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The Rialto Bridge Took Three Tries to Get Right
Before the stone version we see today, two earlier wooden Rialto bridges collapsed — one under the weight of a crowd in the 15th century. The current bridge, completed in 1591, was an engineering marvel of its time and remains one of Venice’s most photographed landmarks.
The Grand Canal Was Venice’s Main “Highway”
For centuries, the Grand Canal served as Venice’s primary transportation route. Wealthy families built their palaces along its banks, turning boat traffic into a daily parade of elegance and status.
Casanova Was Also a Spy and Escaped Prison
Beyond romance, Giacomo Casanova was hired by the Venetian Inquisition as an intelligence agent — but was later arrested for his behavior. He made a daring escape from the Doge’s Palace in 1756, climbing through the roof!
Some Calli Are So Narrow You Can Touch Both Walls
Venice’s maze-like alleyways, or calli, can be incredibly narrow — some less than a meter wide. Locals still use hidden passages and shortcuts passed down through generations to navigate the city quickly.
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