Inside the Correr Museum is a pair of Venetian renaissance shoes called ‘calcagnetti’ which were used by women before most of the city was paved. They are 51 centimetre high heeled clogs to keep the mud away. Such footwear was often jewel encrusted and permitted serious fashion statements.

Saint Mark’s s only fountain was designed by Andrea ‘Tyrant’ Tirali. It is a favourite watering hole for pigeons seeking a break from being fed by tourists

Take it all in at Caffè Florian. The oldest coffee bar still active in Italy, the Florian also became a central reference point for Europe’s first recognisable newspaper or periodical. From the second half of the 18th century ‘La Gazzetta’ came out twice a week and for five soldi could be purchased at the Florian. The bar was one of the newspapers main selling points

Look closely at the Basilica and reflect that although Latin was the language of liturgy and justice throughout the Republic’s history notwithstanding the cultural ties with Byzantium.

Yet, the Basilica of San Marco is modelled on the Chiesa dei Santi Apostoli in Constantinople. The doors were fused there, the famous Pala d’Oro of the main altar was initially worked there and the precious marbles and columns were also of Greek origin.