Fun facts about Venice and the Lido

If you think Venice is all about gondolas and St. Mark’s Square, you’ll be surprised to discover how much more it has to tell. The lagoon city and the Lido hide fascinating and unusual curiosities that make every corner unique—from the campi and calli to the golden beaches.

For example, inside the Natural History Museum of Venice, you’ll find a seven-meter-long herbivorous dinosaur, the Ouranosaurus Nigeriensis, which looks like it stepped straight out of an adventure movie. On the island of San Lazzaro degli Armeni, you can admire the Egyptian mummy of Nehmeket—a fragment of history that takes you on a journey back to ancient Egypt.

If you enjoy discovering the origins of words, did you know that the word ciao comes from the Venetian phrase s-ciào vostro? It was once a polite and deferential greeting that, over time, evolved into the simple and universal ciao we use today. And even everyday objects have their stories here: Venetians were among the first to create lenses for eyeglasses—and it was they who produced the lenses used in Galileo Galilei’s telescopes.

The Lido itself hides many curiosities: every summer, it becomes the favorite escape for Venetians seeking to get away from the crowds, with its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Not everyone knows that the island is about 12 kilometers long—narrow, flat, and perfect for bike rides, long walks, and relaxing days by the sea.

For cinema lovers, the island has been the setting for numerous films and TV series, as well as the home of the world’s oldest Film Festival. And adding to its unique charm, it was here in 1926 that Italy’s very first airport was inaugurated.

Venice and the Lido are full of surprising details—little secrets that make every visit special. Between history, curiosity, and a touch of lagoon madness, you’ll never stop discovering something new. And this is only a small glimpse of what awaits you: Venice never ceases to amaze, and the Lido is its most fascinating and curious side.