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Venice is located in the north of Italy, along the eastern coast. This tiny island is centred in the Venetian Lagoon, bordering the Adriatic Sea. Today it is considered part of the Veneto region.
A visit to Venice can last a few hours or many months; it all depends on what you want to do here. It’s also possible to take tours to Venice that concentrate more on the surrounding area, since the actual city is not that big.
If you are planning a brief trip, the Basilica di San Marco at the heart of the city is a must see. There is little else that illustrates the relationship between Venice and Byzantium so perfectly. The central plan of the basilica is a Greek cross with five large domes, one of which is at the extremity of the cross, and one at the crossing of the transept.
Don’t miss out on a visit to the islands, which are an integral part of the city’s history. Torcello was one of the first to be settled; it was then abandoned as it became unhealthy. There is also Murano, home of blown glass, and Burano, an island of colour and lace. Venice is not just a city of stone, if you hire a boat (although you need to be very specific about the boat you want in a city surrounded by water!!) you can cruise through areas of nature for hours in the northern lagoon near Burano. Sights to see include San Franceso del Deserto and the valleys. Travelling southwards, you will come across Chioggia and the lagoon of Cason dei sette morti (the lagoon of the seven dead). Enjoy oases of fauna, archaeological areas, and hidden islands!
Venice brings thousands of tourists every year, with the majority of them arriving into Venice’s international airport.
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