Venice

Venetian Canal, ItalyVenice is one of Italy’s most popular tourist attractions as well as a major port on the Adriatic Sea. Built on more than 100 islands, the city is known for its canals, which substitute for streets in many areas. Venetians use gondolas, long, narrow, flat-bottomed boats propelled by standing navigators using a single oar, to travel along the canals.

Doges’ PalaceThe Doges’ Palace in Venice, Italy, is the former residence of the doges (elected rulers) of Venice. Construction began in 1340 and portions were added over the decades. Much of the interior is decorated with artwork by leading Venetian artists from the 15th and 16th centuries.

Glass Marriage CupGlassmaking on the island of Murano near Venice, Italy, had reached an exceptional level of quality by the Renaissance, as shown in

this15th-century marriage cup in blue glass decorated with enameled figures and painted in gold. The cup, made by Italian glassmaker Angelo Barovier between 1470 and 1480, is in the Museo dell’arte vetraria (Museum of Glass Art) in Murano.

Saint Mark's SquareAt the heart of Venice is Saint Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco), a large plaza flanked by some of the city's most imposing buildings including Saint Mark's Cathedral, pictured here. The square was originally designed as the administrative center of Venice as well as a symbol of its wealth and power. Today it is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Venetians and tourists alike gather to relax in sidewalk cafés or simply to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.

Longhena’s Santa Maria della Salute in VeniceThe major work of Italian baroque architect Baldassare Longhena, the church of Santa Maria della Salute (1631-1687), is situated at the entrance to the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. Enormous snail-shaped volutes ring the drum of the dome, and each volute is topped by the statue of a religious figure.Robert Harding Picture Library/Roy Rainford

VENICE

San Giorgio MaggioreThe church of San Giorgio Maggiore is located on an island across the water from Saint Mark’s Cathedral and the heart of Venice, Italy. The church structure was built in 1576 and the façade was completed in 1610. Italian architect Andrea Palladio based the design on a harmonious arrangement of classical elements.

Saint Mark’s CathedralSaint Mark’s Cathedral in Venice, Italy, was begun in 1063. The rounded arches and domes are characteristic of religious architecture in the Byzantine style, from the Eastern Roman Empire.