Venice: The Floating City of Romance and History

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusi/Mi dispiace
  [skoo-zee/mee dees-pyah-cheh]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stah-ee]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore
  [vohr-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-ray pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vai vee-ah]
• Call the Police!Chiamate la polizia!
  [kyah-mah-teh lah poh-lee-tsyah]
• Call a doctor!Chiamate un medico!
  [kyah-mah-teh oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-no pehr-soh]
• I'm illSono malato
  [soh-no mah-lah-toh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-ray kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwahr-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Può abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwoh ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preht-soh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezzo
  [soh-no leh dee-eh-chee eh meh-tsoh]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-no]
• 2Due
  [dweh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [say]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oht-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dee-eh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è un/il...?
  [doh-veh oon/eel]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-reet-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-trahr-mee soo-lah mahp-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohss-see-moh ow-toh-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-lyeh-toh pehr]

Venice was founded in the 5th century by refugees fleeing the invasions of northern tribes into Italy after the fall of the Roman Empire. The original settlers sought refuge in the marshy lagoon islands for their strategic location, which provided natural protection against invaders.

By the 9th century, Venice had emerged as a powerful maritime republic. Its strategic position along the trade routes between the East and West allowed it to dominate Mediterranean commerce. The city became a hub for trade, with goods like silk, spices, and precious metals flowing through its ports.

Venice played a crucial role in the Crusades, particularly the Fourth Crusade (1202-1204). The Venetians provided ships and logistical support in exchange for economic and territorial gains. This involvement led to the controversial sacking of Constantinople, which significantly boosted Venice's wealth and influence.

The 15th and 16th centuries marked the Golden Age of Venice. The city became a leading center of art, culture, and architecture. Renowned artists like Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese flourished during this period, leaving behind a legacy of masterpieces that still adorn Venetian churches and palaces.

By the 17th century, Venice began to decline due to several factors, including competition from other European powers, the discovery of new trade routes, and the rise of the Ottoman Empire. Despite its decline, Venice maintained its political independence until 1797, when it was conquered by Napoleon and later handed over to the Austrian Empire.

From 1815 to 1866, Venice was part of the Austrian Empire following the Congress of Vienna. During this period, Venice experienced significant cultural and economic stagnation. However, it also saw the rise of a strong nationalist movement that ultimately led to Venice joining the Kingdom of Italy in 1866.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Venice has faced numerous challenges, including flooding, environmental issues, and the impact of mass tourism. Efforts to preserve the city's unique heritage and architecture are ongoing, with initiatives like the MOSE project aimed at protecting Venice from rising sea levels and tidal surges.

The Carnival of Venice is one of the city's most famous cultural events, dating back to the 12th century. Known for its elaborate masks and costumes, the carnival was historically a time when social norms were relaxed, and people from all walks of life mingled freely. Today, it remains a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world.

Venetian cuisine is a reflection of the city's rich history and its role as a trading hub. Traditional dishes include 'risotto al nero di seppia' (squid ink risotto), 'sarde in saor' (sweet and sour sardines), and 'baccalà mantecato' (creamed codfish). The use of spices like cinnamon and cloves, brought by Venetian merchants from the East, adds a unique flavor to the local cuisine.

Venetian architecture is renowned for its distinctive Gothic style, characterized by pointed arches, elaborate facades, and intricate details. Iconic structures like the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica exemplify this style. The city's unique setting on water also led to the development of palazzi with grand canal-facing entrances, designed to impress both residents and visitors.

Venice is accessible by air, rail, road, and sea. The nearest airport is Marco Polo Airport (VCE), located about 13 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can take a water taxi or the ACTV bus to Piazzale Roma. Venice is also well-connected by train, with Santa Lucia Station serving as the main rail hub. For those arriving by car, parking is available at Tronchetto or Piazzale Roma, but it's important to note that Venice's historic center is car-free. Cruise ships also dock at the Venice Cruise Terminal, offering another convenient entry point.

Venice is renowned for its unique transportation system, which relies on waterways rather than roads. The primary modes of transport are vaporetti (water buses), water taxis, and gondolas. The vaporetti are the most cost-effective way to get around, with routes covering the Grand Canal and the lagoon islands. Water taxis offer a more private but expensive option. Gondolas are best suited for short, scenic trips rather than practical transportation. Walking is also a great way to explore the city's narrow streets and alleys, but be prepared for numerous bridges and stairs.

The official currency in Venice is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated; rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount for good service is customary.

Venice is generally a safe city for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like Piazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge, and on public transportation. Avoid poorly lit and deserted areas at night. The Cannaregio district, particularly around the train station, has reported higher incidents of petty crime, so extra caution is advised there.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Venice has several hospitals and clinics, with the main hospital being Ospedale SS Giovanni e Paolo. Pharmacies are also widely available for minor health issues. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For lost or stolen items, report to the local police station (Questura) for assistance.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites; shoulders and knees should be covered. Avoid overly casual attire in fine dining establishments. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remain quiet and respectful inside churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding vaporetti. Don't block the passageways and be respectful of seating. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Buongiorno' (good morning) or 'Buonasera' (good evening). A handshake is common for formal introductions. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and savor Venetian cuisine. Don't rush meals; dining is a leisurely and social experience.

To experience Venice like a local, visit the less touristy areas such as Cannaregio and Dorsoduro. Enjoy a spritz at a local bacaro (wine bar) and try cicchetti (Venetian tapas). Take advantage of the Traghetto, a gondola service that ferries people across the Grand Canal for a minimal fee. Visit the Rialto Market early in the morning for fresh produce and seafood. Engage with locals; Venetians are generally friendly and willing to share their city's rich history and culture.