In the 18th century Venice became a byword for decadence, as aristocratic Venetians spent all their inherited wealth in lavish parties and gambling. The city became a fundamental “port of call” on the Grand Tour of Europe, the de rigueur destination for enlightened travelers anxious to enhance their cultural development. Venice was the city of theater, culture, and art. It was the place where Goldoni, Vivaldi, Canaletto and Albinoni displayed their arts.

La Fenice, the glorious opera house, was built in 1792, later to host many operatic premiers such as Verdi’s La Traviata and Rossini’s Tancredi. Bellini was commissioned to write his famous opera “The Capulets and the Montagues” for La Fenice.

It was the time of Giacomo Casanova, the world’s most famous lover, and his daring escape from the Doge’s prison. After escaping it is said that he made one last stroll through St Mark’s Square before leaving for Paris.

Caffe Florian and Caffe Quadri, the glorious cafes of Venetian tradition opened in St Mark’s square during this time. Venetians sat, sipping Turkish coffee and looking out over “the loveliest drawing room in the world”, as Napoleon once described it. So many love affairs started in these caffes that in 1767 the Venetian government prohibited women from frequenting them.

The notorious Ridotto Casino was open to anyone who was carrying a mask. Gambling fever was so popular that gaming tables were set up between the columns of St Mark’s Square.

Fashionable Venetians flocked to hear Antonio Vivaldi’s latest compositions, performed by the orphan girls of La Pieta. Vivaldi’s most famous work, The Four Seasons, was a great success throughout Europe.

In 1797, Venice was invaded by Napoleon’s forces, ending the age of the Venetian Republic.