UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Venice is Europe's biggest non-motorized city. It is built on an archipelago of 118 islands formed by about 150 canals in a shallow lagoon. The islands on which the city is built are connected by about 400 bridges. In the old center, the canals serve the function of roads, and every form of transport is on water or on foot. In the 19th century a causeway to the mainland brought a railway station to Venice, and an automobile causeway and parking lot was added in the 20th century.

The classical Venetian boat is the gondola, although it is now mostly used for tourists, or for weddings, funerals, or other ceremonies. Most Venetians now travel by motorised water buses (vaporetti) which ply regular routes along the major canals and between the city's islands. The city also has many private boats. Visitors can also take the water taxis between areas of the city.

Marco Polo and Giacomo Cassonova were Venetians and their homes are a come stop in any touristy gondola ride. The most important sights are around St. Mark's Square. This is one of the most recognizable places in the world, with the imposing Basilica of San Marco, Doge's Palace, the Sqaure itself and the pigeons.