Venice: Information Resource Portal

Venice is a city of more than 100 islands in a marshy region off the eastern coast of Italy in the Adriatic Sea. Because the land under the city is incapable of supporting structures, buildings are constructed on millions of pilings-poles made from alder trees-that are driven through the marsh into a solid base of sand and clay beneath. There are no streets in Venice; its world-famous canals serve as "roads" to transport people and goods throughout the city.

At least 2000 years ago, hunters and fisherman were living on the mudflats of the lagoon on which modern Venice is built. Following the collapse of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, Venice became a sanctuary for citizens fleeing the Goths who lacked ships and a knowledge of sea travel. In 697, Venice elected its first Doge (Duke) and created a new government: the Dogado. By the 12th century, Venice had evolved into a city-state, and its strategic position allowed it to become the center of trade between Western Europe and the rich markets of the Byrantine Empire.

Satellite View of Venice By the 16th century, Venice had become one of the most important centers of the arts in the world. Today, it remains a cultural destination for tourists seeking to get in touch with the unique atmosphere of the city.

Venice enjoys a temperate climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Due to its location on the Adriatic coast, Venice often experiences thunderstorms and rain showers which, particularly in spring and autumn, tend to cause flooding. Snowfall during the winter months is rare.






	Venice Fast Facts History Government Geography Attractions Hotels	Venice is a city of more than 100 islands in a marshy region off the eastern coast of Italy in the Adriatic Sea. Because the land under the city is incapable of supporting structures, buildings are constructed on millions of pilings-poles made from alder trees-that are driven through the marsh into a solid base of sand and clay beneath. There are no streets in Venice; its world-famous canals serve as "roads" to transport people and goods throughout the city. At least 2000 years ago, hunters and fisherman were living on the mudflats of the lagoon on which modern Venice is built. Following the collapse of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, Venice became a sanctuary for citizens fleeing the Goths who lacked ships and a knowledge of sea travel. In 697, Venice elected its first Doge (Duke) and created a new government: the Dogado. By the 12th century, Venice had evolved into a city-state, and its strategic position allowed it to become the center of trade between Western Europe and the rich markets of the Byrantine Empire. By the 16th century, Venice had become one of the most important centers of the arts in the world. Today, it remains a cultural destination for tourists seeking to get in touch with the unique atmosphere of the city. Venice enjoys a temperate climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Due to its location on the Adriatic coast, Venice often experiences thunderstorms and rain showers which, particularly in spring and autumn, tend to cause flooding. Snowfall during the winter months is rare.

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