Siren of the Adriatic

In Venice, a town of mirrors and mirages, many visitors struggle to find something genuine in a historic centre transformed into Disneyland. But some authentic places remain.

Is there a more mythical place than Venice? The most beautiful town in the world, slowly sinking into a turquoise lagoon, populated throughout history by princes, dukes, and heiresses living in lavish palaces, its opulence constantly threatened by the surrounding water and impending doom. No wonder everyone in the world wants to experience its marvels.

People come to Venice for its romantic allure but might forget that it was built on a marsh and still has the mosquitoes to prove it. The town is fragile, sinking one centimetre for every decade, and during times of acqua alta (occurring between October and January), you’ll see visitors wearing plastic bags over their shoes and boots. Wood-burning ovens are banned in Venice (due to fire hazard), so forget ordering pizza.