Interesting facts about Venice | Exploring “City of Canals” in 2024
Most Frequently Asked Questions About Venice
Whether you say Magical. Breathtaking, or Serene, Venice is something which captivates the visitors attention from every corner of the world. Popularly known as “City of Canals” this city is beyond what is just said. This popular Italian city is also known for its bridges, gondola rides, romantic streets and carnivals. But most of the travelers are unaware about some of the hidden facts about this beautiful city and that’s the thing which makes them curious about discovering this city. Here we are revealing some of the facts which are frequently asked by tourists.
Revealing the facts about Venice
Venice is definitely one of those cities that tourists want to visit once in their life. But, definitely it is a city like no other as it is a beautiful home of architectural gems and mesmerizing canals. Due to its rich history, it is a perfect blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. Hence we are acknowledging some of the questions and mentioning the interesting facts about this beautiful city,
“Venice is the city of mirrors, the city of mirages, at once solid and liquid, at once air and stone
When was Venice originally built?
It is widely heard that construction of Venice started in the 5th century AD after the decline of the Roman Empire. And the fleeing of refugees to Germanic and Hun invaders led to their settlement to 124 islands, mainly Torcello. With time when Torcello harbor began blocking up with silt, the trade shifted to Venice. But this story was declared as a myth when historians found out that this city already existed in Ancient Roman times. Workers that time needed a place to live in for salt production and fishing, Venice expansion gave them opportunity to do so. Many workers relocated to Torcello in 5th and 6th centuries AD, but in the early 9th century AD, duke (doge) Giustiniano Participazio moved the ducal palace from the island of Lido to the island of Rivo Alto–known today as Rialto. After that, Venice expansion continued until it became the magical city of canals.
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How deep is the water in Venice?
The depth of the water in Venice’s canals varies by canals like Grande canal has depth between 0 – 2 meters (7 feet) and other main canals are about 5 meters (16.5 feet) on average. And the surprising fact is, the deepest spot is over 50 meters (160 + feet). And the fact that you must know about it is if you feel like diving into the canals and taking a deep bath, then don;t do it as it is against the law and you will be fined.
Which building is the oldest in Venice?
Torcello Cathedral popularly known as Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta on the island of Torcello is regarded as the oldest building in Venice, originally dating to the 600s AD. This renowned church is an incredible example of Late Paleochristian architecture containing the earliest mosaics in the area of Venice. Although the original building is no longer, you can still catch a glimpse of this marvelous structure through its century gold styles.
Why it is known as “City of Canals”
Venice is proudly regarded as “The Floating City” because of its spectacular 118 islands. And the interesting fact is, there are 150 canals running through Venice which makes the city a beautiful getaway amidst the bridges and walkways. The largest of these canals is the S-shaped Grand Canal as it divides the city into two parts. The popularity and diversity of canals has been the reason behind giving the city a title of “City of Canlas”.
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Are Venice’s canals manmade?
There is always curiosity about Venice’s canal, whether they are manmade or not, and what’s the history behind their formation? The answer is very interesting and takes you back to the time when Venice was founded in the 5th century..
The place where Venice stands, there was a large lagoon with several marshy islands separated by canals. Along with time, the establishment started expanding which led to development of wider and deeper canals that allowed the buildings to move around the lagoon. Over the centuries, canals were reinforced with bricks by the inhabitants. So, this shows that canals were once natural; they just changed significantly over the years.
Do Venice’s canals freeze over in winter?
Yes. Venice’s canals can certainly freeze and what’s more amazing is they look extremely stunning. However, this phenomenon is rare due to the increasing heat from the city, transiting climate and saline nature of lagoon water. For these reasons, instances of freezing of the canals is decreasing with time. The last time Venice’s canals froze was in 2012.
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What is famous about Basilica di San Marco?
Have you heard a story about stolen bones? If not, then Basilica di san marco is the outline.Popular as St. Mark’s Cathedral, it was originally built in 828 to house the bones of St. Mark the Evangelist. The bones were once stolen by Venetian merchant from Alexandria. Though the original building was destroyed in 976 due to a fire accident, the present form of Basilica was built in the 11th century.
Why are their Winged lions all over Venice?
When you Visit Venice, you might have seen winged lions symbol or statue at various places, right? But do you know the reason? It’s because the Winged lion is the symbol of Venice representing the Lion of St. Mark the Evangelist. From selling in shops in any other form or giving it as a prize, it holds huge importance in the city. Not just this, it is also the sculpture atop one of the granite columns in the Piazza San Marco. After Napoleon conquered Venetian republic, he moved the sculpture to Paris which was returned again to Venice in 1815.
Why Venetian masks are so popular?
In every corner of the venice market, the shops are full of exquisitely- made masks for sale. But do you know why? This all began around the 12th century when Venetians began wearing these masks in their daily lives to decrease the class gap between upper and lower sections in society. Through the time, these masks became part of parties from christmas to beginning of lent, which evolved into Venice Carnevale. After the collapse of Venetian republic, the king of Austria banned Carnevale and the wearing of these masks, which was revived in 1979.
Was Venice really wealthy?
Being a medieval city, Venice held the pristine position at the head of the Adriatic sea, due to which it became wealthy during the Middle ages and Renaissance. It started trading in salt, silk and spices which transformed its economy at a huge level. Shipbuilding also became a major part of its economy, And that’s how the city became home to one of the largest industrial complexes of Europe.
*** So, we have enlisted some of the most historically important facts that tourists are eager to know. If you Visit Venice, you will feel that Venice is full of stories and secrets to discover. A city of your dream exploration!
A well-known.. floating city,
Romantic… and pretty!
Aura… so serene,
Lion… it’s pristine!
Carnivals….a joy,
Rides…. to enjoy….
Churches…to confess,
Streets…. to Impress!……
Is a visa mandatory to Visit Venice?
Such interesting stories and facts might have created a dream plan in your mind or those canals might have captured your interest, there is something at every corner of Venice. If this is an add on in your travel list, then you might be searching for reliable agencies or companies where you can get visa stress free. To sail around those waterways, you will need a visa as per the rules which states that it is mandatory to carry a Italy Schengen visa while you Visit Venice.
To make your dream visit to Venice come true with an authentic schengen visa, we are here.
- Go through the website thoroughly and read all the instructions.
- Follow the step by step procedure and initiate the online application form after fee payment.
- We will be booking your slot with Visa center
- On the day of appointment, your documents and biometric data will be verified.
- After successful verification, you will get your visa within 10-15 working days.
Conclusion
There are dozens of charming spots around the city that make it an ideal destination for tourists from all over the world.
If you are planning a trip to this majestic Italian city, then don;t forget to apply for a Schengen visa appointment, because a delay can spoil your joy plus add on the trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is not just a single thing about Venice’s popularity. Its canals, striking architecture, unique masks, styl;ish bridges are among the main attractions.
During the 5th century, people fled their homes to avoid conquerors, who then shifted to marshy lagoons just off the mainland. This expansion leads to the development of the city near canals.
Yes. It is mandatory to have a Schengen visa if you want to explore the city stress free.
Yes, the visa process is just a click away. You can apply for the schengen visa online and get your visa in 10-15 working days with us.
