Venice

Lore & Background

The name is derived from the ancient Veneti people who inhabited the region by the 10th century BC. The city was the capital of the Republic of Venice for almost a millennium, from 810 to 1797. It was a major financial and maritime power during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and a staging area for the Crusades and the Battle of Lepanto, as well as an important centre of commerce—especially silk, grain, and spice, and of art from the 13th century to the end of the 17th century. The then-city-state is considered to have been the first real international financial centre, emerging in the 9th century and reaching its greatest prominence in the 14th century. This made Venice a wealthy city throughout most of its history. For centuries, Venice possessed numerous territories along the Adriatic Sea and within the Italian peninsula, leaving a significant impact on the architecture and culture that can still be seen today. The Venetian Arsenal is considered by several historians to be the first factory in history and was the base of Venice's naval power. The sovereignty of Venice came to an end in 1797, at the hands of Napoleon. Subsequently, in 1866, the city became part of the Kingdom of Italy.

In Their Own Story

The rain fell in sheets over Venice, turning the canals into mirrors of the city's dim lights. Sly crouched on a gargoyle, watching the Contessa's villa across the square. Inside, Carmelita was under her spell, and the Clockwerk beak was locked in a vault below. Bentley's voice crackled in his ear: "Sly, the guards are patrolling in pairs. You'll need to take them out silently." Sly grinned, flipping his cane. "Silent is my middle name, Bentley." He dropped onto a gondola, drifting through the shadows toward the villa's back entrance. The night was young, and Venice—with its labyrinth of canals, dripping arches, and hidden alcoves—was his to command.

Reader's Guide

Venice is a very popular tourist destination and a major cultural centre. The city faces challenges including overtourism, pollution, tide peaks, and cruise ships sailing too close to buildings. Because Venice and its lagoon are under constant threat, Venice's UNESCO listing has been under constant examination.

Did You Know?

• Venice is built on 126 islands linked by 472 bridges.
• The city proper has 249,466 inhabitants as of 2025, with nearly 50,000 living in the historical island city.
• Venice has been known as 'La Serenissima', 'Queen of the Adriatic', and 'The Floating City'.
• The Venetian Arsenal is considered by several historians to be the first factory in history.
• Venice is the birthplace of Baroque composers Tomaso Albinoni and Antonio Vivaldi.