VENICE CITYSCAPE
WITH BLUE WATER AND CASE (S)

Venice is an Italian city situated on a group of 117 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges. The name is derived from the ancient Veneti people who lived in the area in 10th century. It is thought to have been founded by refugees from the countryside fleeing Germanic and Hun invasions. Its strategic position at the head of the Adriatic sea helped in its developing into a city state and a major naval and commercial power. It was an important centre of commerce and art from the 13th to the 17th centuries. By the late 13th century, Venice was the most prosperous city in all of Europe. During the 18th century, Venice became perhaps the most elegant and refined city in Europe, greatly influencing art, architecture and literature.

The buildings of Venice are constructed on closely spaced wooden piles. Most of these piles are still intact after centuries of submersion. The foundations rest on plates of limestone placed on top of the piles, and buildings of brick or stone sit above these footings. The piles penetrate a softer layer of sand and mud until they reach a much harder layer of compressed clay. During the 20th century, when many artesian wells were sunk into the periphery of the lagoon to draw water for local industry, Venice began to subside. It was realised that extraction of water from the aquifer was the cause. The sinking has slowed markedly since artesian wells were banned in the 1960s.

It is an extremely beautiful city with setting, architecture and art all contributing. The lagoon, that stretches along the shoreline, and parts of the city are listed as a World Heritage Site. Venice has a rich and diverse architectural style, the most famous of which is the Gothic style. Venetian Gothic architecture is a term given to a Venetian building style combining use of the Gothic lancet arch with Byzantine and Ottoman influences. The style originated in 14th-century Venice, where the confluence of Byzantine style from Constantinople met Arab influence from Moorish Spain.

This 3d map of Venice, at a scale of 1:5000, is centred on the Canal Grande. It is a single resin tile measuring 30x30cm encapsulated in an oak frame and an acrylic case. Completed with metal etched blue water. The model can wall hang or be displayed on a desk or table top.

Acrylic case optional