Founded out of the necessity of fleeing the Barbarian Invasion in the 6th Century, Venice was already one of the most powerful cities in Europe around the year 1000. Beginning with the first settlements on the islands of Torcello, Iesolo and Malamocco, the city successively devel...
Founded out of the necessity of fleeing the Barbarian Invasion in the 6th Century, Venice was already one of the most powerful cities in Europe around the year 1000. Beginning with the first settlements on the islands of Torcello, Iesolo and Malamocco, the city successively developed over 118 different islands, eventually becoming an important political, cultural and commercial center. Testimonials of the power of the Marine Republic of Venice are still visible today, including its splendid piazzas, bridges, and palaces, inside of which are preserved the timeless artworks of Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese and many others.
The most famous place in Venice is, without a doubt, Piazza San Marco or St. Mark’s Square, the center, from which rises the homonymous, five-domed St. Mark’s Basilica. The bronze horses that dominate its main entrance were brought to Venice from Constantinople after the Fourth Crusade in 1204. Its interior is covered with mosaics (mostly in gold) that recount scenes from the Bible. The Basilica originally served as the chapel for the Doges of the Republic of Venice.