Venice, often called "The Floating City," is one of the most magical places on Earth. With its unique canals, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage, it's no wonder millions of tourists visit every year. But did you know Venice has some incredible secrets and fun facts that make it even more fascinating? Here are 11 fun facts about Venice you need to know about!

1. Venice Is Built on Over 100 Small Islands

Venice isn’t just one big piece of land—it comprises 118 small islands in a shallow lagoon. These islands are connected by hundreds of bridges and canals, creating the iconic scenery we know today.

Venetians used millions of wooden piles driven deep into the muddy ground to support buildings. Surprisingly, these wooden foundations have lasted for centuries because they’re submerged in water, preventing them from decaying.

2. There Are No Roads, Only Canals

Unlike most cities with roads for cars, Venice has zero vehicles or buses. Instead, the primary mode of transportation is by boat. The city has over 150 canals, the most famous being the Grand Canal.

People use gondolas, water taxis, and vaporettos (water buses) to get around Venice, which is one of the few pedestrian-friendly cities where walking or boating is the only way to travel.

3. The Grand Canal Is the Largest Waterway

The Grand Canal is Venice’s main "street," stretching about 2.4 miles (3.8 km) and shaped like an S. Lined with stunning palaces, churches, and historic buildings; it’s one of the most picturesque places in the city.

If you take a gondola or a vaporetto along the Grand Canal, you’ll pass by some of Venice’s most famous landmarks, including the Rialto Bridge and the Ca’ d’Oro Palace.

4. Venice Is Sinking Slowly

Yes, Venice is sinking—but very slowly. Due to rising sea levels and the soft ground beneath the city, it sinks about 1-2 millimeters per year.

This has led to frequent flooding, known as "Acqua Alta" (High Water), especially during autumn and winter. The city has built barriers like the MOSE project to help prevent flooding, but Venice still faces long-term challenges.

5. St. Mark’s Basilica Is a Treasure Trove

Located in Piazza San Marco, St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the most breathtaking churches in the world. It’s known for its:

Golden mosaics covering over 8,000 square meters

Stolen relics, including the remains of St. Mark himself, brought from Egypt

Horses of St. Mark, a set of ancient bronze statues taken from Constantinople

Its history is as fascinating as its beauty, making it a must-visit site.

6. Venice Was Once Its Own Powerful Republic

For over 1,000 years (697–1797), Venice was an independent republic known as the Most Serene Republic of Venice. It was one of Europe's most powerful trading hubs, controlling major trade routes across the Mediterranean.

The city was ruled by a Doge (Duke), and its wealth came from trading spices, silk, and other goods. It wasn’t until Napoleon conquered Venice in 1797 that its independence ended.

7. The First Public Casino in the World Opened Here

Venice is home to the world’s first-ever public casino, Casino di Venezia, which opened in 1638. It’s still in operation today, making it one of the oldest casinos in the world.

Set in a stunning Renaissance palace, this casino offers visitors a unique mix of history and entertainment.

8. Venice’s Carnival Masks Have a Mysterious Past

Venetian masks are famous worldwide, but did you know they were initially used for more than just Carnival celebrations?

In the past, people wore masks to hide their identity while gambling, engaging in secret affairs, or even committing crimes. The tradition became so widespread that the government had to restrict mask-wearing outside special events!

9. The City Has More Than 400 Bridges

Since Venice is built on multiple islands, it relies on bridges to connect them. There are over 400 bridges, each with its history and design.

The most famous ones include:

Rialto Bridge – The oldest and most iconic bridge

Bridge of Sighs – A romantic yet eerie bridge that once led prisoners to their cells

Accademia Bridge – Offers one of the best views of the Grand Canal

10. There’s a Hidden Bookstore With a Gondola Inside

One of the most unique places in Venice is the Libreria Acqua Alta, a bookstore that keeps its books in bathtubs, barrels, and even a full-size gondola to protect them from flooding.

This quirky shop is a paradise for book lovers. Its famous book staircase is made entirely of old books!

11. There Are Secret Crypts Beneath Venice

Beneath the beautiful city lies a network of crypts and underground chambers. One of the most eerie places is the Crypt of San Zaccaria, which is often flooded.

Many of these crypts are hidden beneath churches and hold the remains of past rulers, saints, and nobles. Some even believe these underground spaces are haunted!