There is simply no other city like Venice, the “Golden” city of the Doges. Constructed within an Adriatic lagoon on a myriad of islets, divided by a network of large and small canals and connected by bridges, Venice is a living, breathing Renaissance museum, floating on water. We’re taking a step back in time today, presenting a collection of vintage photographs from the Library of Congress archives. These images provide an authentic glimpse into the city’s rich history, its architectural marvels, and its people, from the Belle Époque period to the final decade of the 19th century. And, of course, they capture the timeless beauty of Venice.

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The view from Campanile. Photo: Library of Congress
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The Gothic architecture of the Doge’s Palace. Photo: Library of Congress
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In the Basilica of St Mark’s. Photo: Library of Congress
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Gondolas in front of St Mark’s Square. Photo: Library of Congress
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A procession in front of St Mark’s. Photo: Library of Congress
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An open-air concert in front of St Mark’s Basilica. Photo: Library of Congress
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Piazzetta. Photo: Library of Congress
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Street in San Giuseppe. Photo: Library of Congress
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The Doge’s Palace and the Piazzetta. Photo: Library of Congress
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The islet of San Giorgio Maggiore. Photo: Library of Congress
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The three bridges. Photo: Library of Congress
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A procession crosses the Grand Canal. Photo: Library of Congress
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The Pezzaro Palace. Photo: Library of Congress
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The Grand Canal. Photo: Library of Congress
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The Rialto Bridge is perhaps the most popular bridge in Venice. Photo: Library of Congress
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Gondolier on the Grand Canal under the moonlight. Photo: Library of Congress
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Φωτογραφία: Library of Congress
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Another view of the Rialto Bridge. Photo: Library of Congress
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St Mark’s Square and Campanile. Photo: Library of Congress