In Veneto, in northeastern Italy, Venice was founded in the 5th century A.D., spread over 118 small islands within its lagoon. Major maritime power in the 10th century, this city is an extraordinary architectural masterpiece and a treasure of art and culture. Venice and the lagoon islands, born to give shelter to people affected by the barbarian invasions. The first areas to develop are Torcello, Jesolo and Malamocco, followed by Murano and Burano. Venice grows, develops its trade with the Arabs, the Turks and the Genoese, defends the city, consolidates the territory by combining the smaller islands in urban areas separated by major channels (the Giudecca Canal, the Canal of San Marco and the Grand Canal) and the minor channels , which become the traffic routes. Venice is one of the artistic capitals thanks to artists such as Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese, Tiepolo, Bellini and others, as well as its architecture becomes strong influential factor for the whole world, both for the enormous technical skills shown in the constructions and for the wonderful shapes of its buildings. In fact, Venice and the Lagoon are a unique artistic achievement that seems to float on water creating an unforgettable landscape with its masterpieces: the Cathedral of Torcello, the church of Santa Maria della Salute, San Marco, Ducal Palace, San Zanipolo, the Scuola of San Marco, The Frari and the Scuola of San Rocco, San Giorgio Maggiore and much more.