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How Venice Looked to Victorian Travelers c1890
Source: http://fiveminutehistory.com/this-is...rian-traveler/
“Queen of the Adriatic”, “City of Bridges”, “City of Canals”—whatever you call this beautiful city, you can be sure to find romance, for the name Venice is derived from the Indo-European root wen- meaning “love”.
Fleeing waves of Germanic and Hun invasions in the 5th century, refugees from the surrounding countryside sought sanctuary on a series of islands in a marshy lagoon between the Piave and Po Rivers.
The Venetian settlers dedicated the first church, San Giacomo, on the islet of Rialto, meaning “high shore”.
The Grand Canal with the Rialto Bridge
The Grand Canal with the Rialto Bridge
Venice developed into a city state, that by the late 13th century, was the most prosperous in Europe.
With a strategic position at the head of the Adriatic Sea, Venice dominated Mediterranean trade with a fleet of 3,300 ships.
The wealthiest families vied with each other to build the grandest palaces and sponsor the greatest artists.
Da Mulla Palace
Vendramin Palace
Pesaro Palace
The Golden House
Vendramin Calergi Palace
But by the 15th century, a great darkness fell upon the city.
Devastated by plague and war with the Ottoman Empire, Venice went into a long period of decline.
San Georgio from Doges’ Palace by moonlight
As new trade routes across the great oceans were discovered, Venice lost its position as the center for international commerce.
Grand Canal and Doges’ Palace by moonlight
Ill-suited to ocean-going travel, Venice’s fleet of oared galleys couldn’t compete with the sailing ships of Portugal, France, England and the Netherlands.
Piazzetta and San Georgio by moonlight
By the 18th century, Venice was seen in a new light. It was considered the most elegant city in Europe—influencing art, architecture and literature.
And by the Victorian Era, a new form of transportation—the steam ship—brought travelers from far and wide to gaze upon its beauty.
Doges’ Palace
The Harbor, Venice, Italy
Pigeons in St. Mark’s Place
Piazaetta and columns of San Marco
Concert in St. Mark’s Place
Columns of St. Mark’s Church, Venice, Italy
Old Venetian courtyard
Before St. Mark’s and public hospital
The Grand Canal
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