by M.A. Dal Cero

Created on: April 04, 2009   Last Updated: July 18, 2009

Venice is a destination that captures the heart and soul of the visitor in a way few places can. Situated on an archipelago consisting of 122 islands connected by 400 bridges, Venice is a city steeped in history and culture. Venice was born in approximately 450 A.D. when the inhabitants of the Venetian cities attempted to escape the Huns and Vandals by seeking refuge on the islands of the Adriatic lagoon. The city eventually rose to become a major maritime force by the 13th century, and by the 15th century, its influence and power had spread over northern Italy and the eastern Mediterranean. Venice was eventually ceded to Italy in 1866 after losing its territories to both the Turks and Austria. The Venice of modern times is a thriving tourist, industrial, and commercial center, and one of the major ports of Italy. The city offers the traveler a destination unique in its charm, beauty, and mystery.

Venice is accessible by car, plane, and train. The train, however, is regarded as the most desirable way to arrive via the Santa Lucia Train Station located at the northwestern point of the city. The main forms of public transportation within the city are the vaporetti, or the more expensive water taxis and famous gondolas. Venice is an extremely pedestrian-friendly city, and visitors can gain a true appreciation and feel for the city by walking through both the main tourist areas and off the beaten path.

Venice's neighborhoods are separated into six sections referred to as sestieri. San Marco, Cannaregio, Castello, Santa Croce, San Polo, and Dorsoduro all offer their own unique charm and attractions. San Marco is the section most visited by tourists, and is the location of Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Campanile, or bell tower. The Cannaregio is the home of the Jewish Ghetto, and is an area largely populated by the residents of Venice, thereby giving it a very local feel. The Castello sestieri is the location of Fondamenta Nove, and the gateway for boats leaving for the islands of Murano, famous for its glass-making industry, and Burano, celebrate for its lace-making industry. Santa Croce is one of the oldest areas of Venice, and one of its least touristy. Next to Santa Croce along the Grand Canal is the San Polo sestieri. San Polo is another of the oldest sections, and is connected to San Marco by the Rialto Bridge. This sestieri is home to many restaurants, bars, shopping, and the Venice fish

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