Venice is a city famous worldwide for its extraordinary structure and beauty. It began life as a refuge for inhabitants on dry land fleeing from barbarian invaders, with the first church dating to 421 A.D. By the 14th century it had become one of the great maritime powers, dominating much of northern Italy, the Aegean islands, Crete, Cyprus, Corfu and areas of the Middle East. Over a thousand years of independence came to an end in 1797. Its glittering history has left a dazzling array of palazzi, bridges, canals, artworks and cultural centres. Sometimes it seems impossibly crowded, though a brief walk enables you to reach some tranquil and evocative locations.