Venice – the stuff of dreams and legend… famously built on a series of wooden poles (pilings) driven deep into the soft, muddy floor of a lagoon in the Adriatic See, dotted with 118 small islands —a remarkable feat of medieval engineering.

The city was founded in the 5th century by refugees fleeing barbarian invasions. To build stable foundations in the marshy Venetian lagoon, early settlers drove millions of wooden poles, often made from water-resistant wood like alder, larch, or oak, through the mud and into the compact clay beneath. These poles supported wooden platforms, which were then topped with stone foundations and buildings.

Surprisingly, the wood didn’t rot. Submerged in oxygen-poor, silt-filled water, the wood petrified over time, becoming incredibly durable. This unique technique allowed entire structures—from homes to cathedrals—to stand atop shifting, waterlogged terrain.

Most of the city’s iconic buildings—including St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace …

… still rest on these ancient pilings. The result is a floating city of stone and marble, literally rooted in wood – and ingenuity.

Its architecture reflects this rich history—most famously in St. Mark’s Basilica, with its Byzantine domes and glittering mosaics, and the Gothic Doge’s Palace, a symbol of Venice’s political and artistic grandeur. Strolling through Piazza San Marco …

… visitors are surrounded by elegant facades, soaring bell towers, and intricate stonework that blend Eastern and Western influences.

Most of Venice’s iconic buildings—including St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace—still rest on these ancient pilings. The result is a floating city of stone and marble, rooted in wood and ingenuity.

It also means, that in Venice city blocks and neighborhoods are connected by canals, not streets.

Venice emerged as a major trade power during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, thanks to its strategic location at the crossroads of East and West. Situated on the Adriatic Sea, the city became a thriving maritime republic, dominating commerce between Europe and the Byzantine and Islamic worlds. Venetian merchants traded in spices, silk, precious metals, and glass, building vast wealth and influence. The city developed powerful fleets and established trading posts across the Mediterranean and Black Seas, securing exclusive contracts and privileges.

One of Venice’s most famous figures, Marco Polo, symbolized the city’s global reach.

In the late 13th century, he traveled the Silk Road to China and served at the court of Kublai Khan. His detailed accounts introduced Europeans to the wonders of the East and inspired generations of explorers.

Through innovation, diplomacy, and naval strength, Venice became a commercial empire—its legacy still reflected in its opulent palaces, art, and cosmopolitan spirit.

Venice is also a city of art – from the Venetian Renaissance masters like Titian and Tintoretto to the avant-garde Venice Biennale. Not to forget – glass art, at home on the island of Murano (where glass mirrors were invented) …

… and the lace handicraft on the island of Burano.

You need to visit them all! And then there is the famous Venice Carnival, one of the world’s most iconic and enchanting festivals, celebrated each year in the lead-up to Lent. Steeped in history, the event dates back to the 12th century and flourished during the Renaissance, offering Venetians a period of indulgence and anonymity behind elaborate masks. Infamously, it was the time of the most murders in Venice, throughout the year…

Today, the Carnival transforms Venice into a magical stage of elegance, mystery, and theatricality. Locals and visitors alike dress in lavish 18th-century costumes, adorned with handcrafted masks ranging from simple eye covers to ornate full-face designs. The city’s piazzas, canals, and palaces host a dazzling array of events—from masquerade balls and street performances to gondola parades and costume contests.

And if you go, the Hotel Cipriani is my personal recommendation for your luxurious home base for all your excursions. Want to see it before you go? Watch The Tourist with Jennifer Lopez and Johnny Depp (which was filmed there) and be vowed! Or see our own couple Philipp and Michelle right there…

Enjoy and send photos!