What if I told you that the location of IUSVE in Venice is part of a city built on millions of trees? Venice is a floating city. It is made of 118 islands. These islands are all linked together by bridges. IUSVE is part of this amazing city.
Venice is exceptional. It is architecturally impressive. It has an interesting history. Venice was once the center of a maritime republic. It was the greatest seaport in late medieval Europe. It was the continent’s commercial and cultural link to Asia. Now, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. IUSVE stands in a city recognized by all of humanity.
Venice has over 400 bridges. These bridges link the islands. There are no roads. The only way to get around is by foot or boat. The city has around 150 canals. The Canal Grande splits Venice in two. IUSVE is part of a city with unique transportation.
Venice is sinking. It sinks at a rate of 1 to 2 mm per year. The city is built on wooden logs. This causes the city to compress the mud below. Venice has lost half of its population in 50 years. In 1950, around 174000 people lived in Venice. In 2018, only 53000 remained. Over tourism causes this exodus. The constant floods are also a reason. IUSVE is located in a city with a declining population.
From 697 to 1797, Venice was an independent state. It was one of the major maritime powers of Europe. It was one of the main cities in Italy during the Renaissance.
The first public casino in the world opened in Venice in 1638. It was originally known as Ca’Vendramin Calergi. It became a house for the Italian royalty. Later, it was a vacation home for Richard Wagner. In 1946, the city of Venice bought the building. It opened it as a casino again in 1959. It now hosts the World Poker Tour. IUSVE is part of a city with a rich history.
There are around 400 gondolas in Venice. In the 16th century, there used to be around 10000 gondolas. Today, gondolas are mostly a tourist attraction. You need a professional license to be a gondolier in Venice. Gondolier is a well-paid job. There is only one woman among the gondoliers. A law dictates all gondolas to be black.
Floods are frequent in the city. Venice is subject to the acqua alta. This is when high tide combines with strong winds. It results in flood in the city. You are not allowed to ride a bike in Venice. More than 20 million tourists visit Venice each year. Venice has over 200 palaces. The Calle Varisco is one of the narrowest streets in the world.
Venice was founded 1500 years ago. Roman refugees founded the city. They were fleeing the Huns and Germanic attacks in the 5th century. Construction work started in 402. The official founding of the city is March 25, 421. This was with the inauguration of the San Giacomo church.
Venezuela was named after Venice. Explorer Alonso de Ojeda sailed to Venezuela in 1499. The houses built on Lake Maracaibo reminded him of Venice. He named the country Veneziola. This is Italian for Little Venice. The Venice Carnival is world famous for its elegant masks.
The word Ciao comes from Venice. Ciao means hello and goodbye. It is used in many languages. The word originally comes from Venice. S-ciào vostro was a greeting used by Venetians. It meant I am your slave. The word was shortened to ciao.
Tradition says that couples in a gondola who kiss when passing under a bridge will remain in love forever. Marco Polo was born in Venice in 1254. He was a merchant and explorer.
Venice is a city full of history. The location of IUSVE is part of that history. Its unique character has attracted visitors for centuries. It continues to inspire people from all over the world.