Overview: The story of Venice is a fascinating tale of ambition, commerce, politics, wars and empires. Join us as we chart the extraordinary rise of Venice - from a community of refugees hiding out in the Italian lagoons, to one of the medieval world's most dominant maritime states - and then explore its gradual demise at the hands of powerful enemies. We'll discover how the Serene Republic took advantage of its unique coastal location, and used skilful diplomacy to outmanoeuvre its rivals and expand its empire across land and sea. Venice would go on to become a jewel of the Italian Renaissance, an architectural masterpiece, and what many still consider to be the most beautiful city in the world.