Frequently Asked Questions

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Venice is easy to get to by train from anywhere in Europe.  From anywhere else, a plane trip will be required.  The closest airport is Venezia Marco Polo (VCE), and it is served by all major airlines. 

If you are feeling adventurous and want to see some of the Italian countryside, it is an option to fly into Rome (FCO) and take the train to Venice.  The train is approximately a 4.5 hr ride from the airport.  There will be two trains:  one to get from the airport to the main train terminal in Rome, and from there straight to the Santa Lucia-Venice station.  For detailed instructions on how to use the train system when landing in FCO, click here.

Airfare is not included in your tuition, but transfers to your accommodations (to and from) are included either from the airport or the train station, and will be provided by Sull'Aqva staff.  The train option may work out to be less expensive than flying into Venice itself, because train tickets from Rome average around $120.  The Rome to Venice leg of a flight may be much more, but it comes with the convenience of not needing to change from planes to trains.

There are two concepts of Venice:  the large metropolitan area that includes all of Venice, and the old section of the island of Venice itself, fondly called La Serenissima. Everything involved in Sull'Aqva will be contained on the island, which makes it impossible to get too far from the places we will work and live.  

The city is completely walkable (be prepared for the stairs to cross all the smaller canals!), but they also have a municipal "bus" system that uses motorized boats, known as the vaporetti.

While the vaporetti can get you to many places, sometimes you just want to get from one main point on the Grand Canal (the largest waterway) to another point.  Available for this is the larger ferry service, known as the traghetto. The boats are larger and have fewer stops, but it less expensive than the vaporetti.

If you are feeling fancy, you can also take the Venetian version of the taxi, which are the storied gondolier boats, complete with gondolieri: these are the guys you've seen in the movies with long poles, striped shirts, and often singing.  

These boats come in two sizes:  one that can hold up to 10 people and one that can only hold 2-4. A small gondolier ride is a much about the experience as it is about transportation, with the gondoliere serving as a tour guide.  

If the vaporetti and traghetti are public transit systems, you can think of the gondoliers and their gondolieri as private transit.

All in all, however, the best option is your feet.  La Serenissima is absolutely packed with delightful details in every nook and cranny, and on your feet is the only way to be able to stop and stare and breathe and take it all in.  Bring comfortable shoes!

We are thrilled to have applied and been accepted for student residence at Convitto statale Giorgio Cini, the residential wing of Venice's top professional polytechnic institute, I.I.S. "VENDRAMIN CORNER" Polo Tecnico Professionale di Venezia. Subjects normally studied there range from chemical engineering to IT to ship building, but they do not offer classes in the summer thus making it available for our use.  The students that study there during the school year are post-high school and pre-college, because the technical career tracks served by the Institution require these extra years of study.

The entire residential facility and school is state-controlled.  What this means for our students is there is no public access, it is not open to tourists, security is very high, and safety is the top priority.

When searching for housing, Sull'Aqva had the following priorities:

• student safety
• limited tourist access
• ease of use
• meals provided onsite
• study space, practice facilities, and recreation available on site
• large enough to accommodate all students at one facility (very difficult in an ancient city: there is only enough space to accommodate hotels with fewer than 15 rooms)

Convitto statale Giorgio Cini meets all of these parameters. A rigorous application and vetting process with the governments of both Italy and Venice must be completed to use their facilities. We have gone through that process and are thrilled to have been accepted.  Sull'Aqva students will make up around 99% of the students housed, the only exceptions being a few students of the Institute who will be finishing up their final exams and then leaving.

Amenities provided:

• accommodations for up to 100, with gender separate placement
• large onsite dining facility, with most meals included (attendees are still  welcome to seek out their own culinary experiences)
• full staff accustomed to the care of students (as opposed to hotel staff, dedicated mostly to the hotel)
• indoor and outdoor recreation facilities
• ample space for lounging and community life
• dedicated quiet study space
• music studios for practice and teaching
• high level of security

Our standards for housing were very high, and nearly impossible for a city like Venice it its high tourist season. We are beyond grateful to the city of Venice and the state of Italy for accepting our application to use these facilities!

