Venice has been one of the world's leading destinations for the cultural traveler since the 18th-century Grand Tour:a romantic setting,rich in art history created by a republic that was stable and prosperous for a thousand years. This fully-updated edition of a key Blue Guide title presents Venice's art and history accessibly and interestingly, as well as recommending where to stay and where to eat. Alta Macadam is a Florence-based art historian who is one of the Blue Guides best-selling authors.