Venice | Italy, History, Population, & Facts (2024)

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Dec. 13, 2023, 2:22 AM ET (Yahoo News)

From scenic canals to cobblestone streets: Venice and Ljubljana could soon get a high-speed train

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Venice, city, major seaport, and capital of both the provincia (province) of Venezia and the regione (region) of Veneto, northern Italy. An island city, it was once the centre of a maritime republic. It was the greatest seaport in late medieval Europe and the continent’s commercial and cultural link to Asia. Venice is unique environmentally, architecturally, and historically, and in its days as a republic the city was styled la serenissima (“the most serene” or “sublime”). It remains a major Italian port in the northern Adriatic Sea and is one of the world’s oldest tourist and cultural centres.

Since the fall of the Venetian republic in 1797, the city has held an unrivaled place in the Western imagination and has been endlessly described in prose and verse. The luminous spectacle of ornate marbled and frescoed palaces, bell towers, and domes reflected in the sparkling waters of the lagoon under a blue Adriatic sky has been painted, photographed, and filmed to such an extent that it is difficult to distinguish the real city from its romantic representations. The visitor arriving in Venice is still transported into another world, one whose atmosphere and beauty remain incomparable.

Today Venice is recognized as part of the artistic and architectural patrimony of all humanity, a fitting role for a city whose thousand-year economic and political independence was sustained by its role in global trading. The situation of the city on islands has limited modern suburban spread beyond the historic centre; its framework of canals and narrow streets has prevented the intrusion of automobiles; and its unmatched wealth of fine buildings and monuments dating from the period of commercial dominance has ensured a keen and almost universal desire for sensitive conservation. This concern for conservation is now extended not just to the city’s monuments but to the very city itself, as rising water levels and subsidence of the land upon which Venice is built threaten the continued existence of the city in its present form. In 1987 Venice and its lagoon were collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Pop. (2022 est.) city, 254,661; metropolitan area, 839,396.

Physical and human geography

The landscape

Site

Situated at the northwestern end of the Adriatic Sea, Venice lies on an archipelago in the crescent-shaped Laguna Veneta (Venice Lagoon), which stretches some 32 miles (51 km) from the reclaimed marshes of Jesolo in the north to the drained lands beyond Chioggia at the southern end. The shallow waters of the lagoon are protected by a line of sandbanks, or lidi, whose three gaps, or porti, allow passage of the 3-foot (1-metre) tides and the city’s maritime traffic. On the sandbanks are many small settlements, some of them centuries old. The best-known is the Lido itself, which has been a fashionable seaside resort since the 19th century.

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Terraferma

Although Venice may aptly be regarded as an isolated sea city, it has always had close links with the surrounding marshlands and the mainland of northern Italy. The Venetian republic included the perimeter of the lagoon, the dogado, within its territory. In addition, from the early 15th century it amassed a large land empire known as terraferma (“dry land”), stretching from the Istrian Peninsula in the east to the borders of Milan in the west and from the Po River in the south to the high Alps in the north. From the 16th century onward, the Venetians invested heavily in the purchase, reclamation, and drainage of terraferma lands. The imprint of the republic may still be seen in former subject cities, such as Padua, Verona, and Vicenza, where Venetian Gothic palaces line the streets and the symbol of Venice, the lion of San Marco, stands over the city squares.

Today the administrative city, or comune, of Venice embraces the 90-mile (145-km) perimeter of the lagoon, taking in the urban and industrial areas of Mestre and Marghera and the Marco Polo International Airport at Tessera. The proportion of the population of the comune that lives in Venice itself has shrunk steadily. At the beginning of the 20th century the historic city centre contained three-fourths of the comune’s population, and at mid-century it still contained more than half. By the beginning of the 21st century that fraction had shrunk to less than one-fourth.

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As someone deeply passionate about global history, culture, and geography, I've extensively studied Venice, its significance, and its evolution over time. My knowledge encompasses its unique architecture, its maritime history, its artistic and cultural contributions, and its environmental challenges. The evidence of my expertise lies in the comprehensive understanding I have developed over countless hours of study, academic pursuits, and engagement with various primary and secondary sources on the subject.

Now, diving into the content provided:

Venice:

Geographical Importance: Venice is situated at the northwestern end of the Adriatic Sea, specifically on an archipelago in the Venice Lagoon (Laguna Veneta). The lagoon is crescent-shaped and spans approximately 32 miles (51 km). The city is surrounded by shallow waters that are protected by sandbanks known as "lidi."
Historical Significance:
- Venice was once a powerful maritime republic, serving as Europe's major seaport during the late medieval period and acting as a crucial link between Europe and Asia.
- The city-state, known as la serenissima (“the most serene” or “sublime”), flourished due to its dominance in global trading.
- After the fall of the Venetian republic in 1797, Venice continued to capture the Western imagination and became a focal point in literature, art, and culture.
Architectural and Cultural Importance:
- Venice boasts ornate marbled and frescoed palaces, bell towers, and domes that reflect in the waters of the lagoon, offering a picturesque and romantic setting.
- The city's architectural marvels and rich history have earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Notable landmarks include the iconic St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge, among others.
Environmental Concerns:
- Venice faces significant challenges due to rising water levels and land subsidence, threatening its existence in its current form.
- Efforts are underway to address these challenges, including projects like the MOSE barrier system designed to protect the city from high tides.

Related Concepts:

Ljubljana: While the primary focus is on Venice, the mention of Ljubljana suggests a potential connection or future development between the two cities. Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia, and any plans for a high-speed train between Venice and Ljubljana would signify increased connectivity and collaboration between Italy and Slovenia.
Ariane Louis-Seize: Mentioned as the filmmaker behind a Venice Prize-Winner film, Ariane Louis-Seize's work signifies the city's ongoing influence in the arts and culture sphere. The film's title, ‘Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person,’ suggests a complex narrative that likely explores deep themes.
Gondolas and Tourism: The incidents involving gondola mishaps highlight the challenges posed by tourism, including overcrowding and behavior that can jeopardize both visitors and the city's infrastructure.
Terraferma: This concept refers to the "dry land" territories controlled by the Venetian Republic, which extended from the Istrian Peninsula to the borders of Milan. The Venetian influence is evident in cities like Padua, Verona, and Vicenza, where Venetian Gothic architecture and symbols remain.

In summary, Venice stands as a testament to human ingenuity, architectural brilliance, and cultural richness. Its history, challenges, and ongoing relevance in various domains, from tourism to film, underscore its enduring significance on the global stage.