Any time you cross the border of a country, a passport is usually required.  

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure from Italy. If your departure from Italy is on July 14th, 2024, your passport must have validity through January 14th, 2025.

If you are a US citizen and need a passport, click here for instructions. Visas are not required. You may have heard news that visas will be required to travel to the EU, but those requirements will not take effect until 2025.  For 2024, no visa is required.

If you are an EU citizen, click here for information about what documents you need.  You are allowed free travel between EU countries, no visa required.

If you are a citizen of China, a short-term Schengen visa will be required.  

Click here for more information.   

Also, click here for the first of a seven video series on Chinese Nationals traveling in Europe.

Lead time for US passports as of December 18, 2023:  

Routine

6 to 8 weeks

Expedited

2 to 3 weeks

Urgent

Must make an appointment and have international travel within 14 calendar days

Currently, the EU has no requirements on proof of immunizations and vaccines.  

For more information on what immunizations are generally recommended, click here.

If you are enrolled in college, there is a very good chance you are already completely up to date on what is needed, because most colleges require it.  If you are immuno-compromised or somehow otherwise at risk (or spend a lot of time around someone who is), it's a good idea to speak with your doctor about the information in the link above.

Yes.

We give that answer based on three things:  the advice of the people we know who live there, the impressions of the staff that have been there, and the statistics proving these claims found on websites that specialize in tourist safety.

The anecdotal answer from Sull'Aqva staff members who live there:  

Yes, absolutely, it's safer than most places I've been to, especially on the island itself.

The anecdotal answer from Sull'Aqva staff members who have visited:  

Yes, it appears to be safe and feels safe. The ease with which the elderly residents move, even in the smallest, darkest alleys late at night, tells me there is little cause for concern.  Just the fact that the elders are outside walking around late and not shut up in their houses tells me a lot.

The statistics available on the subject back up those impressions.

According to Bounce.com, a website specializing in all aspects of business travel, the largest safety concerns in Venice are the same as that of any European tourism city with high foot traffic:  pickpocketing, "buy my jewelry" scams, and petition scams. Violent crime is very low.

Click here to read that article.  In this article, you will notice a list of the safest neighborhoods.  These neighborhoods are close to where we will be spending most of our time.  It was our priority to have our living and working spaces in the residential areas rather than the tourist areas, because it was important to our founders that attendees see how Venetians actually live.  We have accomplished this!

Bounce also keeps an updated safety index of countries regarding women's safety in particular, and provides safety scores based on the following statistics:

• Overall safety index score (out of 100) 
• Women who feel safe walking alone at night (%) 
• Attitudes toward violence against women (%) 
• Laws on domestic violence (0 = best, 1 = worst) 
• Global gender gap index score (out of 1) 
• Women who have experienced violence (%) 
• Female homicide victims (per 100,000 females) 

Italy as a whole is given a women's safety score of 5.02, giving it a rank of 23 on the list of countries indexed.  By comparison, the USA has a women's safety score of 3.25 with a ranking of 28.

Click here to see this data in a table.

The answer is yes.  Venice is as safe as a city. 

This question will be answered by co-founder Twyla Robinson, whose current mileage for international travel stands at 1.5 million miles.

There are a few fundamental rules and tips we all must follow for safety when traveling internationally and exploring new cities. Rules are non-negotiable, and you will be at risk if you don't follow them. Tips are just smart, and you will be much more at ease if you do follow them.

