It was March 25, 421 when the Church of San Giacometo was consecrated and "in the middle of the day of Holy Monday, this Illustrissima et Excellente Christiana and marvelous city was given its beginning, once again Heaven was found in a singular arrangement".
1600 years have passed since the day in which, according to the words of the Chronicon Altinate, a written reference source, the nucleus of what will become one of the most beautiful, loved and admired cities in the world was identified. According to many historians, in reality, the lagoon area was inhabited since the Roman era. The first Venetians were fishermen, salt workers, marsh ferrymen who just around the fifteenth century gathered in community, concentrating in three main points, namely Grado, Eraclea and the island of Torcello which still today preserves precious historical testimonies in its ancient cathedral.
The threat of the Lombards forced the population to move in increasing numbers to the islets and, at the same time, to structure itself as an independent community. The power of the Venetian community grew quickly and the Emperor of Byzantium decided to officially recognize it by naming the first Duke in 697, hence the term Doge. The civitas Rivoalti expands, is structured and in the 13th century changes its name, becoming for everyone Venice.
One thousand six hundred years of trade, art and literature that make it today a capital of unparalleled beauty. The anniversary falls at a particular historical moment, a year which - it is hoped - will coincide with the end of the Covid-19 epidemic. Almost a sign of destiny for the city that invented the Lazaretto, which over the centuries has become a model for the fight against epidemics and which at the same time, with its mysterious and irreverent soul, has linked one of the most famous masks to the plague: the plague doctor .
Venice is just that, a perfect balance between mysteries and light, between the comedy of the Carnival and the sacred art of its 148 churches and 170 bell towers.
The birthday celebrations started right from here, from the sound of the bells that the parish priests of the city, at the invitation of the Patriarchate, let them ring at the same time. This spectacular moment was only the first in a series of events that will last until 2022 and which, with the waning of the Covid-19 emergency, it will be possible to return to live in the presence.
They will be told, day after day, on the official Venezia1600 Facebook page where many curiosities related to the city are also published. Fans of philately will be able to take home a card of this important birthday thanks to the stamp issued by the Ministry of Economic Development which reproduces the woodcut "The Bird's Eye View of Venice" by Jacopo De 'Barbari.
Like an unexpected and exciting view of the city is the one collected by the celebratory video that in just over three minutes manages to fascinate and move those who, like us, are in love with Venice. A passage over palaces, streets and canals in an angel's flight, similar to the one that every year, during Carnival, lands on Piazza San Marco to remind us that only here sky, art and sea are able to blend perfectly.
We at the Engel & Völkers real estate agency, thanks to our work, are lucky enough to experience it from the inside every day, through its splendid houses for sale in Venice. One more reason to say together to the whole world: Happy Birthday Venice!
Mon - Fri 9/13 - 14/18
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