 Introduction
The region of Venetia, the territory of the old Republic of Venice, lies in the northeast of the North Italian plain, extending northward from the lower course of the Po to the Venetian Alps and bounded on the west by Lake Garda and the River Mincio, on the east by the Adriatic coast, a strip of former marshland now occupied by numerous lagoons. The area is now divided into three administrative regions: in the east Friuli-Venezia Giulia; in the north Trentino-Alto Adige; and between these two, extending towards the Po and the Adriatic, the region of Veneto (formerly Venezia Euganea), the heartland of the old territory of Venetia.
The capital is Venice. Other important towns include Verona, Padua, Treviso, Belluno, Rovigo and Vicenza. This region is very rich in cultural and historic treasures. Its architectural heritage includes the unique buildings and bridges of Venice, and many of Palladio's villas. Verona's arena is an ancient Roman amphitheatre, traditionally reserved for opera. The University of Padua is one of the oldest (1222) in Europe and has counted among its many famous professors Galileo Galilei. To this day it is world renowned for being at the forefront of medicine.
 History and Culture
The Venetic Period
Between 2nd and 1st milleniums BCE the region is inhabited first by Euganei and later by Veneti who came here from the Balcans. In 6th-7th centuries BCE the local populations entered in contact with the Etruscans and Greeks.
The Roman Period
Mostly together with the Cenomani Celts on their western border, the Veneti sided with the Romans when Rome struggled against the Insubri and Boi Celts during the 3rd Century BCE. Since the 2nd Century BCE, the Roman Republic gradually transformed the Veneti alliance into dominance. After the 91 B.C. Italic rebellion, the Veneti allied cities, together with the rest of Transpadania, were granted part of the rights of the Roman citizenship (Lex Pompeia Transpadanis). Later in 49 B.C., the Lex Rubria de Gallia granted full Roman citizenship to the Veneti. After the Battle of Filippi (42 B.C.), which ended the civil war, the Veneti, together with the rest of Cisalpine Gaul, ceased to be a province and became the X region (Venetia et Istria) of a new entity named Italia (Italy).
In the Roman empire Patavium (modern Padua) became one of the most important cities of northern Italy.
Middle Ages
Escaping from the barbaric invasions the parts of Veneto's population occupied some of the isolated islands of lagoon, so the Venice was born. After the period of Byzantine domination in 8th century, Venice became an independent marine Republic. The rest of the territory was subdivided in numerous feuds.
The Serenissima: The Repubblic of Venice
A commercial superpower that lasted through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. 1100 years of uninterrupted influence in the Mediterranean. Venetian Republic ruled Veneto, Friuli, part of Lombardy and Romagna from XV - XVI centuries.
The Modern Veneto
Attacked by Napoleon disappeared as an autonomous state in 1797 and was given under the Austrian domination. In 1866 after the 3rd Independence War Veneto joined Italy. The 19th century: economic depression, the Italian period and the massive migrations to the Americas.
 Places in the Region of Umbria
Veneto region ranks first in the tourist sector in Italy with about 60 million of tourists every year. Wonderful, sunny, wealthy, lively yet quiet and intimate: this is how the cities of art in the Veneto region are seen in a traveler’s eyes, seducing and winning over lovers of art, history and architecture.
Venice is the most splendid, a fantastic open-air museum with its endless treasures and priceless beauty, symbolized by Piazza San Marco, the most beautiful sitting room in the world. The kaleidoscopic scenario born of an amazing, intricate and harmonious communication network of water and stone casts light and shadows unique in the world upon a city already singular for its art, history and culture. Venice and its lagoon are listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Treviso, a medieval town that runs alongside the Sile river. Padua, the city of Giotto and Saint Anthony, is on the other side of Venice. It has a very old, famous university. The Riviera del Brenta stands between Venice and Padua. This was the privileged holiday playground of the rich, aristocratic Venetian families who had their famous villas built there by Palladio in the 18th century, which were then decorated with frescoes by Tiepolo.
Verona is a 30-minute train ride from Padua. The city of the most famous lovers in history: Romeo and Juliet.It is one of the cities that has better preserved its artistic heritage in Italy. Verona has been named a UNESCO world heritage site. The town is also full of remains of the splendor of the Roman Empire and was the birthplace of Andrea Palladio. In fact the town is full of palaces and buildings designed by this famous architect.
 Events
Carnival in the Province - Sep 8 to 17 - Verona
This province-wide Carnival begins on the first of June and continues throughout the province until September 17. The carnival brigns its parade to more than 60 towns in the province and the festivites comence in Torri del Benaco at an evening celebration.
