Four-part BBC series following Francesco da Mosto as he explores the history of Venice, beginning with its creation in the 5th century and concluding in the modern era. Each episode focuses upon a certain area of Venetian history, interlaced with various anecdotes from da Mosto's own experiences and family history. A book of the same name was published to accompany the series in 2004.
Episodes Season Miniseries · 0/4 0/4 watched · 2004
S01E01 Blood 2004-10-16 59m
Arising from a malaria-ridden swamp, Venice came to enjoy all the glory of a royal capital - without a resident monarchy. And one man, tortured and blinded by his enemies, would lead the city to a revenge so terrible it would go down in history as one of the worst crimes ever. more
S01E02 Beauty 2004-10-23 60m
The golden age of architecture arrived, and stone and marble palaces replaced wooden houses as artists like Titian and Palladio transformed the look and reputation of Venice. But a calamity lurked just around the corner - plague. more
S01E03 Sex 2004-10-30 60m
By the 18th century, there were two things on Venice's mind - art and sex. Casanova's A History of My Life detailed his erotic exploits, making him a celebrity overnight. And as sex tourists began using art as an excuse to visit Venice, Canaletto created views of the city that became the luxury postcards of the day. The climax of this pleasure seeking was the Carnival masked ball, when all barriers of class and wealth were broken down. But even as hedonism thrived, disaster was imminent. more
S01E04 Death 2004-11-06 59m
Since Byron put the city on the tourist map, life has become increasingly hard for the Venetians. In the 1966 flood, Francesco da Mosto was a terrified child watching waters invade his home. Outrageous modernising ideas also threaten Venice: from bridges linking the city with mainland Italy to flattening churches and converting the Grand Canal into an eight-lane motorway. more 
