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Updated by Rome Abroad on Mar 21, 2018
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12 Things You Didn't Know About Venice

Listly by Rome Abroad

Venice is one of the most famous cities in the world. For those who travel to Italy, Venice is on the must-see list along with Rome and Florence. Here are some interesting facts about the ancient gem of Italy.

For those who speak English, traveling is easy with current opportunities. You can see the greatest cities of Italy including Venice, by applying to be an English speaker with a local famliy through Rome Abroad services.

1

The ancient city has over 170 canals.

The ancient city has over 170 canals.

#venice #italy #canals

2

There are about 170 bell towers in Venice.

There are about 170 bell towers in Venice.

Image courtesy of Radomił Binek via Wikimedia Commons.

3

Over 18 million tourists visit the small city each year.

Over 18 million tourists visit the small city each year.

That’s about 50,000 visitors each day!

4

Venice has a TON of nicknames.

Venice has a TON of nicknames.

"Queen of the Adriatic", "City of Bridges", "City of Masks", "City of Water","City of Canals” and “The Floating City” just to name a few.

5

During November and December, ‘Acqua Alta’ (the Venetian term for ‘high water’) occurs.

During November and December, ‘Acqua Alta’ (the Venetian term for ‘high water’) occurs.

Tidal activity is the cause of this annoying problem for Venetians. Today, Venice has ‘Mose,’ a unique engineering project which keeps the water from flooding too much.

6

Venice has over 116 islands in its region.

Venice has over 116 islands in its region.
7

From the 1300s until the 1500s, Venice’s Republic was the most powerful force in the Mediterranean region.

From the 1300s until the 1500s, Venice’s Republic was the most powerful force in the Mediterranean region.
8

Venice’s city structure came out of necessity

Venice’s city structure came out of necessity

In order to defend themselves from barbarian invations, the ancient inhabitants saw the large archipelago as primetime real estate with a built-in defense (it was hard for invaders to attack a city both on water and land). Talk about the perfect place to live.
#venice #italy #travel #free #english #aupair

9

The buildings aren’t actually built on land.

The buildings aren’t actually built on land.

Althought the city was built on an existing archipelago, the city’s architecture is supported on series of wooden platforms which are secured in the sea. Venetians did this because the small islands themselves were not strong enough to support regular-sized buildings.

10

Venice is sinking at the rate of 1-2 millimeters a year.

Venice is sinking at the rate of 1-2 millimeters a year.
11

Surprisingly, 2010 was the first year Venice had a female gondolier.

Surprisingly, 2010 was the first year Venice had a female gondolier.
12

There are over 400 gondoliers in the city.

There are over 400 gondoliers in the city.

#gondolier #venice #travel #romeabroad #italy