And yet, there are quite a few European cities, built on the water or with strong Venetian elements in their architecture, that are reminiscent of Venice. One of them is actually in Greece.
Venice, the romantic floating city of Italy with its 118 islets linked by about 410 bridges, is a unique travel destination. From its countless canals and bridges to the famed carnival, this city is a truly rare experience.
What other city is built on water or has such distinctive architecture? And yet, as CNN Travel notes, there are quite a few cities in Europe that recall something of Venice. Thanks to its maritime and commercial power, the Republic of Venice seized several positions along the eastern shores of the Adriatic. These coasts were once dotted with «mini Venices», many of which still exist today. Travel with us to the 10 little «Venices» of Europe, as presented by CNN Travel. Among them is also a Greek city!
Old Town of Corfu, Greece
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town of Corfu is filled with buildings of rare beauty and architectural value. Its architecture, gastronomy, musical tradition, and all the other elements that shape its cultural identity are deeply influenced by 411 years of Venetian rule. Notable features of the city from this period include the New Fortress and Spianada Square, the largest in the Balkans, with fountains adorned with the lion of the Serenissima.
Nicosia, Cyprus
The Republic of Venice dominated the Mediterranean as far as Cyprus. The most impressive mark the Venetians left on the island was the walls of Nicosia. The walls built by the Venetians (1567) were constructed to protect against the impending Ottoman siege. The imposing circular structure of the walls, preserved in its entirety today, has a circumference of 5 kilometers and includes 11 heart-shaped bastions, while it is protected by a moat 80 meters wide.
Korčula, Croatia
The picturesque harbor, narrow alleys, ornate old mansions, walls and towers create a gorgeous setting on this island in the Adriatic. After World War II, much of the Venetian heritage—such as the Lions of St. Mark that were scattered around the island—was destroyed. However, the Italian influence remains: the city walls are Venetian, while a lion guards the entrance gate. Be sure to see the Church of St. Mark, Marco Polo’s house (some biographers claim the explorer was born on this island), as well as the regional museum, housed in a palace.
Muggia, Italy
Two hours east of Venice, in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, on the border with Slovenia, Muggia is a small town with a strong Venetian character. The large bell tower dominates the town, which entered the Venetian Republic in 1420. Beyond the architecture, the dialect, traditional costumes, and traditional dishes are Venetian as well.
Rovinj, Croatia
Set on the eastern shores of the northern Adriatic on the Istrian peninsula, Rovinj enchants with its medieval beauty. The old town sits on a peninsula that was an island until 1763 and forms the original core of the city. During Venetian rule, which lasted until 1797, Rovinj was one of the most important cities of the Republic of Venice. In this period the town was fortified with two lines of walls and three gates were built. Parts of the fortifications are visible to this day. Visitors will admire the Baroque Church of St. Euphemia with its bell tower modeled on Venice’s St. Mark’s Campanile.
Chioggia, Italy
Taking the vaporetto from Venice to the island of Lido and from there ferry number 11 will bring you to Chioggia, which sits on a small island at the southern edge of the lagoon. Beautiful canals, ancient bridges, churches filled with art, and the gleaming lagoon views with the Dolomites in the background set the scene in this town that is considered a miniature Venice.
Svetvincenat, Croatia
Half an hour north of Pula, deep in the Istria peninsula, this beautiful village still exudes Venetian style. Dominating here is the enormous Morosini-Grimani Castle, which was rebuilt in 1500 by the Grimani family (in Venice, one can see the Palazzo Grimani). But the sight that will transport you straight to Venice is the central square, the finest example of Renaissance urban planning in Istria. The church and its bell tower overlook handsome houses, an arcade, and a Venetian well.
Grado, Italy
Grado sits on an island in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, between Venice and Trieste. Founded in Roman times, it is known as the mother of Venice. Visitors will find many spots and buildings that recall Venice, such as the Campo dei Patriarchi (as in Venice, the square here is called campo and not piazza) with churches that resemble those on the Venetian island of Torcello, a Venetian-style bell tower, and broad stretches of sand that bring the Lido to mind.
Koper, Slovenia
Almost directly opposite Venice, lies Koper, Slovenia’s only port and its fourth-largest city, with the Adriatic between them. Until 1954, this town was inhabited mostly by Italians. One of Koper’s most famous sights is the Da Ponte Fountain, which is a reproduction of the famous Rialto Bridge, the oldest of the four bridges that span Venice’s Grand Canal. Many of the city’s buildings also feature Venetian elements.
Piran, Slovenia
With medieval architecture, narrow streets, and a colorful central square, Piran is a jewel of a town on the Adriatic coast. It is hard not to fall in love at first sight with its Old Town, one of the best-preserved historic towns in Europe. From 1283 to 1797, the city became part of the Republic of Venice. In this small oasis of calm on the Adriatic you won’t find canals, but you will find beautiful Venetian-style buildings on Tartini Square.
