HOW VENICE WAS BUILT

Today, Venice stands as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Although, its started very differently. During the medieval period Venice developed into a republic due to its unique location. It is located at the top of the Adriatic Sea which is positioned between Italy and Yugoslavia (or as we now know it as Croatia). The city had great commercial and naval power and trading stability. Venice had 3 things, power, position and stability and due to this it played a key role between western Europe and the Byzantine Empire and further East which allowed the city to develop and flourish. Venetian merchants sold Italian grain and wine. The earliest success from Venetian’s was the trade of salt that harvested from the lagoons. This set the foundation for their trade for years to come. 

Many people say that Venice was built on water. In fact, it was built on a swamp. At the time it was more suited to a harbor for fishing not to build a city. During 5th century, Barbarians tried to take over the wealth of Rome by invading the Roman Empire. This pushed the Venetian population out on to the island and lagoons for refuge. More refugees moved to the sandy shores growing the population. They looked to strengthen, drain, enlarge and protect their land. They dug hundreds of canals to help the water flow. The direct use of stone would sink into the swamp, so they used wooden pillars in the ground to create a solid foundation to build on. This is how the city was once built and now it is home to some of the most beautiful architecture.

The Grand Canal is Venice’s largest water traffic passage that runs through the middle of the city. The Grand Canal is shaped in an S. At one end is the Santa Lucia railway station and the other at the basin of San Marco. Riding along the Grand Canal you will come across the Rialto Bridge.This is theoldest bridge across the canal. It is renowned for its architectural and engineering achievement of the Renaissance. Another great thing to look out for on your journey down the grand canal is the art installation called ‘Support’.It is a large pair of white hands coming out the water. The hands are holding up a historic hotel from falling into the Grand Canal. The piece of art symbolises the treat of climate change and the power man kind has to prevent it. 

The other main attraction in Venice is the St Marks Basilica. This building is truly beautiful to look at and is a prime example of Italo-Byzantine architecture. The building is one of the oldest in the city standing at 926 years old.If you have the opportunity, go inside you will be blown away with the interior. The basilica sits right outside St Mark's square which is normally filled with tourists and pigeons. If you makeit tothe square you willsee Doge’s Palace. This uniquebuilding has a Venetian Gothic style of architecture. It was founded in 1340 and has been modified over the years. If none of these buildings impress you then you must take a trip up St Mark’s Campanile. This is the most modern building out of the lot. The bell tower stands 99 meters high providing fantastic views over city.