Rules:

1. Identification:  it is Italian law that you have your passport on you at all times.  In all the time I have spent in Italy, I have never had my passport checked randomly on the street, but they reserve the right to ask you, particularly if you appear to be from a country that requires a Schengen visa, like China. If you can't produce identification, by law they have the right to impose a fine.  Again, I have never seen or heard of this happening, but the law is there.
2. Identification backup:  make multiple paper and digital copies of your passport and keep them in the following places:  a) with a trusted person back home, b) in your suitcase, and c) on your person, in a different location than your passport and phone.  Should you lose your passport (and possibly your purse or wallet) these three locations ensure that you have access to your identity at all times, which will make it easier to get help and easier to replace your passport. If you live in a country that requires a Schengen visa, you must keep backup copies of the visa sticker/stamp too.
3. Emergency contact cards:  you will be issued a card when you check in at Sull'Aqva with all this information on it, but you should create one for yourself before you depart.  Included on that card should be: a) your name and country of residence, b) your ICE numbers (In Case of Emergency), c) the phone number, address, and email address of your country's consulate nearest to where you'll be spending most of your time, and d) the address and phone number where you are staying. We will provide you with all of this information in a printable document that you can personalize and print before you depart. This information can be kept in your phone but you should also have a physical copy stashed elsewhere on your person, like your wallet or purse.

Now for the tips:  

(For a printable version of the following information with pictures intact, click here.)

Before you depart, it's a good idea to think about:

Travel insurance

tldr; get travel insurance, both for trip and medical protection. Allianz is good. https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/travel/planning/how-travel-insurance-works.htm 

I highly, highly recommend travel insurance. My favorite company is Allianz. So, you know how life can sometimes throw curveballs at us, right? Well, travel insurance is like your trusty baseball glove, ready to catch whatever comes your way. It's got three major benefits:

• First up, **trip protection**. This is all about having your back when unexpected stuff happens that affects your travel plans. Flight got cancelled? Hotel reservation fell through? Lost your luggage in transit? Travel insurance can cover the costs and help you get back on track without missing a beat.
• Second, there's **medical coverage**. This is super important when you're in a foreign country. If you get sick or injured, the last thing you want to worry about is a hefty hospital bill. With travel insurance, you can focus on getting better without stressing about the costs.
• Third, there's **repatriation**. If you're seriously ill or injured and need to return to your home country for treatment, repatriation coverage steps in. It can also cover the cost of returning your remains home if the worst should happen. It's a tough thing to think about, but it's comforting to know that you or your loved ones wouldn't have to bear that financial burden.

So, with travel insurance, you're not just getting a safety net. You're getting a whole team ready to catch whatever life throws at you, even when you're far from home. 

Cash and Money

tldr; get some euros before you go. Prepare to use coins much more often, even the smaller ones. Travelers’ checks aren’t easy to use anymore. Avoid airport kiosks for currency exchange if possible. Large banks and AAA can help. https://www.aaa.com/AAA/FinancialSvcs/currency/ 

Unlike when I was doing most of my traveling, you can now get local currency from pretty much any ATM in Europe with your debit card, and most places are capable of debit/credit card transactions. The ATM machines vary in terms of the fees they charge for transactions, and the highest fees are usually at the airport. 

However, it brings peace of mind to have a small amount of euros in your wallet before you depart. You can exchange for euros at most large banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo. They will sell euros to you at the current exchange rate, plus a processing fee. If you or your parents are members of AAA, there are no-fee exchange options available, as well as home delivery! 

€100 in smaller bills is a good amount. Remember single euros come in coins, so find a small bag/purse for change. Using even the smallest of coins (and taking the time to count them out) is very normal in Europe and doesn’t carry the silly stigma it does in the US. Smaller businesses prefer the use of coins because their ability to make change for larger currency notes is limited. Use your coins!

Special tip: I like to use what is called a “horseshoe coin wallet” because the flap serves as a tray where I can scoot the coins out to see them. Even now, I still must look carefully to see which coin is worth how much when dealing with euros. This wallet makes counting out coins easier and faster, especially because I have that US thing of being self-conscious about counting coins. 

People in your life who are my age or older may suggest travelers’ checks, but I advise against them. Few vendors accept them now, and to cash them you must do business at a bank, which is not easy in any way. Travelers’ checks at one time provided a way to carry currency that was slightly more secure than cash, back in the days when cards were not widely accepted, but now they bring more stress than security.

Money and Passport Security

tldr; make sure the place where you keep your cards is RFID protected. Get a bag with secure closures. Keep it closed and close to you in crowded places. Make sure you have scans of all important documents and cards in the cloud. Be smart.

