7 Amazing Things You Never Knew About Venice

From the story of how it floats to its secret prosecco stash

'The City of Water', 'The City of Masks', 'The Floating City', 'The City of Bridges', and 'The City of Canals'... it goes by many names.

Venice or Venezia, named after the ancient Veneti people who lived there over 3000 years ago, is one of the most mysterious and captivating cities in the world. Here are some of its best-kept secrets.

So, how does the wood keep from rotting after all this time?

Thanks to the wonder of nature. Venice keeps afloat due to the absorbed sediment beneath the waters, and lack of exposure to oxygen which has helped petrify the ancient wooden logs.

2. Venice has an irregular climate and floods regularly

The main island of Venice, the one most of us know and love, is the one that's home to St. Mark’s Square. But Venice's city actually consists of 118 islands, some of which are connected with 400 bridges. These man-made islands are feeling the negative effects of an irregular climate and many of them flood regularly. Water can reach to about 3.5 feet high, making galoshes regular footwear for Venetians.

Flooding happens approximately 4 times year, generally around November and December, and it is slowly taking its toll on this 1600-year-old city.

3. Venice is home to a farm

When it comes to Venice, most people think of the city center, or maybe Murano and its famous glass making, but few know that it also has a small agricultural island – Sant Erasmo. This island is breathtaking to say the least, with a small strip of sand for local sunbathers and Venetians showing off their new boats.

As if that wasn’t enough, Sant Erasmo is also the agricultural hub of Venice, growing the likes of fresh chicory, artichokes and grapes for… prosecco. Thanks to the climate and natural rainfall of the area, the sparkling Italian wine that is native of northern Italy, can also be found as a local Venetian product in most bacari (finger food restaurants typical of Venice).

Agricultural Venice may not be the Venice you know, but it shows how contradictory and surprising the city really is.

4. The Venetians simply love to relax and enjoy the beauty of their charming city

So much so that there are carefully placed public panchine rosse (aka red benches) throughout the city, specifically set aside for people watching.

5. Lace-making is one of the city's trademarks

Glance at any Venetian window and you will find something that is not at all typical of southern Italian cities – delicate lace curtains. Burano, one of Venice’s main islands, is known for its renowned lace-making craftsmanship which serves as one of the city’s trademarks.

Whatever its origins, it’s certain that it was the Countess Andriana Marcello who put Burano lace on the map. The school of Burano Lace Making was born and continues to dominate the city’s traditions.

6. The Rialto Fish Market made history

Where there’s water and a farm, there’s a market. The Rialto Fish Market has had a long-standing tradition of selling the catch of the day, alongside other local produce. Whether you like seafood or not, the site itself is stunning, overlooking the canal and just steps away from the famous Rialto Bridge. If you go early in the morning, you’ll witness the true lives of Venetians.

The Rialto Fish Market located in Campo Della Pescaria has been declared part of the UNESCO patrimony, ensuring the tradition continues for generations to come.

7. Venice has long had a history of water events

One of which includes the Venetian Historic Regatta, held the first Sunday of every September. Traditionally begun as a religious celebration, the tradition now extends to over 120 regattas celebrating everything from religious to political events.

The Venetian Historic Regatta of 1489 commemorated the arrival of Caterina Cornaro, Queen of Cyprus, to Venice with hand-carved boats still fit for a queen. The colorful re-enactment is definitely worth making the trip to see.