INDEX
- A place that meets all the criteria for World Heritage registration
- The history of Venice, the beautiful city of water, including its prosperous period as a republic
- The highlight is the architecture that decorates this 1,000-year-old capital. Immerse yourself in the magnificent history
- Carnivals, gondolas, and other sightseeing spots unique to Venice
A place that meets all the criteria for World Heritage registration
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Located in northeastern Italy, Venice is known as one of the country's most iconic tourist destinations. As a beautiful "city of water," the city has been the setting for numerous literary works and movies, and was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1987 as "Venice and its Lagoon."
As many of you may know, World Heritage Sites are classified into "natural heritage", "cultural heritage" and "mixed heritage", and a total of 10 criteria are set for registration. "Venice and its Lagoon" is one of the few places in the world that meets all six of the criteria for cultural heritage.
Similarly, the only other sites that meet all six criteria are China's Mogao Caves and Mount Tai (a mixed heritage site), which shows just how valuable a cultural heritage site "Venice and its Lagoon" is. What is the appeal of "Venice and its Lagoon," also known as "a cultural heritage site within a cultural heritage site"? We will introduce the specifics in the next chapter.
The history of Venice, the beautiful city of water, including its prosperous period as a republic
Located at the innermost part of the Adriatic Sea, Venice is a city of water with countless bridges connecting 118 islands. It is believed that people first began to live here in the 5th century. After that, in the 7th century, the city functioned as the capital of the Republic of Venice, and eventually developed as a transit point for Mediterranean trade. Around the 14th century, the city gained fame throughout Europe as the "Queen of the Adriatic."
The Republic of Venice is known as the longest-lasting republic in history, having existed for over 1,000 years since its founding in the 7th century until it was invaded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1797. The architecture and unique culture that have been cultivated over this long history are the main reasons why it was registered as a World Heritage Site.
Venice is also famous for producing many of the most famous Venetian artists of the Renaissance period, such as Tiziano Vecellio and Tintoretto, and for being the setting for William Shakespeare's plays "The Merchant of Venice" and "Othello." Another charm of Venice is its deep connection with art throughout the ages.
The highlight is the architecture that decorates this 1,000-year-old capital. Immerse yourself in the magnificent history
Venice, which flourished as the capital of the Republic of Venice for a long time, is dotted with numerous historical buildings. In this water city where the entire city is as beautiful as a museum, we recommend taking a tour of these buildings.
When talking about Venice's most famous landmarks, the first place you should visit is St. Mark's Square. This place has a long history as the central square of Venice and is also known as "the most beautiful square in the world." In the surrounding area, you can find a row of historical buildings that symbolize Venice, such as the Doge's Palace, which was built in the 8th century and used as the governor's residence and government office, the Campanile, which reaches a height of about 100 meters, and St. Mark's Basilica, which was completed in the 11th century and has since been expanded and remodeled many times.
In addition, on both sides of the Grand Canal, a canal that curves in an S-shape and divides the city of Venice, there are buildings of various architectural styles, such as Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance, which allow you to reflect on the long history of this city. In addition, the beautiful bridges that span the canal, such as the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs, are also attractions unique to Venice.
Carnivals, gondolas, and other sightseeing spots unique to Venice
Of course, the fun of traveling to Venice isn't just about visiting historical buildings.
The Venice Carnival, held every year around February, is a big event where you can feel the history and tradition that lives on in Venice. Various events are held, such as the "March of the Marias," where people dressed in medieval costumes and masks parade, and the "Mask Contest," where world-famous designers serve as judges to decide on the "most beautiful mask." The carnival, where the whole city is enveloped in a mysterious atmosphere, is a privilege that can only be enjoyed by those who visit Venice during this time.
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In addition, you can take a leisurely ride down the canals in a gondola, enjoy local dishes such as squid ink risotto and pasta, and visit Murano Island, known as the birthplace of Venetian glass... There are many ways to enjoy Venice. Please take your time to enjoy its charms.
Venice and its lagoon
| access | ： | Approximately 310 km from Milan Malpensa International Airport (shortest train time is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| World Heritage Registration Year | ： | 1987 |
| Types of World Heritage Sites | ： | cultural heritage |
| Registration Criteria | ： | It is a masterpiece of human creative genius. - represents an exchange of values over a period of time or within a culture that has had a significant influence on the development of architecture, technology, monuments, urban planning or landscape design - unique (or at least rare) as a physical testimony to the existence of a cultural tradition or civilization, whether extant or extinct - a remarkable example of a building, architectural ensemble, technological ensemble or landscape that represents a significant stage in history - It is an outstanding example of the traditional habitation patterns or land or sea use patterns characteristic of a culture (or cultures), or an outstanding example of human interaction with the environment, especially one whose survival is threatened by irreversible change. - It has a direct or substantial association with an event, living tradition, idea, belief, artistic or literary work of outstanding universal value (this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other criteria). |
Comment
Christmas markets are held all over Europe. From the gorgeous illuminations that decorate big cities to the cozy markets held in small villages, their charms are truly diverse!
Christmas markets are generally held for about four weeks before Christmas, but depending on the town you can enjoy some from mid-November and some that last until January, so be sure to check before you go!
*Some content was updated on July 6, 2022.
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