I haven’t had an incident of money or passport security while traveling in many years, but it has happened. There is no reason to be paranoid about any of this, but there is also no reason to be careless. Observing the following tips will make sure you don’t need to worry about it!

• RFID protection is necessary because people lifting financial information using scanners is still a concern in large travel hubs and tourist heavy areas (Venice and Rome absolutely qualify). This can be avoided by having RFID protected wallets, backpacks, and purses. You can also DIY this protection by lining your wallets with aluminum foil. If you are one of those that keeps their cards in an exposed sleeve on the back of your phone, you are a scanner scammer’s best friend! Be smart.

•  Look for bags and wallets that require enough jostling to get your attention if someone is trying to get access to it. Carry your things in bags that can be switched to the front of your body when crowd density gets thick. Choose bags that can be thoroughly secured closed, preferably with zippers, drawstrings, or buckles; snaps are less secure. Choose wallets that don’t easily slip out of your pocket (smooth leather is the easiest to slip out for a pickpocket). 

• If your money cards or passport are lost or stolen, they can be replaced. It will happen fastest and easiest if you keep your important things in multiple locations:

1. A copy of your passport and drivers’ license in the cloud.
2. Copies of your credit cards in the cloud.
3. Ask someone at home to keep those things in their cloud, too, in case you are incapacitated.
4. When exploring Venice, you must keep your passport with you, by Italian law. Should you lose your passport, replacement isn’t difficult but you must be able to provide identification to do so. I recommend you leave some form of official identification like a drivers’ license or state ID card locked up in your luggage while you explore.
5. Special tip: Replacing a lost passport is time-consuming but not difficult in Italy. For US citizens, a US drivers’ license or official ID card will suffice, and we must visit the US Consulate in Milan to get a replacement. For citizens of China, we must contact the Chinese Embassy in Italy, and travel to Florence for a replacement. All these cities are accessible by day trip on the train and Sull’Aqva staff will be happy to assist you. All Consulate and Embassy emergency numbers will be provided to you with your Sull’Aqva ID badge upon arrival. 

https://it.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/lost/ 

http://it.china-embassy.gov.cn/chn/lsyw/ 

Electrics and Power Supplies

tldr; you will need to get adapters for the plugs of your devices and appliances to fit in European wall sockets. Voltage levels are different for the US and Italy, China is the same. Only bring electric items that are marked as dual-voltage. Do not use converters.

First of all, let’s talk about plugs. We are not talking about voltage conversion yet. You will need to be able to adapt the shape of the plugs for your electronic devices and electric items. 

The wall sockets and plug ends for electricity in Europe look like this.

The wall sockets and plug ends for electricity in the US look like this.

The wall sockets and plug ends for electricity in China look like this.

We must find plug adapters to change our plug ends to something that will fit European sockets. A plug adapter slips on to the existing plug end to make it fit. You may be looking at China’s picture and thinking that type C will fit Europe’s socket configuration, but no: the prongs of type C are 4.8 mm, and the prong holes in Europe are 4mm. Read carefully!

Technology for this has come a long way. We now have adapter boxes that can accept any type of plug and fit in any socket, while also providing extra USB ports for charging! Click here for an example from Amazon USA. You may notice is says THIS IS NOT A VOLTAGE CONVERTER. Let’s talk about that now.

You can see from the above links that Italy runs on 230 volts. China runs on 220, and the US runs on 120 volts. If you are coming from China, you don’t have to do anything regarding your voltage! All you have to do is adapt the plug.

If you are coming from the USA, 

YOU MUST PAY ATTENTION TO THE VOLTAGE CAPACITY OF YOUR ITEMS.

If you don’t, you will damage both your device and the wiring of the building.

Check the label on your devices. Some devices never need a converter. If the label states…

'INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz'

…the device can be used in every country in the world. This is common for devices with chargers like tablets/laptops, photo cameras, cell phones, toothbrushes, etc. For these devices you will only need a power plug adapter. The power bricks for charging your laptop and phone are dual voltage already, and you’ll find the above statement in tiny print somewhere on the device.

