DW • 18

Interview of Mr. Roberto Panciera

Municipal Councilor for Tourism in Venice

DW : Venice has always been DW : We know that Venice in during the major exhibitions but also during described as one of the most Italy is considered the first city in artistic productions in all sectors, all year long. beautiful and romantic cities terms of quality of life. How can in the world. It is known you explain that? DW : And what about the famous as "La Dominante" and "La Carnival of Venice? From an Serenissima". Why do you use Among the biggest cities of Italy, Venice is the historical point of view, what is these names to define the city? first one in terms of quality of life. Legambiente the origin of the famous masks? (League for the Environment, the most wide- For more than a thousand years, the city spread environmental organization in Italy) did Originally the Carnival was the only one of Venice has been the capital of the Republic a ranking about the environmental state of the period of the year in which social classes could of Venice and in this context it is known as 104 provincial capitals of Italy. Apart from the be mixed. The masks, providing some kind of “La Serenissima” and “La Dominante”. “Se- objective difficulties during the summer season anonymity, made them all equals. The first offi- renissima” was a title of honor normally given in some city-center streets, the city allows his in- cial document that made the Carnival of Venice to princes, sovereigns and in particular to habitants to move freely and without any stress. a public holiday is an edit of 1296. The Senate the doges of Venice. “Serenissima” became, of the Republic declared that the day before par excellence, the Republic of Venice, also DW : The Venetian lagoon and Lent had to be considered as a public holiday. defined “La Dominante” for its supremacy the city of Venice itself represent At this time, and for many following centuries, over the Adriatic Sea. a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Is the Carnival lasted from December 26 up to this lagoon, which contributes to Ash Wednesday. Sometimes festivities started DW : We are talking about one Venice being a very attractive city already at the beginning of October. of the most important tourist for tourists, a problem for the destinations in the world. What Venetian people? DW : What is the usual reaction makes this city so attractive to of tourists when confronted with tourists? Can you take the role The charm of the lagoon is certainly some- the well-known phenomenon of of a dream maker by telling thing that is beyond words. It really has to be “acqua alta” (high waters)? us something about the most lived throughout a visit of the most famous interesting places of your city? areas of the city and with a fascinating tour in In the international communication the a small rowing boat across the lagoon. phenomenon of high waters is seen as a cata- Venice is the only city in the world built on strophically event. City tourists, on the other water. It’s the only one that has been able to DW : Could you please tell us hand, see this event as a nice and exciting maintain the same image since the Renais- something about the Venice moment of their holiday. sance period. The wave of modernity that has Biennale? prevailed in many other countries causing the DW : Three reasons to convince abolishment of many historical buildings did For more than a century, the Venice Bien- the readership of the Diplomatic not find roots in Venice. That’s the reason for nale is considered one of the most prestigious World to come to Venice. which nowadays this city has the largest pe- cultural institutions in the world. Nowadays, destrian zone in the world. The whole city is it still attracts an increasing number of visi- As well as the visit of a city center built a life experience, from Castello to Giudecca, tors from all around the world thanks to its more than thousand years ago, in Venice from Torcello to Pellestrina’s island. spectacles of art, cinema, architecture, music, tourists may experience particular emotions dance and theatre. It continues to confirm its and catch unexpected silences. That means uniqueness as a pole of attraction not only that they could be able to enjoy both the urban landscape and its great wealth of art and architecture that is unique in the world.

For further information, please visit our in- stitutional website

www.veniceconnected.com

Translated from Italian by Maria Zampetti