It’s not hard to fall in love with Venice. It’s one of the most spectacular cities on the planet. A place filled with colourful architecture, pretty waterways and a glittering lagoon. Where else in the world would you reach historic palazzos, and museums by boat, travelling along and endless maze of picturesque canals?
So, it’s hardly surprising to hear Venice is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. It’s packed with unforgettable sights, art galleries, museums and restaurants… plus a charm like no other European city. However, there are plenty of secrets lurking beneath the surface of this intriguing city.
1. Venice is built on wood
Those breathtaking piazzas and opulent buildings are all the more impressive when you look around and notice that it’s all rising from the water. How was the city built on such fluid foundations? Before Venice became what we know it is today, the area was a muddy, marshy lagoon with all the islands spread across its swampy plains. To transform it into the floating city that it’s now known as, early settlers had to drain the lagoon and dig the canals. They installed wooden stakes, or logs, to line them and create a barrier, which also lay on hard clay beneath. They then built wooden platforms on top of the stakes and put stone on top of those. Venice’s buildings are built on these foundations.
2. Venice is known for its lace and glass
Specifically, Venice’s most famous hand-crafted lace comes from the outlying island of Burano, while the best of its iconic glass is made on the outlying island of Murano. You can visit both islands today. Throughout the centuries, these artisanal products have found their way around the world, including into the hands of several monarchs (including Henry VIII) and even a handful of popes!
3. The word ‘ciao’ originated in Venice
One of the most fun facts about Venice is that the most famous Italian greeting actually originated in the city. ‘Ciao’ well and truly transcends the city – it’s a greeting you’ll hear across the globe. Its origins stem from the Venetian greeting ‘s-ciavo vostro’, meaning ‘your slave’. This was later truncated until it formed the word ‘ciao’!
4. Venice has one of the world’s narrowest streets
You’re guaranteed a great view no matter where you walk in Venice. While you’re wandering along its 150 canals and 400 footbridges, you can find one of the world’s narrowest streets. Calletta Varisco measures just 53cm – or 21 inches – across. This is definitely not a route for strolling hand in hand with your lover.
5. The Rialto Market is nearly 1000 years old!
The Rialto Market, located just steps from the famous Rialto Bridge, was founded in 1097 and has been an important part of the cultural landscape of Venice ever since. During the Venetian Empire, the Rialto Market was one of the largest and most powerful in the world. Spices, jewels, food, cloth, and animals both the east and the west were sold to buyers from all over Europe and beyond.
