Venetian History

It has long been cited in tradition that the city of Venice was founded in 452 AD. It was during this time that many of the countryside's population fled to the small islands in the lagoons in search of refuge, during Attila the Hun's invasion.

After Attila the Hun's withdrawal, many of the people who had sought refuge had decided to remain on the islands. They had established their own government, where a council for each of the 12 principal islands was formed.

As history has it by 697, the Venetians had the election of the Republic's first Doge (leader or chief magistrate) and by the 9th Century construction had begun on the Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale); in what is today St. Mark's Square.

Around the year 1000, Venice had become the greatest commercial center for trade with the East and by 1204 became politically the strongest European power in the Mediterranean region. It was during this period that the growth of a wealth aristocracy emerged and the wealth and power of Venice was indulged for the next few centuries.

The middle of the 15th Century, with the beginning of the Turkish invasions as well as conflicts with foreign invaders and other Italian states; marks the end of Venice's historic greatness.

In 1797 Napoleon Bonaparte conquered the Venetian Republic and was placed under Austrian rule. In 1848 the Venetians revolt against Austrian rule; but Austria regains control the following year. In 1866 Venice becomes part of Italy.

From its birth through today, Venice has faced many challenges; from fires, floods, plague to sinkage and ancient age. However, she still stands today as a majestic monument and representation of commerce, wealth, grandeur, art, romance and timeless beauty - the true visions of Venice.