The Venice train station was built in the 20th century under Fascist rule. The Austrians had originally brought the train to town. In this pre-war era, Mussolini was busy connecting the Italian Peninsula through infrastructure, education and language. In Venice, this was done with a bridge in 1933 – The Ponte della Libertà, which runs parallel to the tracks of the railroad.

Italy abounds with constructs such as this, Il Duce’s attempts to unify the regions. Visually architectural designs that incorporated grandly simplistic, symmetrical, sharp-edged, sturdy structures were chosen. This unique style aids the observant tourist in identifying a historical timeline.

There are several ways to arrive to the islands of Venice; automobile, boat, or like a mere 80,000 people daily, by train.

The Ferrovia (railroad) Santa Lucia sits on the former site of a convent named for the Patron saint of eyes, Saint Lucy. The station was originally conceived and connected to the mainland around mid-1800 when the tracks were laid.  The present station, however, was built during the fascist era along with the bridge in the 1930s.

In this station, many a famous individual has arrived and departed. Some via the dark, seductive vintage carriages of the Venice Simplon – Orient Express which glides in seasonally in classic elegance. Others via carriages on the nation’s line, Trenitalia.

Descending the steps of the station, gazing at the glory of the Grand Canal, take a moment, turn around and observe this spot. The buildings you see, hold our history.