"Venezia" a Venice Travel Page by MM212

... is a city like no other. Its unusual setting, floating on a lagoon, makes it one of the world's most spectacular cities. Its palaces, churches and museums speak of a glorious history that is relived with facility, for save the sound of motorboats and chattering tourists, the city has changed little in centuries. Venice was the capital of an independent maritime power that lasted a millennium, beginning before the transfer of Saint Mark's relics from Egypt in 828 AD until the Napoleonic occupation in 1797. Throughout its history, Venice was uncomfortably wedged between east and west, yet it skilfully managed the delicate balance between Rome and Constantinople, war and trade, religion and diplomacy. Its long supremacy over the eastern Mediterranean waters, and dominance over trade with the Byzantine Empire and the Islamic world, brought great wealth that far exceeded anything known in Christian Europe, making Venice the most prosperous city on the continent. Venice continued to shine as a centre of knowledge, art and much-desired industries, even as its trade declined after the discovery of the Cape of Good Hope by the Portuguese, as its power waned in the face of the expanding Ottoman Empire, and as its population was decimated by waves of the plague. Still it survived, but it was left to Napoleon to finally bring an end to la Serenissima Repubblica di Venezia.

While it had always been high on my wishlist, the idea of visiting Venice in November 2005 materialised suddenly and with little advance planning. It was inspired by the newly introduced direct flights from New York to Venice (hey, why not?) and the willingness of a friend to join, but having heard so much about the floating city over the years, what I feared most was disappointment. Yet Venice surpassed my expectations. With its distinctive identity, magical ambiance, unique architecture and fascinating history, (and despite the hordes of tourists) I found Venezia to be extraordinary, mesmerising, and inspiring. Finally, I understood why artists fell in love with Venice, and why paintings of Venice were in such demand.

My return to Venice was in late April 2009, for a quick weekend trip while I was spending spring in Italy. The longer days, brighter light and warmer days were certainly a plus, but the city was much more intolerably crowded with tourists. I have since updated this page with new photographs and a more detailed narrative.