This is what that statement looks like on a power brick.

What happens if you don’t pay attention? You will blow out the power to the entire floor where you are staying, destroy your device, and ruin the wall plug so it needs replacing. Is this the voice of experience talking? Yes, dear reader, yes it is.

The worst offenders for this are devices that produce heat, like curling irons, clothes steamers, blow dryers, electric kettles, etc. You can avoid all the trouble: only bring devices that are declared dual-voltage and have the above statement written on the device somewhere. On a hair dryer or curling iron, the writing you see on the above power brick will usually be imprinted into the plastic of the appliance housing. It will be small and hard to see, but you must find it and confirm. 

CONVERTERS DO NOT WORK FOR THESE HIGH-POWERED APPLIANCES. DO NOT TRY. 

I strongly recommend AGAINST the use of converters in any form. Make sure your items are dual-voltage or leave them at home.

Temperature, Weather, and Personal Comfort

tldr; it’s hot and has high UV.  Prepare.

It’s Italy! It’s summer! It’s hot! I can’t speak for China, but I can say Europe has air-conditioning, but not to the levels to which you are accustomed. It’s not as hot as Texas, but Texas tends to keep their spaces like refrigerators, so it’s not as cool as Texas either. Europe doesn’t have the capacity for this kind of power consumption, nor do they want to: energy conservation and eco preservation are high on their list of priorities.

Venice is on the water. This means delicious sea breezes but it also means humidity. You will be using your feet a lot to get around, which you may not be used to. Happily, Venice does not use cobblestones, so the surfaces are smooth. The entire city, being on the water, is completely flat. However, there are many stairs to climb to get over the thousand bridges over the canal-streets. Bring comfortable walking shoes; cool, breathable clothing; hats and sunglasses; and my personal favorite, a rechargeable neck fan:

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/neck-fan-review/ 

SUNSCREEN.  The UV index in the summer months is 8, which is considered very high.  Skin and eyes will start to burn within 15 minutes. By comparison, Texas at its worst usually tops out at 7, and Venice has the added risk of being on the water, which means UV rays are not just coming down on you, but also reflecting up at you.  The water reflection is sneaky, and where most of the eye damage comes from.  SPF 30 and above and UV sunglasses will be necessary to save you from a miserable burn.  Venice is considerably cooler than Texas, but more dangerous for your skin and eyes.  Don't let the cooler temps fool you!

Please do not expect to keep your perfect face of makeup in perfect condition all day. Please do not expect to wear hair extensions and be comfortable. Please do not expect a perfect blowout to hold. None of your faculty will have these things, we will be as hot and frizzy as you are. Embrace being free and sweaty and in one of the most beautiful places on the planet!

I also recommend a small USB fan for your personal space in the hostel. Not only is having a private breeze nice, but it also provides a lovely white noise that is soothing and will help you sleep. 

This little fan is one of the best purchases I made for last summer in Italy, “no cap”. (I’m so cool and hip.)

 Here are a few things you need to know about staying connected while in Italy.

Cell Phone Contracts for International Use:

1. Check Compatibility: Ensure your phone is compatible with Italian networks, which typically use the 900 and 1800 MHz bands. Nearly all modern cell phones are equipped for this now, but it never hurts to check!
2. International  Plans: Contact your US or Chinese carrier to inquire about international plans. These plans may include talk, text, and data.  There is usually a small fee added on that extends your service to international for a certain amount of time.
3. Roaming  Charges: Be aware of roaming charges. Without an international plan, these can be costly. Your best bet is to call customer service and ask them to clearly explain what your options are regarding your contract.
4. Unlock Your Phone: Your phone must be unlocked to use a different SIM card in Italy. If your phone cannot be unlocked, consider purchasing a cheap prepaid phone in Italy.

Prepaid Phones with Italian SIM Cards:

1. Buying a SIM Card: You can purchase a prepaid SIM card upon arrival in Italy. Look for stores of providers like TIM or Iliad.
2. TIM for Tourists: TIM offers a tourist prepaid SIM card for €20 with 40 GB      of data and limited EU data roaming.
3. Activation: Bring your passport to the store for activation. It’s a quick process.

