Venice is the historic Italian city built across more than 100 small islands and recognized as a World Heritage Site. The islands sit in the shallow Venetian Lagoon in northeastern Italy and are separated by canals rather than connected as one continuous landmass.
Venice’s historic center is commonly described as an archipelago of about 118 islands, linked by hundreds of bridges. Builders created foundations by driving closely spaced wooden piles through mud and sand until they reached a firmer layer of clay. The lagoon environment shaped the city’s architecture, transport, trade, and distinctive gondolas.
UNESCO inscribed the site in 1987 as “Venice and its Lagoon,” recognizing both the city’s extraordinary urban setting and its cultural achievements. Venice became a major maritime and commercial power during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, influencing architecture, painting, music, and international trade.
The World Heritage designation applies to the city and lagoon together, not simply to one famous landmark such as St. Mark’s Basilica or the Rialto Bridge. Another common confusion is treating Venice as entirely isolated from the mainland: modern rail and road causeways connect the historic island city to mainland Italy.