Venice, Italy, is a city renowned for its unique architecture, history, and network of canals. Consisting of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by over 400 bridges, the city is located in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy, spread out across a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Venice is famed for landmarks such as St. Mark's Basilica, the Grand Canal, and the Piazza San Marco, which is the principal public square of Venice. Notably, the entire city along with its lagoon is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Historically, Venice was a major financial and maritime power during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and a staging area for the Crusades, as well as a very important center of commerce and art in the 13th century up to the end of the 17th century. The unique urban design and rich artistic heritage make Venice one of the most picturesque and popular cities for visitors from around the globe. The city is also known for its annual Venice Film Festival, the oldest film festival in the world, and the famous Venetian glassware that is produced on the island of Murano.
