Few can forget their first sight of Venice (Venezia), rising like a fairytale from the murky lagoon. Once little more than an island refuge for fishermen, Venice grew to become one of the world's most powerful republics, her fortune wedded to the sea in whose muddy flats she sank her dainty heels. Situated in the northeastern corner of Italy at the head of the Adriatic, the city was quick to realise her natural assets.