暢談世界文化:26 水城威尼斯 (2/2)

It used to be a fishing town, you know? 2,000 years ago hunters and fishermen lived on the mudflats. Also, many refugees escaped there to avoid Attila the Hun and later, from other wars. Really? By the 1800s Venice, though a popular tourist destination, was poor and decaying. Saved by mass tourism – the Lido became a fashionable resort. Before that it was a well-known trading city and was at war with Spain, the Pope and practically every European power. I think it's got to be a unique place, it has 116 islands, 150 canals, and 409 bridges. This city is an intricate maze. And some of the most unexpected architectural delights can be found as you wander around. Heavenly! Even though there are many tourists, you must do some of the touristy things. You can’t go there and miss all of that history. Don’t forget to take a trip down the Grand Canal. A ride on a gondola will give you a fascinating view of Venice.