Venice

Founded around the 8th century AD and built on more than 118 little islands, Venice's mascot is the lion of Saint Mark.

Venice is surrounded by one of the most ecologically rich bodies of water in the Mediterranean - the Laguna Véneta, or Venetian Lagoon.

This beautiful and mysterious city of winding canals, palazzos and churches hosts one of the world's great carnivals in February. It is also a shoppers' paradise renowned for its glassblowing, lace and designer stores.

Honeymoons in Venice are de rigeur and culture vultures flock here in their thousands.

Events calendar

Christmas in the Lagoon

Dec 2008 (annual), Campo Santo Stefano

Venice's Campo Santo Stefano becomes a Christmas village during the festive season. Along with a colourful market, around 30 "virtual palaces" (miniature wooden Alpine stalls) are set up in the bustling historic square near the Accademia and the Palazzo Grassi. more »

International Theatre Festival

27 Oct - 27 Nov 2008 (various dates), Teatro Alle Tese

For the first time Venice's International Theatre Festival, directed by Maurizio Scaparro, is preceded by the International Theatre Laboratory with both events presenting the theme "The Mediterranean". Performances take place at the Piccolo Teatro Arsenale, among other venues. more »

Feast of Good Health

21 Nov 2008 (annual), Chiesa della Salute

The Feast of Good Health, Festa della Salute, is celebrated every year as thousands of Venetians take a boat pilgrimage to the majestic Chiesa della Salute church to pay tribute to the Madonna and pray for good health. more »

See more events »

	Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
	The world's most celebrated train carries passengers across Europe in the style of a bygone era. more »

	Hotel Cipriani
	The Cipriani is one of the world's most exclusive hotels overlooking the basin of St Mark's. more »

	Venetian Interlude
	Experience the perfect three-night romantic escape in Italy's most discerning hotel. more »

	Cip's Club
	This elegant, yet informal restaurant enjoys a splendid view of St Mark's Square and the beautiful lagoon. more »

	The Cipriani Cooking School
	Hotel Cipriani's fine cuisine, a long-lasting and successful tradition at the hotel. more »

Orient Express Luxury TravelOcip Map Venice

Language: Italian

Currency: Euro

Climate: Winter is quiet and a good time to see a relatively-tourist-free Venice. Icy temperatures and mists should be expected. Summer can be extremely hot.

Culture: The blend of Byzantine, Gothic architecture offers splendid palaces (palazzi) and churches, as well as Renaissance art in the form of frescoes, paintings and mosaics. Works by Leonardo da Vinci, Bellini and Titian adorn many of Venice's walls.

Places to visit: St Mark's Basilica, Gallerie dell'Accademia, the Doge's Palace, Grand Canal, Ponte di Rialto, Ca' d'Oro.

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