My experience in Venice left an indelible mark on me; the city's charm transcends the bustling crowds, particularly during the summer months. Amidst the throngs of tourists, there's always a serene corner where one can envision Venice during its illustrious trading heyday.

One winter, years ago, I found myself in Venice during January, and it was a revelation. With fewer tourists, the city revealed its true essence, allowing for a more intimate exploration. While the summer months boast heightened activity, the tranquility of winter holds its own allure.

My journey in the summer of 2022 was originally bound for Trieste, yet I found myself captivated by Miestre, where I lingered for several days. From there, I ventured in and out of Venice, each entrance akin to stepping into a realm of its own, momentarily detached from the bustling masses that flock to the city. It was a sensation akin to entering a kingdom, where the city's spirit enveloped me, transcending the transient ebb and flow of visitors.

In a narrative depicting the essence of trade, Venice stands alone in its exceptional organization for commerce. Its inhabitants, deeply ingrained with mercantile instincts, meticulously assessed risks and returns, viewing profit as a science. The emblematic red and gold lion banner of Sant Mark adorned ships' mastheads akin to a modern corporate logo. Trade formed the bedrock of Venetian identity and validation, despite drawing ire from neighboring lands. The city's plea in 1343 to engage in trade with the Muslim world encapsulates its raison d'être and insecurities vividly.

The somber tone of the plea's conclusion reflects a melancholic aspect of the Venetian psyche. Its prosperity relied on intangible assets—devoid of land, natural resources, agriculture, or significant population—leaving it standing on precarious ground, both figuratively and literally. Venice epitomized a virtual economy, confounding outsiders with its robustness despite lacking conventional means of sustenance. Its sole harvest was metaphorical: the accumulation of wealth, with constant dread of collapse if trade routes faltered, illustrating the fragility underlying its grandeur. … City of Fortune by Roger Crowley