Getting Ready

The area of modern Venice was defended by the ancient Roman Empire during its earlier centuries, but the first big influx of residents were refugees fleeing invading Germanic tribes (including the Huns) whose power grew after the Empire fell. In the 5^th and 6^th Centuries, these settlers built the first platforms over the mudflats in the Venetian lagoon, and by the early 800s, Byzantine dukes had set up ruling outposts on Rialto Island.

Governing from distant Constantinople, the Byzantines couldn’t hold on to their power and Venice gained increasing independence in the 9th through 12th Centuries. By this time, Venice’s reputation as a trading hub increased in direct proportion to its growing might as a sea power. During the Fourth Crusade in 1204, Constantinople fell and its riches flowed back into Venetian churches and palaces.

By 1380, Venice was Europe’s most-feared sea power with a fleet of at least 3,000 ships for trade – and the defense of trade – in the East and along Africa’s Mediterranean coast. The Doges’ Palace went up as powerful families united to govern through a Great Council, which appointed a Senate that, in turn, secretly chose the city’s famed doges, or dukes. By now, the city was thoroughly Catholic, but its accommodation of the Eastern branch of Christianity fueled its golden age in the 1400s.

The powerful City State hired out mercenaries, funded a large army in addition to its navy, built bridges, fine-tuned canals and constructed some of its famed landmarks, including St. Mark’s Basilica. During this time, Venice also began to lose some battles as the Ottomans regained some Venetian properties in Greece and as France, Portugal and England began their own rise as sea powers. With their hand-rowed boats, Venice couldn’t keep up, and for 300 years, beginning in 1348, the city also lost untold thousands of residents to one wave of plague after another.

The city finally lost its independence when Napoleon Bonaparte invaded in 1797. The Austrians and French played ping pong with the territory until 1866, when Venice was finally annexed by the Italian Kingdom. Floods have been a menace to Venice for centuries: devastation occurred as early as the 6th Century and as late as 1966. An ambitious new system of floodgates, expected to be completed within a few years, may not hold up to the new threat of global warming and expected rising seas. But Venetians are a tenacious lot – they’ve built more than 150 canals and 400 bridges already – so don’t count them out. Centuries are mere blips here, and the “Serene Republic” continues to attract millions of visitors to its artistic wonders and shops.

The World of Venice

Morris displays her talent for research, telling anecdote and well-wrought prose in this spirited portrait of a beloved city, its history and inhabitants. If you are going to read one book on Venice, we recommend this one. It's a tour de force. Buy now

A History of Venice

A vivid 1,000-year history of the Venetian Republic from its ancient settlement to its humiliating defeat by Napoleon in 1797. Norwich marshals myriad personalities, battles, sieges, and facts into a compelling history of Venice's rise to power under the Doges. He's a terrific writer, and a great admirer of this "most beautiful of cities." Buy now

Death at La Fenice

The first book in the tremendously good mystery series featuring police commissario Guido Brunetti, all set in the author's beloved Venice. A famous conductor is found dead at the celebrated La Fenice theater – and the plot thickens as Brunetti uncovers the victim’s Nazi sympathies and involvement with a family of star-crossed singers. Buy now

LionBoy Trilogy

This trilogy follows the adventures of young Charlie, who finds himself in danger when his parents are kidnapped. He stows away on a ship that turns out to be a spectacular floating circus – and discovers that he has the ability to speak to cats. With the help of his feline advisors, he travels to foreign lands in search of his parents, while trying to elude his would-be captors. The second book in the series, The Chase, takes place partially in Venice. Buy now

The Thief Lord

In this prizewinning children’s story, a 12-year-old boy and his 5-year-old brother flee from Hamburg after the death of their mother. Arriving in Venice, they join a group of runaways living under the care of the elusive Thief Lord. The adventure deepens when the Thief Lord is asked to steal a wooden wing that is the last missing piece of a magical carousel. Buy now

Daughter of Venice

A richly detailed historical novel about an independent-minded girl in 1592 Venice. The daughter of a wealthy family, 14-year-old Donata is not allowed to venture beyond her palazzo. Determined to discover the real Venice, she dresses herself as a boy and sets out to explore the city. Buy now

The Italian Job (2003)

A great boat chase on the canals and scenes of St Mark's Square.  Also above and below water level scenes of Venice are locations for this remake of the 1969 thriller. Buy now

Bread and Tulips (2000)

When underappreciated housewife Rosalba is forgotten at a tour bus stop, she rebels and hitchhikes alone to Venice, where she falls for an Icelandic poet, and blossoms as she rediscovers joy amid the charms of the city. Buy now

Dangerous Beauty (1998)

A period drama based on a true story of the liscentious life of a Venetian courtesan in the time of the Inquisition. Buy Now

The Wings of the Dove (1997)

Helena Bonham Carter and a cast of superb actors triumph in this turn-of -the-century provocative love story of passion and greed, filmed in London and Venice. Nominated for four academy awards.
Buy now

Before Sunrise (1995)

This romantic, witty, and ultimately poignant glimpse at two strangers (Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy) who share thoughts, affections, and past experiences during one 14-hour tryst in Vienna.  Buy now

A little Romance (1979)

A French boy and an American girl (Diane Lane), meet in Paris and begin a little romance. They befriend Jules (Sir Laurence Olivier), who enchants them with his storytelling. In an attempt to solidify the teens' love forever, the three journey to Venice. Buy now

Summertime (1955)

An enchanting travelogue and love story about an American spinster vacationing in Venice. Bewitched by her surroundings, she discards her idealized notions of romance and begins a passionate affair with a married Italian art dealer. Buy now

The city's hot summers and cold winters seem even more extreme because of high humidity. For the hottest months, July and August, pack lightweight cotton clothes, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.

In the winder, dress in layers. For the coldest months, December-February, you'll need a scarf, hat, gloves, overcoat and tall waterproof boots, in case of acqua alta or high water.

Comfortable shoes are a must in Venice. Walking is often the only way to get around the city.

And remember, the Italians dress well. Casual chic is standard dress code. And one should dress modestly to enter churches.