Did You Know?

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.

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 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 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.

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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San Giorgio Maggiore: The Architectural Marvel

This island, just south of the main area of Venice, and on the Venetian Lagoon, is virtually all church and churchyard. It once housed a monastery, and is still a functioning place of worship with masses conducted in the Gregorian chant manner; its design, by Andrea Palladia (who died before it was completed in the 1500s) is in the Benedictine vernacular.

Visible from the core of the city of Venice, San Giorgio Maggiore has been captured on canvas by artists, including Monet. But its inside-housed works of art are staggering, and valuable beyond expression; masterpieces of Tintoretto and Carpaccio are among them.

Accessible by water-bus, this church-scape island is about both religion and art. It makes for a peaceful outing from the buzz of Venice proper, and affords spectacular views. Take time to explore and study the classic interior in the form of a Latin cross with a nave and two isles. A sanctuary in the Lagoon.