Venice
Venice (Venezia in Italian) was an island city in northern Italy and capital to the Serenissima Repubblica di Venezia.
History
During the 15th Century, Venice was capital of the Most Serene Republic of Venice (Venetian: (Serenìsima) Repùblica Vèneta or Repùblica de Venesia, Italian: Serenissima Repubblica di Venezia), often referred to as La Serenissima in reference to its title in Venetian, and largest city of the republic. Historically founded by refugees from the Hunnic and Germanic invasion of Padua, Aquileia, and Altino, Venice developed to become a major trade and naval power in southern Europe, and by the year 1499 was engaged in sporadic conflict with the Ottoman Empire[1].
Even during the 13th Century venice had a notable Assassin presence, the area surrounding Venice was home to the an assassin and his son – Domenico. Both enjoyed the patronage of the famed explorer Marco Polo, an ally of the Assassins[2]. Their presence continued on into the 15th Century, occupying positions of command amongst the thieves, mercenaries and courtesans of the city[1].
Following the Templar failure to capture Florence during the Pazzi conspiracy, Rodrigo Borgia and his allies – the Barbarigo family – step up their plans to take control of the city of Venice. Influencing powerful members of Venetian government, such as Carlo Grimaldi, the Knights Templar assassinated the Doge Giovanni Mocenigo and placed oneof their own on the throne; Marco Barbarigo. By this time however, the Florentine assassin Ezio Auditore da Firenze had arrived in Venice and begun to counter the Templar plot[1].
Following the assassination of Marco Barbarigo and the ascension of his brother Agostino, an ally to the Assassins, Ezio Auditore chased down the last remaining Barbarigos' Silvio, cousin to Agostino, and his man servant Dante Moro to L'Arsenale di Venezia and liberated the city's military district. It was here that the assassin learnt that the Templar plot to acquire Venice had merely been a distraction for the assassins', so that the Templar's might dispatch their vessel to Cyprus[1].
Landmarks
Like Florence, Venice was home to many notable landmarks; these included the Basillica, Piazza and Campanile di San Marco, the Palazzo Ducale, the Grand Canal, the Little Canal, and Rialto Bridge. Annually, the city hosted the famed Carnevale in the south of the city. Typically, it was celebrated with fireworks, carnival performers and a series of games; the winner being awarded with a Golden Mask that permitted entrance to the Doge's personal party.
Basilica di San Marco
The Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark (officially known in Italian as the Basilica Cattedrale Patriachale di San Marco and commonly known as Saint Mark's Basilica) is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice. It is the most famous of the city's churches and one of the best known examples of Byzantine architecture. It lies on Piazza San Marco (in the San Marco sestiere or district) adjacent and connected to the Doge's Palace.
For its opulent design, gilded Byzantine mosaics, and its status as a symbol of Venetian wealth and power, from the 11th century on the building was known by the nickname Chiesa d'Oro (Church of Gold).
In Assassin's Creed II, San Marco is home to an Assassin's Tomb. This tomb can only be accessed by doing four different timed puzzles. Upon activating the switch on the floor, the player is quickly shown the route they must take to reach the lever before time runs out.
Palazzo Ducale
- Main: Wikipedia:Doge's Palace
The Doge's Palace is called the Palazzo Ducale di Venezia. The palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice. Its two most visible façades look towards the Venetian Lagoon and St Mark's Square, the Piazzetta. The use of arcading in the lower stories produces an interesting "gravity-defying" effect. There is also effective use of colour contrasts. It is here that Ezio assassinates Carlo Grimaldi.
Santa Maria Dei Frari
Santa Maria Del Frari is a church in Venice and home to a Templar Lair. It is only available in GameStop pre-orders exclusive for US versions, Master Assassin, White and Black Limited Editions of the Game. thumb|300px|left|Santa Maria Del Frari preview.
Assassination Targets
- Emilio Barbarigo; Corrupt Merchant of Venice (DNA Sequence 7)
- Carlo Grimaldi; Member of the Council of Ten (DNA Sequence 8)
- Marco Barbarigo; Doge of Venice (DNA Sequence 9)
- Silvio Barbarigo; Member of the Supreme Tribunal of Venice (DNA Sequence 10)
- Dante Moro; Personal Bodyguard of Marco Barbarigo (DNA Sequence 10)
Trivia
- Even after the events of the Carnevale, the citizens will continue to celebrate it for the remainder of the game, albeit without fireworks, in the district of Dorsoduro.
- The enemies in Venice are far more skilled than the enemies in Florence, and are better equipped.
- Venice is the only city where you can't use horses.
Gallery
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Map of Venice
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Ezio on the Rialto Bridge looking at the Grand Canal
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Piazza San Marco, the principal square of Venice
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Saint Mark's Basilica, principally used as the 'chapel' for the Venetian rulers -
The Grand Canal, concept art during the Venetian Masquerade Carnival -
Ezio silently takes out a guard
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Notes and references
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