(the so-called calli) only to disappear behind every corner. Its amphibious nature, half underwater and half above water , with small arms of the sea that penetrate like veins of blood into each of its most remote parts, making the city almost surreal. "Founded on water, enclosed by water and defended by water instead of walls" reads an edict dating back to 1500, when the Serenissima, free, independent and clad in treasures, was the most powerful Queen of the Sea. Built on a Lagoon, crossed by the Grand Canal, brimming with domes and shining with mosaics, it is a treasure-trove of artistic masterpieces connected by countless bridges. To admire its beauty, scattered everywhere and to be visited year round, you can either walk or choose to be carried by gondolas and vaporetti, the water buses that run through the canals to the surrounding islands and to the magical Giudecca. This renowned romantic getaway also provides an incredible place to hold parties and events. When it's time to take a break stop in one of Venice's Bacaro (the name for Venice's characteristic pub). And remember, while you'll get to know Venice on your first visit, you'll have to come back again and again to truly discover the city.

listing of just of few of the many places to be seen:

St. Mark's Square & Basilica
Built in the 9th century and subjected to subsequent modifications over the years, it is the city's undisputed symbol and the place where the Doges were consecrated. The square, the centre of the civic and religious life of the Republic, today is a popular meeting place where three historic cafés are found: the Florian, the Quadri and the Lavena. St. Mark, with his Winged Lion, has also been the city's patron saint since 828.

Palazzo Ducale
One of the finest examples of Venetian Gothic architecture, historically it served as the residence for the Doge, the person who ruled Serenissima.

La Fenice Theatre
One of the most famous opera houses in the world. Although it was destroyed by a fire in 1996, it was rebuilt "in the same way, in the same place".

Arsenal
In the past, Venice was home to the world's largest ship building industry. Some of the museums include: the Correr, the Guggenheim and Palazzo Grassi, restored in 1996 by Gae Aulenti.

This is one of Venice's most renowned symbols and is a popular tourist attraction in addition to a way to visit this truly enchanting city. While at one time they were used for transporting goods, today they are considered to be a luxury due to their rather prohibitive prices.

The Venice Film Festival
A city whose name is synonymous with film, in the month of September the best films and international stars flock to Lido for this world-renowned festival.

La Biennale
Every two years this International Exhibition of Contemporary Art is held in the Giardini di Castello, Venice's public gardens in the Castello area.

Il Redentore
This religious celebration takes place on the 3rd Sunday in July. It dates back to 1500 when the Venetians, afflicted by the plague, built the Church of the Redeemer and promised to pay homage at the Basilica each year if the city was freed from the disease. At sunset, boats of all kinds gather together in the basin of St. Mark and in the Giudecca Canal to witness the incredible show of fireworks that begins at 11:30 pm.

Carnival
In February, up until the day before Ash Wednesday, the city is invaded by masks that take part in an evasive, ambiguous and short-lived game of roles and masquerades, in keeping with the traditional spirit of the Serenissima, as the city was once called, which has always been known to be a free-spirited and wanton. Each year's celebration has a unique theme.

Festa della Sensa, or Feast of the Ascension
This celebration takes place on the 3rd Sunday of May and celebrates the relationship between Venice and the Sea in which the Doge (historic mayor) throws a ring into the waters of the Lagoon.

Historical Regatta
This is one of the many regatta races organised during the year. For this event, all types of colourful boats race along the Grand Canal.

(artichoke ends with parsley, hard-boiled eggs, meatballs, fried fish, sarde in saor, or marinated sardines, polenta and anchovies, baccalà cod, musetto sausages, tripe, spaghetti with anchovies), ombre, tiny glasses of local wine and the spritz, a characteristic local aperitif: water, wine and a squirt of Aperol, Campari or select, which can only be found here.