Availability of WiFi in Venice:

1. Public WiFi: Venice offers a network of over 200 WiFi hotspots in the city      center, islands, and mainland. Service is free for residents but comes with a fee for tourists.
2. Hotels and Cafés: Most hotels and vacation apartments offer free WiFi. Some bars and cafés provide access with a purchase.
3. Pre-Purchase Discounts: For the public WiFi network, discounted rates are available if you sign up in advance.

If Your Phone Can’t Be Unlocked:

• Prepaid Phone Option: If your current phone is unable to be unlocked and you have no international cell phone plan, you may need to buy a cheap prepaid phone. Stores like Vodafone and WINDTRE offer affordable options with a local number and data connection.
• Convenience:  This is a practical solution to stay connected without incurring high roaming charges.
• Process:  Just bring your passport, and within minutes, you’ll have a local number and data connection.

Italy in the summertime can be quite warm, so bring cool, loose, breathable clothes for day to day wear.  You will need a hat or a cap, and you must brIn addition, you will need formalwear for 2 concerts, and we encourage you to wear the same thing for all concerts to reduce suitcase weight.  

We will be most able to help you grow if you bring 2 art songs, 2 arias, and 2 pieces of sacred repertoire.  There is no language requirement, but remember, you are in Italy!  This is your chance to bring your Italian diction to a really high level.

Unlike many other European festivals, our program is only two weeks.  It is an appropriate length of time to get intense work done, but not so long that it becomes prohibitively expensive or time-consuming.  Many singers have other things they need to accomplish in a summer, such as preparation for the fall, jobs, family time, etc.  This short program allows for continuing education without such a long, financially burdensome commitment.

Most days begin with movement and diction, with classes and rehearsals happening after lunch.  On some days after the dinner break, short talks on specialized topics will happen where you will be staying, and on other days, performances.  When we get closer to the start date, a detailed schedule will be posted.

Europe is just fantastic for fresh, delicious, and beautifully prepared food.  From grabbing beautiful fruit at a sidewalk stand (and in Venice, a fruit boat!)to standing up eating a 2 euro slice of pizza to 5 star dining, all will be available, with nearly every option able to somehow accommodate special dietary needs.  There is a dining facility where the students are housed for convenient eats, and there will be one evening with a home-prepared family meal with the founder, Ms. Geretto.

You will always have a dinner break to walk the surrounding area, and we have a weekend day designated as free where there will be a planned excursion. You are also free to use that day to explore freely instead, but we do not recommend doing so without a buddy.

Venice offers a unique experience, but it can be challenging for disabled travelers due to bridges and steps. However, about 70% of the city is accessible, with specific routes, accommodations, and water transport options designed to assist. Service animals are welcome in Venice with proper documentation, including an EU animal health certificate, and guide dogs for sight- and hearing-impaired passengers can travel for free on certain coaches. Pets from non-EU countries require a European Community veterinary certificate and a valid rabies vaccine. Most major museums and attractions in Venice are accessible, but it’s best to check in advance for specific features and restrictions. 

To begin, let us state the following:

At Sull'Aqva, we are staunchly committed to ensuring that our participants are not only protected but also have a fantastic time. We believe that everyone deserves to experience the beauty and charm of Venice in a safe and enjoyable environment. 

Venice is a city that welcomes LGBTQIA+ travelers. While it may not have a prominent gay scene like some other cities, Venice is known for its inclusive atmosphere. Venice is a city that embraces diversity and offers a variety of resources to ensure a welcoming and inclusive experience for the LGBTQIA+ community.

