3GPP SA5 #97

20 – 24 OctoberTelecom Italia Future Centre

Venezia

Welcome to Venezia• Officially founded in 421 AD, Venezia was built step by step by

people seeking refuge from barbarian invasions in the islands of

the lagoon then linked by bridges

• Around 1000 AD, Venezia progressively increased its military and

commercial importance, becoming a dominating power in the

Mediterranean sea and controlling trade and commercial routes

between Europe and Middle and Far East. The journey of the

Venetian merchant Marco Polo from Venezia to China is one of the

most fascinating true stories of Middle Ages, being the first

European merchant to open the Silk Road

• After Renaissance Venezia started its political decline, as main

trade routes moved to Atlantic and Indian oceans, while

remaining one of the most culturally influent capitals of Europe

• Venezia was organized from its foundation as a Republic

(Serenissima Repubblica), whose elective leader was the Doge and

remained as such until Napoleon’s occupation (1797). Soon after it

became part of Austrian Empire. Venezia joined Italy in 1866

Welcome to Venezia• Symbol of the city is the winged Lion of Saint Mark the Evangelist

• Saint Mark square (Piazza San Marco), includes, among others, Saint Mark’s Cathedral (Basilica di San Marco), Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), St Mark's bell tower (Campanile di San Marco), the columns of San Marco and San Tòdaro, the Marciana National Library (holding one of the greatest classical texts world collection)

• Saint Mark’s Cathedral, consecrated in 1094, was inspired to the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople and is built in a romanic, byzantine and gothic unique mixed style. It was built starting in 1063 and enriched with new decorations up to 1617 (www.basilicasanmarco.it)

• Doge’s Palace, a museum today, was built and successively developed between IX and XVII centuries. Built in Venetian Gothic style, its famous institutional chambers (Council chamber on the left) are decorated with work of arts of major renaissance artists (http://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/)

• Notable people (considering only arts) are the architect Andrea Palladio, the musician Antonio Vivaldi (left picture), the play writer Carlo Goldoni, the painters Tintoretto and Tiepolo. Many others were active in Venezia (Canova, Tiziano, Monteverdi) thanks to the brilliant cultural activity that accompanied this city along all its life

• Today Venezia is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world, thanks to its history, location, art and architecture

• It is also an important cultural Centre thanks to Venice Biennale, for over a century one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the world

• It is known world-wide for the International Film Festival (the oldest international film festival in the world), the International Art Exhibition and the International Architecture Exhibition, and continues the great tradition of the Festival of Contemporary Music and the Festival of Contemporary Dance

• The Carnival (officially started in 1296), became internationally famous during the Renaissance and up to XVIII century (when it was outlawed by Austrian government) and was characterized by public celebration and private masked parties, with costumes made with precious tissues coming from all over the world. In this scenario Giacomo Casanova became the symbol of the seducer and libertine life. Carnival was promoted again as a public celebration in 1979

Welcome to Venezia

Welcome to Telecom Italia Future Centre

• The Telecom Italia Future Centre finds place in the former convent of San Salvador

• The origin goes back to the XI-XII century, but it was rebuilt several times, evolving from roman and gothic to Renaissance forms in the last rebuilding of XVI century.

• “In the monastery the Refectory and the two cloisters surrounded by columns stand out for their wealth of architecture and decoration”, the words used by Francesco Sansovino in 1581. The Refectory is a monumental space, richly decorated by a mélange of stuccos and frescos, attributed to Fermo Ghisoni, the main assistant of Giulio Romano. In the late XVIII century, in the same period that saw the decline and end of the Venetian Republic, the San Salvador Convent was transformed in a barrack for the Napoleon army

• After the First World War it was acquired by the local telecommunications company. In the mid-80s it was begun an extensive restoration, aimed to bring to light and safeguard the artistic treasures of the building, and, at the same time, to make a center for advanced research in the field of Information and Communication Technologies

You are here

• Information about ferries routes, timetable and prices (including 7 days card) can be found at http://www.actv.it/en and at http://www.actv.it/en/movinginvenice/movinginvenice

• Rialto stop is the closest to the meeting venue. Line 1 and 2 between Venezia S. Lucia Railway and Rialto stop are recommended for connection with mainland

– Cheaper solutions may also be available (http://bluoscar.blogspot.fi/2008/10/le-gondole-traghetto.html (meeting place is close to point #3 in the related website map)

• “Acqua alta” (sea water flood) may happen in Fall and Spring. It is unexpected this week, but in case, offline discussions can be long at your pleasure

• Restaurants, coffee bars and kiosks are easily accessible in the neighbor area and offer touristic menus at fixed price. It is suggested to check for prices as they can be very expensive

– Restaurants may be found under the name of “Osterie” or “Trattorie” (family cuisine) or Cicchetterie (local cuisine tapas) and offer mostly fish-based dishes

Additional information

Have a great meeting!