Venice, one of the cities in Italy, was founded in A.D.811 by the people of Malamocco, fleeing(逃跑)from the Franks. It was said that they were guided by pigeons carrying little crosses, and settled where now Venice lies.
Venice is built on 117 islands. It has 150 canals and 400 bridges. The narrow streets, with their historic names, are covered with stones, but have no footpaths. They are dotted with flowershop signs and lanterns. Shops and palaces stand by side. The brick bridges are high enough to allow boats to pass freely under them.
The center of public life is St. Mark’s Square where tourists and citizens sit in the famous Florian and Quadri cafes to listen to music, enjoying themselves. The Quadri is more popular but the Florian, founded in 1720, is the best-known cafe because it has received such great persons as Byron (an English poet) and Goethe (a German poet).
Unfortunately the special position of Venice is threatening(威胁)its own existence. The terrain(地势)on which it is built began to sink while the level of the surrounding waters is constantly rising. However, many measures have already been taken to prevent the city from sinking.