Queen of the sea
Venice is a city in northeastern Italy. It is built on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by over 400 bridges. The traditional founding is identified with the dedication of the first church, that of San Giacomo, on the islet of Rialto (Rivoalto, “High Shore”) said to have taken place at the stroke of noon on March 25, 421 (the Feast of the Annunciation).
It is named Venice because the ancient Veneti people inhabited the region in the 10th century B.C. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, it was a major financial and maritime power. It was also an important centre of commerce, especially silk, grain and spice.
The lagoon and a part of the city are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Venice is known for its beauty, architecture and art. During the Renaissance period, it played a crucial role in instrumental and operatic music.
Venice is known for its many bridges. It is estimated to have as many as 400 of them spanning the waterways.
Venice is sinking at the rate of 1-2 millimetres a year.