How to Describe Venice and What Makes This City Special
When asked to describe Venice, words like "unique," "magical," and "extraordinary" come naturally to mind. What is Venice famous for? From its maze of canals to its stunning architecture, Venice stands as one of the world's most remarkable cities. What makes Venice so special is not just its physical beauty, but its incredible history and enduring charm that continue to captivate visitors from around the globe.
Here, Italian tour experts - Avventure Bellissime - explain what makes Venice such a unique city and why it remains one of Europe's most popular destinations.
How to Describe Venice: A City Built on Water
Venice was founded over 1,500 years ago on 117 different islands that are linked by 150 canals and around 400 bridges and pavements. Venice is a floating city built on the islands of a swampy lagoon on the Adriatic coast.
The buildings are supported by, and built upon, oak and pine piles that are driven deep into the ground. They are secure because the soil is so water logged that there’s no free oxygen in it, so there’s no decay.
What Makes Venice Special: A Story of Survival
The city exudes confidence. It is a series of islands and so is at risk of flooding, but that has never stopped the Venetians building the most spectacular buildings and structures here.
It survived Napoleon, and World War 1, when it became a naval base, which increased its risk of enemy attack. It also came through World War 2, and an Allied attack on German naval operations in the city.
Also, as the crowds thin out in the evening, Venice reveals its mysterious side. A Small Group Venice Legends, Anecdotes and Ghost stories offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's darker history and hidden corners.
Venice Description: A Pioneer City
Venice is a pioneering city because it has been built on water. It’s a unique way to construct a city. But, what is also unusual is that the city seems to have had full confidence in these building methods because it built things like beautiful marble palaces and churches on these foundations and never worried about their survival.
In a further demonstration of its pioneering status - when the plague struck, the city invented the concept of quarantine. It was in Venice that the ‘assembly line’ approach to manufacturing – in this case, shipbuilding – was invented.
What is Venice Famous For: Water at its Heart
When you visit Venice, you will see that water is incorporated into the life of the city since Venice is made up of 117 different islands. All holidays in Venice will involve a water-based trip of some kind – whether it’s on the Vaperetto or aboard a gondola. While it might seem touristy, a private gondola ride in Venice in the quieter canals, away from the Grand Canal traffic, is still one of the most charming ways to see Venice.
The most famous water based landmark is the city’s Grand Canal. Its banks are lined with the city’s most famous sights and stories. While everyone knows about the Grand Canal, the smaller canals offer a more intimate view of Venice. A Private Grand Canal & Minor Canals Boat Tour in Venice lets you explore both, showing you hidden corners you'd never find on your own.
Venice Speciality: Local Food
Venice is home to some fabulous food – which is perhaps not that unique in Italy. But, what is unique is its ‘lagoon aquaculture’, which provides the city with speciality seafood and produce that you can’t find elsewhere in Italy. The best way to experience authentic Venice is to explore the less touristy neighborhoods with a local guide, stopping at Rialto Market and traditional bacari for cicchetti tasting - just as Venetians do in their daily life. Join our Private Hidden Venice Tours with Rialto Market & Cicchetti Tour for a taste of authentic Venice.
Top Attractions That Will Make You Understand Why Venice Is So Popular
There is a plentiful supply of attractions, sights, art galleries and museums in Venice. Some of those that make it stand out as a unique destination are:
- Rialto Bridge – the best place to view the Grand Canal.
- Basilica San Marco – the well-known and beautiful church that’s associated with Venice. It is located in San Marco – one of Venice’s six districts – and this district is associated with tourists.
- Piazza San Marco – the square in the heart of Venice that Napoleon once referred to as ‘the finest drawing room in Europe’.
- Palazzo Ducale/ Doge’s Palace – a stunning and beautiful example of gothic architecture. The Doge's Palace is impressive on its own, but the Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries Tour in Venice reveals fascinating hidden chambers and passages that tell the real story of how Venice was governed.
- Accademia Gallery – the world’s greatest collection of Venetian paintings. Napoleon moved all of Venice’s great art here in 1807.
If you only have one day in Venice, consider exploring the main highlights with a local guide in a Venice City Tour in 1 Day: St Mark's Basilica, the historic center, and a Grand Canal boat ride will give you an excellent overview of the city. Also, you need to know that Venice's ever-changing light and reflections make it a photographer's dream. A Private Venice Photography Tour can help you find the best spots and angles, especially during the quieter early morning hours.
Hidden Treasures That Give You More Reasons Why You Should Visit Venice
Beyond the famous landmarks, Venice holds many special spots that make it unique:
- Secret Gardens: Despite being built on water, Venice contains numerous hidden gardens behind palace walls. Most visitors don't realize that Venice hides beautiful private gardens behind its palace walls. Exploring these green oases in a Private Guided Venice Secret Garden Tour offers a peaceful break from the busy streets and a unique perspective on Venetian life.
- Squeri: Traditional gondola boatyards where these iconic boats are still built and repaired
- Bacari: Traditional Venetian wine bars where locals enjoy cicchetti (Venetian tapas)
Why Visit Venice With Local Experts?
If you would like to visit Venice – one of Europe’s most unique destinations, then Avventure Bellissime – the Italian holiday experts - are definitely best placed to help you make the most of your time in the city. We offer a selection of tours in Venice – from a classic one-day tour to personalised and private tour options. We make it our business to help people have the best holidays in Italy.
Visit tours-italy.com for more information. We have been running perfect Italian tours since 1999 and are experts in making visitors to Italy get the best possible experience of the country.
For more information on holidays to Italy, from information on the best destinations through to interesting facts on the country, be sure to check out our travel blog at Avventure Bellissime.
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