Illustrations by Giorgio Del Pedros

Venice is the ideal city for children: there’s no danger, no noise and no traffic so they can explore their surroundings without any restraints.

Unfortunately, it is unlikely that the young tourists who come to visit the city with their families are aware of these advantages. The city seems complicated, tiring, and more than anything else, entirely incomprehensible: a Disneyland that is not as fun as the original.

Their initial amazement is replaced by a series of wonders and questions: how do the houses and palazzi manage to stand in the water? Why are there so many squares and courtyards in such a densely built city? And why is there a well-head in every square and courtyard? Why are the chimneys such a funny shape? And so the questions continue.

Understanding how it is made, how it functions and how it functioned is the first step to experiencing the city and enjoying it properly.