Venice is one of the most famous cities in the world, and for good reason. Along with Rome and Florence, it’s a must-see stop for anyone traveling through Italy. Here are twelve facts that make this floating city even more fascinating.
If you speak English, seeing Venice (and the rest of Italy) up close is more accessible than you might think. Au pairs placed with an Italian family through Rome Abroad often get weekends and time off to explore cities just like this one. If that sounds like the kind of year you’re after, you can learn more about the au pair program in Italy.
12 things you didn’t know about Venice
1. The city has more than 170 canals.
They’re the reason Venice has no roads in the way most cities do — getting around means walking, or taking a boat.
2. Venice is home to around 170 bell towers.
Look up almost anywhere in the historic center and you’ll spot one.
3. Tens of millions of tourists visit the city every year.
That adds up to tens of thousands of visitors a day passing through a city that’s home to a fraction of that in permanent residents.
4. Venice has a long list of nicknames.
“Queen of the Adriatic,” “City of Bridges,” “City of Masks,” “City of Water,” “City of Canals,” and “The Floating City” are just a few of the names history has given it.
5. Late autumn and winter bring “Acqua Alta.”
“Acqua Alta,” or “high water,” is the Venetian term for the seasonal tidal flooding that’s shaped daily life in the city for centuries. Venice’s MOSE flood barrier system, developed over many years, is now in operation and has significantly reduced how often and how badly the city floods.
6. The Venice region includes over 116 islands.
The historic center most visitors picture is really just one part of a much larger lagoon archipelago.
7. Venice’s Republic was once a Mediterranean superpower.
From the 1300s through the 1500s, the Venetian Republic was one of the most dominant naval and trading forces in the region.
8. Venice’s unusual layout came from necessity, not design.
Early inhabitants settled the archipelago to defend themselves from invaders, since a city surrounded by water was much harder to attack than one on solid land. It turned out to be one of the most beautiful defensive strategies in history.
9. Venice’s buildings aren’t actually resting on land.
The city’s structures are supported by wooden platforms driven into the seabed, since the islands themselves were never sturdy enough to hold full-sized buildings on their own.
10. Venice is slowly sinking.
The city sinks by a small amount most years, a fact that’s been part of ongoing conversations about how to preserve it for future generations.
11. Venice didn’t have a female gondolier until 2010.
It was a milestone in a profession that had been passed down through generations of men for centuries.
12. Hundreds of gondoliers still work the canals today.
It remains one of the most iconic (and recognizable) jobs in the world.
FAQ: Visiting Venice
How many days do you need to see Venice?
Most travelers see the highlights of Venice’s historic center in two to three days, though it’s easy to spend longer wandering the smaller canals and nearby islands.
What’s the best time of year to visit Venice?
Spring and early fall tend to offer milder weather and fewer crowds than peak summer, while late autumn and winter bring the chance of Acqua Alta flooding in low-lying areas.
Is Venice sinking?
Venice does subside gradually over time, which is one reason the city has invested in flood-barrier infrastructure like the MOSE project to help protect the historic center.
Can au pairs in Italy visit Venice during their placement?
Many au pairs use time off during their placement to explore other Italian cities, though specific travel opportunities depend on each family’s schedule and location.
Cities like Venice are just a train ride away when you’re already living in Italy as an au pair.
Part of the Rome Abroad team helping young women live and work abroad as au pairs since 2015.
