Venice Books for Kids

Venice is a city which was once a world leader. There are many wonderful children’s books that are fun to read which will make Venice come alive.

Papa Piccolo by Carol Talley is a story about a tom cat who likes to ride in the gondola boats in Venice. Stray cats and gondola boats are both a common site in Italy. This excellent picture book is great for ages 4 and up.

Carnival at Midnight by Mary Pope Osborne is a Magic Tree House Merlin Mission chapter book. Jack and Annie, the main characters, help to save Venice from a flood. Flooding is a common problem in Venice. This story is best for ages 7 and up.

Marco Polo by Russell Freedman tells the story of Marco Polo. Although much of this story is set in the land east of Venice, reading it will introduce children to the reason Venice flourished. Marco Polo was from Venice and trade was the purpose of his journey. This story is best for ages 9 and up.

Romeo and Juliette by William Shakespeare is a classic play. The story is set in the city of Verona which is about a one hour trip from Venice. The city of Verona has a tourist attraction known as Juliette’s house. Children’s versions of the story are best for the young.

The Lion of St. Mark by G.A. Henty is set in the fourteenth century during a time when Venice was a very important world city and involved in war. It is best for older children age 14 to adult.

Bravo, Zan Angelo!: A Commedia dell'Arte Tale is about a big performance during the carnival season.




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Roman Theatre

The Roman Theatre in Verona, Italy was built during the 1st century. It sits on the edge of town just outside the river and city walls. Climbing up all those rows of seats I imagined the theatre filled with Romans watching a comedy. Just like people today watch a variety of television programs, tragedies and shows based on the Roman gods were also performed. Instead of going to the movies, the men would come to the theatre after a long day of work. Slaves giving the performances wore gray wigs and white clothing for old people and dark wigs and bright clothing for young. Were the slaves doing the acting happy with their jobs? Since the admission was free and this was one of the primary forms of entertainment the theatres must have been packed especially once women were allowed to see the shows.

As time wore on the theatre was eventually burried and forgotten about. In fact houses and other structures were built on top of it during the 10th century.

The Church of Saints Siro and Libera was built on the edge of the theatre during the 10th century.

Then during the 18th century a wealthy resident, rediscovered the theatre, bought the land and began excavation and restoration work. Now Shakespeare plays are performed at the theatre each summer.

Roman Arena

The Roman Arena in Verona, Italy was built in AD 30. It is the third largest arena of its kind.

A ring rounds the entire structure under the seats.

30,000 spectators could view gladiator fights in the arena. Today seating is reduced to 15,000 and spectators enjoy operas and other musical performances.

The kids really liked climbing around this place.

Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica is less than a one hour train ride from Rome. It was a port city, with around 50,000 residents, for the Roman Empire, until the river upon which it was located changed course. At that point the city was abandoned and eventually burried. In recent times it has been excavated.

 Romans burried their dead or placed the ashes of the dead outside the city limits.

 Amphitheater

 Ancient Roman Bath

Rome Landmarks

Rome, Italy

 The Colosseum is the large stadium where the Roman Gladiators once fought 1500 years ago.

 Palatine Hill or Palace Hill is the sight of many ancient palaces. It is currently an active archaeological site.

The Forum is the site of the ancient village center.

 

The Arch of Constantine was built in 312 to commemorate a battle.

 The Arch of Titus was constructed in 82 AD to commemorate Titus' victories. This arch served as a model for many triumphal arches including the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

 

 The Spanish Steps are a popular resting spot at the foot of the Spanish Embassy.

The Pantheon was built for the Roman Gods and later became a Roman Catholic Church which enabled the structure to withstand the test of time.

According to legend Romulus and Remus, the founders of the ancient city of Rome, were raised by a she wolf.