A city of 118 islands
Founded in the 5th century, Venice is spread over 118 small islands in a lagoon of about 70,176 hectares in the Veneto Region of north-east Italy.
Venice in two days
Two days allow one day in the city, from St Mark's Square to the Rialto, and a second day by vaporetto to the lagoon islands of Torcello, Burano and Murano.
St Mark's Basilica, the cathedral of Venice, is with the bell tower and St Mark's Square one of the city's most important landmarks, and it has 8,000 square metres of gold mosaics. Next to it, the Doge's Palace, a masterpiece of Gothic art, was the residence of the Doge, the highest magistrate of the Venetian Republic, and is linked to the 17th-century New Prisons by the Bridge of Sighs.
The Rialto Bridge, from the late 1500s, is the oldest of the four bridges over the Grand Canal and leads to the Rialto Market, and Vaporetto Line 1 runs along the Grand Canal, past the old buildings that overlook the water. On the second day, Murano has a long glassmaking tradition and Burano is known for its lace.
For the lagoon day, the Venice Islands Boat Tour: Murano, Burano & Torcello and the Private Boat Tour to Murano and Burano from Venice reach the islands by boat, and in the city there is the Private Gondola Ride in Venice with Professional Photoshoot.
Beyond the classic route
For centuries the Arsenal, covering 48 hectares on the eastern edge of the old city, was the world's most important shipyard; the South Arsenal now hosts the Venice Biennale.
When to go
The Carnival of Venice, held every year, turns the city into a masked ball, and on the first Sunday of September the Regata Storica fills the Grand Canal with a parade of historic boats followed by rowing races.
Frequently asked questions
When is high water in Venice?
High water (acqua alta) is a risk in autumn and winter, most likely between November and December.
How tall is the bell tower of St Mark's?
The bell tower of St Mark's is about 99 m (320 ft) tall.
