Venice

Venice, often referred to as the most romantic place on earth, is one of the most popular destinations in the world, and a truly unforgetable one for all who see it.

Your feet will naturally take you to Saint Marc's square, where you will find some of the most beautiful monuments in Italy, including the Campanile and the Palazzo Ducale.

And if you follow the Grand Canal, you will come across the famous Rialto Bridge. Be sure to visit the city by night, as that is when the atmosphere of Venice is at its most powerful.

Venice rose in the 14th and 15th century as a major cultural, artistic, and military centre, and its Renaissance spirit still pervades its architecture and traditions.
In Febrary, the Carnival stands as a major event, during which the whole city comes alive withshows, games, street-performing, and of course disguising.

Though the tradition dates from the Middle-Ages, the Venice Carnival truly flourished during the 18th century.
Different costumes were used, portraying characters from La Commedia dell'Arte, such as Harlequin, Pantalone, Punchinello, the Docter, the Captain, Scaramouch, and many others.

However simpler masks and costumes were common. The traditional 18th century mask consisted of a small piece of silk, la “bauta”, which framed the face and fell down to the shoulders, which were usually covered with fine lace. It matched a white mask and a tri-corner hat, the ensemble destined to ensure anonimity for the wearer.
The protuberance on the upper lip of the mask also served to alter one's voice slightly; thus men could go to forbidden places without their identity being known.

That time of year was an opportunity to let off steam, and it was authorised by the institutions themselves; a parenthesis for freedom and transgretion conceded to the people.

Today, though the spirit of the tradition has changed, you can still find many “mascareri” who can make you your own mask.