Venice: La Serenissima

Spanning more than a millennium, this volume traces the enduring life of a city shaped by water, power, and imagination. Venice: La Serenissima presents an expansive portrait of one of the world’s most extraordinary cities, revealing Venice as a place where history, culture, architecture, and spirituality converge. Written by Venetian historian Alberto Toso Fei and introduced by renowned architect Peter Marino, the volume approaches the city through a deeply historical and anthropological lens, capturing the enduring spirit of Venice beyond its celebrated landmarks. Structured through roughly sixty defining moments, the narrative unfolds chronologically, beginning with the legendary founding of Venice in 421 CE and continuing through more than a millennium of history. From the timber piles that support the city’s foundations and the powerful rule of the Doges, to Venice’s maritime dominance and artistic flourishing, the book traces the rise of the Venetian Republic and the cultural forces that shaped it. The journey extends into modern Venice, touching on figures such as Peggy Guggenheim and the continuing cultural vitality of the Venice Biennale, while also highlighting efforts to preserve the fragile city for future generations. Iconic photography by Helmut Newton and Cecil Beaton appears alongside artworks drawn from rare books, archives, institutions, and private collections, creating a visual record as rich as the narrative itself. The clamshell features Canaletto’s The Bucintoro Returning to the Molo on Ascension Day, depicting the ceremonial moment when the Doge symbolically “marries the sea,” celebrating Venice’s historic bond with the lagoon. The hardcover presents a striking photograph by Cecil Beaton from the legendary 1951 Beistegui Ball, capturing the city’s enduring glamour and cultural mystique. For those drawn to the romance, history, and layered beauty of Venice, Venice: La Serenissima is an exceptional gift for lovers of art, architecture, and cultural heritage alike. It is especially suited for travelers, collectors, and anyone who seeks to experience the city not just as a destination, but as a living world shaped by centuries of history and imagination