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Discover Interesting Facts About Venice Before You Go On An Italian River Cruise

Venice is the perfect destination getaway for the whole family. There aren’t many places in the world that offer something that everyone will love, but Venice surely is one of those truly magical cities. With sights to marvel at around every corner, exquisite food, and a rich cultural heritage, it’s no wonder the city is consistently ranked one of the top European holiday destinations.

For an even more unique experience, why not opt for visiting Venice as part of an Italian river cruise? After all, this is a place designed to be explored from the water. Suitable for all the family, you’ll see the city from a different perspective, away from the crowds, and have a lot of fun along the way. To get things started, here are some fun and historical facts to make your Venetian exploration even more exciting.

It Isn’t Just One Island

Venice may be one city, but it’s actually made up of multiple islands. A lot of people don’t realise this, but the city is a network of interconnected islands, each with its own unique charm and character. In fact, Venice is home to no less than 400 bridges and 170 waterways that serve to connect these tiny islands. The most famous bridge is the Rialto Bridge, which is one of the oldest spanning Venice’s Grand Canal.

Surrounded by beautiful canals, there really is no better way to visit this warren of a city than by boat, but it’s easy to forget that this UNESCO World Heritage site is actually built on water. The buildings that make up the city are mostly constructed on water-resistant wooden log platforms, the foundations of which are submerged deep underwater.

The Annual Carnival Dates Back to the 12th Century

It’s time to don the history caps! Venice is as historic as it is beautiful and there’s no better way to illustrate this than the annual Carnival. The festivities start each year during Mardi Gras and the festival has become famous worldwide as a celebration of vibrant colour and entertainment. Why not book your Italian river cruise to coincide with this unmissable event?

One of the festival’s quintessential features is its display of ornately-decorated venetian carnival masks, a craft and tradition that dates back to the middle-ages. In fact, the carnival is thought to have taken place as far back as 1162. The first carnival marked the victory of the Venetian Republic over Ulrich II. In its early years, carnival masks would have been worn, along with striking plumage. Historically, Venetian society was strictly stratified by class but, come carnival time, the rules were out and masks were worn to cover all sorts of illicit activities.

There’s More to Every Gondolier Than Meets the Eye

One of the first things called to mind when talking about Venice is the Gondola and these boats have become synonymous with the city’s heritage. However, very few of us really know what it means to be a Gondolier and, in fact, becoming a Gondolier is no mean feat. There’s a strict training programme involving hundreds of hours of training and a final examination and, incredibly, no more than four gondolier licences are granted each year.

(Fun fact: Giorgia Boscolo was the first woman to pass the gondolier training exam.)

There’s no better way to enjoy the magic of Venice than from the water. Booking an Italian river cruise with a reputable company is a great way to gather the family together for a truly memorable holiday to remember.

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Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK's most respected provider of all-inclusive luxury barge holidays. If you're looking for a fantastic Italian river cruise, or cruises to other great destinations, they are the go-to experts. Part of a team of experienced barging aficionados, Paul is first in line to endorse the perks of a slow-paced barge cruise to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience.