venice italian venezia, city and seaport in north-east italy, in veneto region, capital of venice province. venice is situated on 120 islands formed by 177 canals in the lagoon between the mouths of the po and piave rivers, at the northern extremity of the adriatic sea. because of its historic role as a naval power and commercial centre, the city is known as the queen of the adriatic. a rail and road causeway connects venice with the mainland. long sand bars, or barrier beaches, on the outer side of the lagoon serve as protection against the sea. the islands on which the city is built are connected by about 400 bridges. the grand canal, about 3 km 2 mi long, winds through venice from north-west to south-east, dividing the city into two nearly equal portions. the giudecca canal, about 400 m 1,310 ft wide, separates giudecca island, on the extreme south, from venice proper. no motor vehicles are permitted on the narrow, winding lanes and s...