This sanctuary on a lagoon is virtually the same as it was six hundred years ago, which adds to the fascinating character. Venice has decayed since its heyday and is heavily touristed, but the romantic charm remains. Venice, the capital of the Veneto region, has a population of more than 270,000 and (20 million tourists per year), according to the latest census (2004). It is located in the north-east of Italy on numerous small islands in the Venetian Lagoon