Bringing back to life the traditional masked ball and elaborately decorated costumes that characterised the 18th century in the city, the Venice Carnival got into full swing last week.
The ancient city, known for its dense waterway infrastructure, opulence and hedonism of times gone by, transforms into a cultural arts fest for two weeks this month.
Plays, parades, readings and thrilling dances will take place all over the city until February 20th as tourists have even more reason to visit one of the world's most unique habitations.
Located just off the Italian coast in the Adriatic Sea, Venice is spread over a number of islands connected by a complicated network of canals, along which even residents today travel on gondolas, narrow open top boats propelled by pushing a pole off the river bed.
By the 12th century, the city was the capital of its own republic and became a highly successful commercial centre due to its positioning as a gateway to the Italian mainland.
By the beginning of the Middle Ages, it dominated trade over the whole of the Mediterranean and as a result, its residents began building the famous churches, palaces and buildings that are such a draw for tourists today.
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