Venice

Author: Damien Simonis Australia/Australia
Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications Ltd
Publication Date: 2005-04-01
Features: This guide to Venice includes a colour map section, the pick of places to eat, sleep and shop, walking tours, on and off the beaten path, excursion details and a language section and food glossary. Drift along in a gondola, marvel atmosaics or dance the night away at a masked ball—however you want to spend your time in Venice, this indispensable guide reveals the best of Italy's most magical city.
1. 16-page full-colour map section
2. The lagoon city from the water – detailed colour guide to the sights along the Grand Canal
3. Accommodation to suit every style and budget, from coastal campsites to canal-side palaces
4. Explore the city's top attractions and secret retreats with six walking routes around these streets
5. Excursions into the Veneto include Padua and Verona
Venice is a city of northeast Italy on islands within a lagoon in the Gulf of Venice, a wide inlet of the northern Adriatic Sea. Founded in the 5th century A.D. by refugees fleeing the Lombard invaders who had gained control of the mainland, it became a major maritime power by the 13th century and spread its influence over northern Italy and the eastern Mediterranean by the 15th century. Its territories were gradually lost to the Turks, and in 1797 it passed to Austria. Venice was ceded to Italy in 1866. It is a tourist and commercial center known for its canals.
Population: 271,000.