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Streets and Canals in Venice

Streets and Canals in Venice
Streets and Canals in Venice
These old photos of Venice show elegant palaces, narrow streets and courtyards, picturesque squares and canals where you are able to see small details of the social history of the late 19th century. In addition to St Mark's Square, Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal, these wonderful historic photos show a less well known side.

Places like Santa Marta, the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello, fishing boats in the Giudecca Canal, ladies walking with sun umbrellas, sailboats in St Mark's Basin and characters moving by gondola protected by felze*, these tell a fascinating way to see the Venetian landscape.

Considered one of the greatest Venetian publishers between the 18th and 19th centuries Ferdinando Ongania was an Italian antiquarian bookseller, with a shop in St. Mark's Square. From 1861 until his death in 1911 he devoted himself almost entirely to the printing of illustrated art books. His love of Venice inspired him to record the architecture of his beloved city.

*Cabin of a gondola