This is how Venice was when it belonged only to its inhabitants
Coloured postcards from the Galinotate of the Adriatic
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.

The view from Campanile. Photo: Library of Congress

The Gothic architecture of the Doge’s Palace. Photo: Library of Congress

In the Basilica of St Mark’s. Photo: Library of Congress

Gondolas in front of St Mark’s Square. Photo: Library of Congress

A procession in front of St Mark’s. Photo: Library of Congress

An open-air concert in front of St Mark’s Basilica. Photo: Library of Congress

Piazzetta. Photo: Library of Congress

Street in San Giuseppe. Photo: Library of Congress

The Doge’s Palace and the Piazzetta. Photo: Library of Congress

The islet of San Giorgio Maggiore. Photo: Library of Congress

The three bridges. Photo: Library of Congress

A procession crosses the Grand Canal. Photo: Library of Congress

The Pezzaro Palace. Photo: Library of Congress

The Grand Canal. Photo: Library of Congress

The Rialto Bridge is perhaps the most popular bridge in Venice. Photo: Library of Congress

Gondolier on the Grand Canal under the moonlight. Photo: Library of Congress

Φωτογραφία: Library of Congress

Another view of the Rialto Bridge. Photo: Library of Congress

St Mark’s Square and Campanile. Photo: Library of Congress














