traveldk.com

A native of the Cadore region, whose Dolomite peaks often feature in his highly coloured works, Titian (1488–1576) studied under Giovanni Bellini.

Sworn political enemies of Venice, the Republic still rented them a trade centre between 1621 and 1898.

A guide around town, seen through the eyes of famous writers.

An expert account of the delights of the city and its maritime history.

A comprehensive history of the city’s maritime prowess.

This massive Roman amphitheatre from the 1st century AD and measures almost 140 m (460 ft) in length. The arcades and 44-level tiered seating for 22,000 people, that once rang with the cries of gladiator fights, now echo with arias from operas during the popular summer festival. Verdi’s Aïda marked the inauguration in 1913, and is repeated every year.

This Renaissance master (1465–1525) delighted in detailed scenes of daily Venetian life. His narrative style and command of light characterize his cycles.

Although he never visited Italy, let alone Venice, the English Bard (1564–1616) used accounts by contemporary travellers for the plots of The Merchant of Venice and Othello , portraying a city buzzing with trade and intrigue. Romeo and Juliet is set in Verona (see Padua, Vicenza and Verona).

This broad waterfront took its name from the rafts of timber (zattere ) floated downstream from the extensive forests in the northern Dolomite region which were managed by the Venetian Republic. The precious wood was used for constructing palaces or transformed into masts and the like for the important shipbuilding industry. The tall-masted sailing ships and rowing boats which used to moor here have been replaced by motorized vaporetti and tourist launches, and nowadays the Zattere signifies lovely lagoon views, perfect for a day or evening stroll.