Did You Know?

Did you know that Venice is home to the world's oldest operating casino? The Casino di Venezia, located in the Palazzo Vendramin-Calergi, opened in 1638 and continues to welcome visitors to try their luck at various games of chance in a historic setting.

Did you know that Venice experiences an annual phenomenon called "Acqua Alta"? During certain times of the year, particularly in winter, high tides cause flooding in some parts of the city. Wooden walkways, known as "pontoon" bridges, are temporarily set up to allow pedestrians to navigate through the flooded areas.

Did you know that Venice has over 400 footbridges? These bridges play a crucial role in connecting different parts of the city, spanning the canals and allowing pedestrians to move around. The most famous and iconic bridge in Venice is the Rialto Bridge, which dates back to the late 16th century.

Did you know that Venice is known as the "Floating City" or "City of Water"? This nickname is due to the absence of roads and cars within the historic center of Venice. Instead, transportation is primarily conducted by boats and water taxis, making it a truly distinctive and charming city to explore.

Venice, Italy is built on more than 100 small islands and has over 400 bridges connecting them all together. The city has no roads, only canals and footpaths.

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Explore The Pristine Architectural Marvel And Symbol Of Venetian Power: Doge's Palace

Scenic view of the stunning Doge's Palace in Venice, Italy

Throughout its many centuries as a city or city-state (before it became part of Italy proper in 1866), Venice has enjoyed and endured many forms of government. At one extended point in its history, it was ruled by the Doge (pronounced Dough-zsh), a “royal consanguinity” leader. This rule came to an end for good at the time of the Napoleonic occupation of Venice in 1797.

This ornate, Italian Gothic building is as detailed inside as out, and served to house the Doge(s) and his family in glorious apartments, as well as host various government offices. It is connected directly to Saint Mark’s Cathedral, for ease of family worship (and privacy), and leads out to the spacious Piazza San Marco. It straddles the Grand Canal.

Built in 1340, it took years to complete, and has been refurbished and reconstructed many times, due to structural failure and frequent fires over the last 700 years. Since 1934, it has operated as a museum, of one 11 in the city. Such a lavish and lovely building, the Doge’s Palace has been mimicked in building designs in the United Kingdom and the U.S.A.