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About the History of Venice
Venice is the city in the North Italy, it is situated on the islands of the Venice lagoon of the Adriatic sea. The city is devided into two parts: the historic center, which is situated on 118 islands of the Venice lagoon, they are separeted by 150 channals and canals, across which nearly 400 bridges are throwen, and the industrial part with some ports.
On the place where Venice is located there was a settlement since V century B.C., the city appeared at the begining of IX century. From IX-X to XVI centuries Venice was the trade large center between the West Euroupe and the East countries. In 1797-1805 and 1815-1860 Venice was the possession of Austria.
Venice - "The Queen of the Adriatic"
Venice is considered to be one of the most beautiful and unusual cities of the world. City towers on the water and the first impression is that the water is everywhere; in reality, buildings and churches were built on numerous islands reinforced by thousands of piles, drived into the ground. Channels, which separate islands, on which boats of different types are sailing, are equivalent to our town streets. Some islands of the lagoon were occupied by fishermen in the Roman epoch, but only at the beginning of the Middle Ages this area reached a significant political influence, joined to byzantine possessions and all more decorating from cities of mainland, which become longobard possessions. In IX century, meantime, the big part of Italy was under the franc power, small lagoon state has formed on isles Rialto the political centre, which became a new kernel of town association. After duke (on a venetian doge), who stood at the head of the government, supported by the aristocracy, has obtained independence from the East empire. Venice began its glorious ancient history of domination on the sea, as well as broad trade with the Orient. Venice did not pass neither feudal period, nor period of the communes; it was an aristocratic republic with the elected Doge at the head, controlling under the auspices of collective organs. The wealth accumulated due to business abilities of the merchants of the city (among whom was Marko Polo), has allowed to begin a construction of stylish palaces and numerous churches and cloisters. In XV-XVI centuries Venice reached an apogee of its power, simultaneously its artists have updated Italian traditions of painting (sufficiently name a name of such artists as Bellini, Carpaccio, Djordjone, Titian, Tintoretto and Veroneze). In XVII-XVIII centuries, except the short periods of the ascent, republic comes to economic and political decay. In 1797 it lost its independence and got under Austria power; in 1866 it entered the United Italy. Its unusual history left an imprint and on the image of city: the originality adds the city luxurious monuments, modest narrow streets, silent channels, noisy markets, public holidays, theatres and elegant cafe.