85th Opera Festival of the Fondazione Arena di Verona - TBA - Verona
The year 2007 marks the 85th anniversary of the Opera Festival of the Fondazione Arena di Verona. The venue, the Arena, is more than 2,000 years old and boasts the largest stage in the world. More than half a million visitors arrive in Verona each year to take in the grand spectacle of artists, singers and musicians.
The Arena Address: Piazza Bra Verona
Cimbri Festival - July 1 - Verona
This festival, which takes place every year on the first Sunday in July, pays tribute to the customs and history of the Cimbri people, an ancient Germanic people whose ancestory now settles in certain parts of Lessinia. Features of the festival include a parade, traditional cuisine, and, abive all, tromboni shootings (interesting tribal weapons).
Address: Frazione Camposilvano 1
Vicenza Jazz Festival - Spring - Verona
Vicenza hosts one of the major European jazz festivals each year in spring, an event which attract artists and musicians from all over the world. New Converstations - Vicenza Jazz is both a jazz festival as well as an exchange of musical ideas, from the latin sound to the mediterranean and even classical influences. Local musicians meet international artists in pubs and theaters throughout the town during the week long festival, with the Teatro Olimpico hosting the most important events.
Treviso Marathon - second Sunday of March. - Treviso
Marathon from Vittorio Veneto to Treviso with finish in the central Piazza dei Signori, due to its athletic level and number of participants it is becoming one of the most interesting in Italy. There are performances and concerts along the route to entertain the audience and cheer up the athletes.
"Primavera del Prosecco" - Wine Festival. - Treviso
Each year all the towns in the upper Marca Trevigiana celebrate the official debut of the wines from the most recent harvest. A great festival which is celebrated in the unique landscape of the hills of Prosecco, between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, with 15 events held between March and the beginning of June. An excellent occasion for trying the gems of Treviso's wine industry in a very joyful ambiance.
Fantadia - International Multivision Festival - in Asolo, in May. - Treviso
A week of exhibits, installations, performances, concerts and naturally multivision projections of Italian and foreign performers. Fantadia has become one of the most important showcases of this particular sector in recent years.
Prealpi Bike-Run Marathon - in the second half of August. - Treviso
This race combines two sports, mountain biking and running. The race is held between Valdobbiadene and Mel, in the lovely setting of Treviso's pre-alp foothills. The first day the mountain bike long distance race is held covering 50 kilometers. The day after the running race covers a 30 kilometer route in the opposite direction. Athletes can decide whether to participate in one or both races.
"Artigianato Vivo" - Craftspeople Festival, in Cison di Valmarino, second week of August. - Treviso
For 25 years this picturesque town in the foothills has been transforming itself into a unique setting: 120 master craftspeople from all over Italy take over the squares, streets, courtyards and arcades, demonstrating a vast range of techniques and products in a cheerful, lively atmosphere. They are accompanied by food stands, music shows and theatrical performances until late at night. Guided tours and didactic workshops.
Incontri Asolani" - International Chamber Music Festival. - Treviso
This festival is held in the first half of September in inside the church of San Gottardo. It is an important event for classical music fans, and is held in a highly historic and cultural context: the historic city of Asolo.
Forum Spumanti d'Italia - first half of September. - Treviso
This is the most important appointment in Italy for the spumante industry. The event includes a wine competition entitled "Spumanti d’Italia”, with the participation of the most prestigious Italian labels. Taste workshops, tasting classes and related conferences are held during the Forum.
International Guitar Festival - "Delle Due Città". - Treviso
An essential event for guitar lovers is held at the beginning of September, a festival shared between the cities of Treviso and Rome. Some of the top international guitar players perform during the shows. The festival includes exhibits, meetings with the musicians and theater performances.
International Organ Festival "Città Di Treviso" - between September and October. - Treviso
The most important builders and interpreters in the organ world meet in Treviso to participate in the international festival.. Treviso has a long organ tradition and possesses many historic organs which have been perfectly restored. In 1997 the Treviso Festival sponsored the founding of the European Committee of Historic Organ Cities (ECHO).
Ombralonga - in mid October. - Treviso
A non-competitive marathon, its protagonists are wine, bars, Treviso and people. Thousands of participants armed with a wineglass, wineglass holder and map of the city, try the long route passing the various "stations", meaning the typical wine bars of Treviso. A way to discover the beauties of the city, indulging in some good prosecco, a cabernet and a few snacks.
Combai Chestnut Festival - last three weeks of October. - Treviso
In Combai, a town in Treviso's pre-alp foothills, gourmets get together to enjoy the famous chestnuts, as well as excellent Prosecco and Verdiso wines in a unique, joyful ambiance.
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