Welcome to the enchanting city of Venice, where canals are the roads, gondolas are the taxis, and history lurks around every corner like a well-dressed ghost. In this delightful collection of facts, we’ll dive into the watery wonders and tantalizing tales that make Venice a place unlike any other. From sinking palazzos to masked revelries, get ready to embark on a journey of Venetian eccentricities that will leave you wanting to book the next flight, or at least find a local gelateria. So, grab your gondolier hat and prepare to be charmed by these 15 fascinating facts about the Floating City.
1-5 Fun Facts About Venice
1. In Venice, one of the most coveted jobs is that of a gondolier. However, there are only 425 licenses issued, and to be eligible, applicants must be born in Venice. Becoming a gondolier requires extensive training, with apprenticeships involving over 400 hours of instruction. When a gondolier passes away, the license is passed on to the designated beneficiary, who then has the authority to choose the next replacement.
2. Venice’s prosperity during the Middle Ages is attributed to its unique system of government, which involved selecting politicians through a lottery-based process.
3. The impact of a Pink Floyd concert held in Venice in 1989 was so disruptive that it led to the resignation of the mayor and the entire city council within a week of the event.
4. The total land area of Venice is approximately 415.9 square kilometers or 160.6 square miles. This includes the islands within the city and the surrounding lagoon.
5. The term “quarantine” traces its roots back to the practice in Venice, Italy, during the Black Death (1346-1353). Ships were mandated to wait outside the port for 40 days (“quaranti giorni”) to ensure no one onboard was carrying the disease.
6-10 Interesting Facts About Venice
6. The illustrious city of Venice is formed by an intricate network of 118 submerged islands, contributing to its unique and breathtaking charm.
7. The name “Venezuela” is derived from Venice, Italy, drawing its inspiration from the stunning city.
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8. The term “Gazette” is commonly used for many newspapers because the first newspaper in Venice, Italy, was sold for one Gazzetta.
9. During the mercantile era, Venice held the trade secrets of its glass industry in high regard. The city valued them so much that they resorted to sending assassins to eliminate expatriate glass workers who aided France in establishing their own glass industry.
10. For a span of one thousand years, Venice was governed by a Chief Magistrate known as the “Doge of Venice.” The Doge was the highest authority in the Venetian Republic and played a significant role in the city’s governance.
11-15 Surprising Facts About Venice
11. Giorgia Boscolo made history as the first woman to acquire a Gondolier license in Venice, breaking gender barriers in this traditionally male-dominated profession.
12. Venice, along with its lagoon, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
13. Venetian, the language spoken in and around Venice, is distinct from the Italian language and is considered a separate language rather than a dialect.
14. The city of Venice is made up of a total of 118 islands. These islands are interconnected by canals and bridges, forming the distinctive and picturesque urban landscape for which Venice is renowned.
15. In 2008, Venice experienced a decline in population, dipping below 60,000 residents due to the surge in tourism and exorbitant rental prices. This downturn was so significant that the city’s inhabitants organized a public funeral to symbolize their concern for the city’s future.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 15 Awesome Venice facts
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