• The Gay Venice Guide: Provides an extensive overview of LGBTQ+ life in the region, including a gay map, history, tourism, accommodations, nightlife, beaches, dining, shopping, cultural sites, and day trips. It highlights Venice’s historical tolerance and innovation, ensuring travelers have up-to-date information for a safe and enjoyable visit.
• Arcigay: Italy’s leading LGBTI non-profit organization, Arcigay, promotes equality and fights against discrimination. With a network of volunteers and activists, they offer support, training, and development opportunities for the LGBTI community.
• TravelGay: Features the best gay-rated hotels, bars, saunas, and more in Venice, complete with exclusive reviews and maps to help you find the perfect spots for your stay.
• SAI Programs: Recommends resources like EqualDex, Rainbow Europe, and The US State Department to understand LGBTQIA+ sentiment and laws in host countries, helping you travel with confidence and awareness..

Yes.  Here is some historical context and modern perspective: 

1. People of Color in Renaissance Venice:

• Historical Cosmopolitanism: During the Renaissance, Venice was a cosmopolitan city and a major international port. Visitors encountered people of various races, speaking different languages, and practicing different religions.
• Terms Used: The terms “Moor” and “Saracen” were often used indiscriminately and without cultural sensitivity. “Moor” conveyed the idea of “black” or “blackened,” while “Saracen” had a slightly more specific connotation of “Eastern” or “Muslim.”
• Blurred Lines: Interestingly, some Venetians of color even took on the surname “Bianco,” meaning “White.” This suggests that the lines between racial identities were blurred in Renaissance Venice.

2. Slavery in Venice:

• Fact of Life: Slavery was a fact of life in Renaissance Europe, and Venice was no exception. Black Africans were captured and brought into Europe, often ending up in Venetian households and boatyards.
• Freedom for Some: However, slavery was not always a life sentence. Many slaves were freed for various reasons, including dutiful service and personal affection for those in the household.

3. Modern Venice:

• Tourism: Venice is a top tourist destination, welcoming visitors from all backgrounds. You’ll encounter people of every race and color.
• Warm Hospitality: Italians, including Venetians, are generally warm and welcoming. They appreciate tourists who respect their city.
• Challenges: Like any city, Venice faces challenges related to tourism, but these are not specific to people of color. Pockets of racism exist in Italy, especially in certain regions, but this is not unique to Venice .

4. Chinese People in Italy and Venice:

• Chinese Community in Italy: The community of Chinese people in Italy has grown rapidly in recent years. Prato, located in Tuscany, has the largest concentration of Chinese people in Italy and all of Europe. It boasts the second-largest population of Chinese people overall in Italy, following Milan.
• Venice’s Diversity: While Venice itself does not have as large a Chinese population as cities like Prato or Milan, it still hosts a diverse range of people from various backgrounds, including Asians.
• Asian Influences in Venetian Cuisine: The strong presence of Asian influences in traditional Venetian cuisine stems from the city’s historical maritime trade routes with the East. Spices such as cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, as well as ingredients like rice and sugar, made their way to Venice through the Silk Road.

5. Contemporary Art and Asian Artists in Venice:

• Venice Biennale: In the art world, Venice has become a platform for Asian artists. Curators have included a significant number of Asian artists and artists of Asian descent in recent editions of the Venice Biennale. These artists hail from various regions, including Asia-Pacific, East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and beyond.

In summary, Venice’s rich history, vibrant culture, and openness make it a place where people of color are indeed welcome. Respectful exploration of this enchanting city ensures a memorable experience for all. 🌟

Feel free to explore Venice’s historic streets, savor its cuisine, and appreciate its art! 😊

: Sources on historical context and Chinese community in Italy:

· “Black Africans in Renaissance Europe” by T. F. Earle and K. J. P. Lowe (2005).

· “The Chinese in Prato: New Immigrants and Old Businesses” by L. Solimano (2010).

: Source on challenges related to tourism in Italy:

· “Tourism and Racism in Italy: A Critical Reflection” by M. C. Bagnasco (2019).

: Source on racism in Italy:

· “Racism in Italy: A Short Introduction” by A. Mammone (2019).

: Source on Asian influences in Venetian cuisine:

· “Venetian Food: From the Markets of the Lagoon to the World” by M. Berton (2019).

: Source on Asian artists in the Venice Biennale:

· “Venice Biennale: Artists from Asia-Pacific” by Asia Society (2021).