10 Fun Facts About Veneto

This romantic and lovely region of Italy is the birthplace of explorers, romanticists and artists. It is famous the world over for Venice, love and luck. Learn more about this unique and wonderful region of Italy below:

1)  Tiramisu is said to have originated in Veneto from a restaurant in Treviso.

Verona Arena

2)  The Verona Arena is a Roman amphitheatre that was built in the first century and has been hosting organized musical events since the 16th century.

3)  L’Orto Botanico di Padova is the world’s oldest academic botanical garden, which was originally founded in 1544. It is known for its historical designs and special collections.

4)  This region also boasts one of the oldest universities in the world – the University of Padua, founded in 1222 which was founded by a group of students and teachers from the University of Bologna looking for more academic freedoms.

5)  Many famous people came from Veneto including Marco Polo, Antonio Vivaldi & Giacomo Casanova, the playwright and famed lover.

6) The heartland of Prosecco wine is based in Veneto, close to Treviso in the Valdobbiadene area.

7)  You can visit the famed “Home of Juliet” in Verona, which inspired the 2010 film Letters to Juliet and see the statue of Juliet which is rumored to be good luck in love.

8)  Venice is comprised of 118 submerged islands which were built upon using wood pilings. It also has 400 foot bridges and 170 canals, giving it the unique look and feel it is famous for.

9)  Venice has seasons of high water called Acqua Alta, that are caused by the ebb and flow of the tides. Raised walkways or rubber boots are required to walk around the city comfortably during these seasons.

10)  Venice is said to be sinking at a rate of 1-2 millimeters per year with the Acqua Alta period being higher or longer than previous years.