How Many Islands Does Venice Have?
The city of Venice is the capital and the administrative center of the Veneto region in northeastern Italy. It consists of 118 small islands linked by 400 bridges. Venice is located in a shallow lagoon between the Po and the Piave rivers. It is known for its eye-catching architecture and ancient artwork. The old town of Venice is listed as a World Heritage Site. The city was founded in the early 5th century by the Aquileia who were fleeing constant invasion from the Barbarians. The city became popular, and by the early 14th century it was declared the capital of the Serenissima Republic. By the mid-14th century it was among the most populated cities in Europe with more than 100,000 people. The Black Death, sweeping across Europe, reached Venice in 1348 and killed half the city, but immigrants from the hinterland quickly restored the population. On 16th May 1797 the city was captured by French forces who placed it under Austrian control. In 1849 Venice revolted against the Austria but four months of resistance was ended by a cholera outbreak and starvation. In 1866 the Kingdom of Italy annexed Venice.
Major Islands Of Venice
The major islands of Venice are famous for various characteristics. Lido and Pellestrina are known to have the best beaches in Venice. Lido, in particular, is crowded during the summer as visitors stream from across the globe to enjoy the sandy beaches. Fishermen inhabit the island of Pellestrina. Unlike Lido, which has a cozy feel, Pellestrina is quiet with a cozy atmosphere.
The Island of Murano on the northern shore of Venice is known globally for its glass making techniques. In 1291, Murano became the storage place of the city’s glass to protect them from fire outbreaks which were rampant. The city’s decorations are made of glass, including the Christmas tree. Visitors stream to the island mainly to buy gifts. Burano island is also on the northern shore of Venice. It is popular for brightly colored streets and lace making.
The island of Torcello is considered the most atmospheric island of Venice. It lies on the mudflats and marshes on the northern part of the island. It is home to several interesting churches in the city including the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta and the Church of Santa Fosca. The local museum offers tourists the opportunity to see archeological findings from Venice.
