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The history of Venice like the city itself is unique and begins around 400 A.D.

The Founding of Venice: A Story of Fear and Survival

The first people to settle in the Venetian Lagoon were frightened men coming form the nearby Italian mainland. For centuries these people had enjoyed prosperous lives in a chain of splendid cities of the Roman Empire strung along the north-eastern shores of the Adriatic.

But, in the early years of the fifth century with the collapse of the Roman Empire and barbarians sweeping down from northern Europe, their communities were thrown into chaos. The populations of these towns fled before the Goths, seeking a refuge where their enemies could not follow them. And so, the history of Venice began.

As further waves of invaders swept across the mainland, more and more people sought sanctuary in the channels and shoals of the lagoon. Although, as each wave of invaders passed, so people would return to the mainland to try to resume their own lives.

When Was Venice Founded?

According to tradition, Venice formally came into existence at the stroke of noon on the 25th March, 421 A.D. But, it wasn't until around 450 A.D. that large numbers of people decided to settle permanently in the lagoon.

The arrival of Attila the Hun, and the devastation his forces caused on the mainland were enough to help the inhabitants finally realize that to try to continue to live on the mainland was no longer possible. In fact, many of the refugees found their new lives in the lagoon more congenial than they had expected.

Living in a refuge that was both uneviable and inaccessible; where there enemies lacking both ships and a knowledge of sea could not follow; the geographical isolation of these early Venetians enabled them to enjoy an indepedence from the successive upheavals by which Italy was now being shaken.

How Venice Was Built

Early Venetians lived like sea birds, their land secured only by osier and wattle. The one great wealth that the Venetians enjoyed was the fish and salt from the lagoon, which gave them the power to purchase those things that they did not possess.

For nearly 1400 years, the two or three miles of shallow water separating Venice from mainland Italy, had not only protected Venice from invaders but effectively isolated the Venetians from the Italian political life.

Untouched by the papalist and imperialist warfare, feudalism and territorial squabbles; they fixed there attention towards the East and the rich markets of the Levantine and Constantinople. And so began the great mercantile empire of the Venetian Republic.

A city built from fear, was soon to be heralded as the most dazzlingly beautiful city in the world. While the Florentines were regarded as great thinkers, the Venetians should be regarded as great doer's. For they alone conquered the malaria-ridden swamps to build a city from nothing.

How Long Did It Take to Build Venice? 

Building Venice was a monumental task that spanned generations. The initial settlement in the 5th century began with wooden houses built on posts driven into the lagoon's sandy bottom. Over the next 400 years, Venetians gradually developed their unique foundation system, using millions of wooden piles to support stone buildings. Each major structure required years of careful engineering to ensure stability in the challenging lagoon environment.

When Did Venice Become Part of Italy?

Venice's journey to becoming part of Italy was marked by dramatic change. After nearly 1,000 years of independence, the Republic fell to Napoleon in 1797. The city then passed between French and Austrian control until 1866, when Venice finally joined the newly unified Kingdom of Italy through a public referendum, marking the end of its sovereignty but the beginning of its role in modern Italy.

Experience Venice's Living History Through Our Guided Tours

Our Original Venice Walking Tour is the perfect introduction to Venice, through which the first-time visitor is subtly introduced to the beauty and complex history of the world's longest existing Republic.

The architectural and artistic treasures to be found throughout the city of Venice, reflect a continual process of enrichment through which the Venetians showed their great sense of nationalism at a time when the rest of Europe was in chaos.

Our Doge's Palace Walk introduces you to the political and social institutions that made Venice by far the most liberal and free state in Europe during the Middle ages. Along with the richly decorated chambers of the Palace that provide the perfect introduction to the great artists of Venice.

Modern day Venice is still an intriguing and mystifying city to visit. Its great history seems to reasonant throughout the whole city. Traditions and festivals continue throughout the calendar year marking events from the rich history of Venice, the Queen of the Sea.