the north Italian city. In the mid-15th century the wealth of Venice was apparent with golden mosaics, silks and incenses (used to disguise the bad smell). When trade dried up as other world routes were explored Venice went along the art path instead and this is also clearly evident throughout the city today. Around Venice there are many familiar sights as well as famous hotels and galleries. At the Piazza San Marco you will find St Mark’s Basilica and the Campanile di San Marco rising above the skyline. Other famous places in the city include the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Academy Gallery. A vast, open-air museum, this is the place to go for lovers of art, history and culture.