1: Traditional Venetian Masks
The main feature of the Venice Carnival, a traditional Venetian mask is the must-have souvenir to bring back with you after visiting the city. No one knows for sure why the tradition began back in the 13th century, but from the start mask makers were afforded a unique position in society. The mask was a way of bringing every citizen down (or up) to the same level, and imbued individuals with a confidence that may have been missing previously. When Napoleon put an end to the Venetian Republic in 1797 the masks were slowly phased out. They made several returns and subsequently several disappearances, before returning with a vengeance in the 1980s. Mask shops have sprung up all over the city. Our favourites are Bottega dei Mascareri by Rialto Bridge and Ca’Macana in Dorsoduro.