From the tenth century onwards, Venice, the "Republic of San Marco", extended its power on the eastern coast of the Adriatic. But it was not until Venetian supremacy started declining in the fifteenth century that the city's Golden Age of the arts began, establishing the worldwide renown of this lagoon city with its splendid palazzi, churches and art treasures. Following the flood catastrophe of 1966, the world's attention was drawn to the damage suffered by this "Pearl of the Adriatic", above all as a result of the neglect of its lagoon. Protecting this city and its art treasures calls for enormous efforts.

on this subject: Venice and its lagoon (World Heritage website)