Sure, everybody knows about Carnival in Venice, but did you know that Italy is teeming with spectacular 'carnevale' celebrations all around the regions? We’ve included some of our favorites below, but if you can’t just hop on a plane to Italy, scroll down further to see how to bring Carnival to your own home with some authentic regional dessert recipes that spring up this time of year. We have also added this article as a free download from this page for your blog or similar..

#1 Italy’s most famous Carnival, Venice comes in at n.1.

Turn yourself into a living piece of art for the annual festivities. Buy a mask, put on a long cloak, and wander through the mists of the lagoon. Accommodations and events book up quickly, however, so be sure to prepare ahead of time, especially if you plan on attending one of the many gala dinners, masquerade balls, theater performances, or concerts going on.

Turn yourself into a living piece of art for the annual Venice carnival in February. Buy a mask, put on a long cloak and wander through the early morning mists of the lagoon in mid winter. Also take lots of photos for disbelieving relatives back home.

This is the best way to celebrate the carnival with the best backdrop in the world, Rio excepted. The theatrical nature of the Venice carnival dates back to the start of the 14th century when a group of well-to-do noblemen opened up areas for organized games and spectacles. They were called "Compagnie di Calza" and quickly became known for their exuberance and fantasy.

The first and oldest church in Venice is, by all accounts, located near the Rialto market just over the famous bridge. It is the Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto and dates from the 6th century AD although some say 1097 when the actual market was established.

There was always limited space to build in Venice, but when they did they put their name on it. Many palaces or 'palazzi' still bear the surname of the patrican families who made their fortunes throughout the period of the Republic, before they lost interest and transfered their real estate intersts to the mainland. They all have fantastic stories.

Murano really is the island of glass. The Venice glass industry grew up and blossomed here having been transferred from the 'mainland' by the Serenissima, such was the worry over the concentration of furnaces in the city and the risk of fire.

There are many markets in Venice and the traditional Rialto fish market is perhaps the most famous. In Italy it is a staple item on Italian television programs such 'Linea Verde' on RAI. These hour long shows are dedicated to finding out what is happening in the world of supermarkets, traditional markets and anywhere the consumer is looking to buy well.

It was no fun being held in the jails of Venice at the pleasure of the Doge of the Serenissima. and the visitor to Venice does not need much imagination during a tour of the Palazzo Ducale.

For starters, the Sala della Cancelleria was Venice’s most secretive location and the equivalent of the CIA or ex KGB archives.

The route also takes in the Sala del Tormento, infamously named for its purpose of gaining confessions prior to prisoners learning their fate, and the inside of the Ponte dei Sospiri bridge from where a small door to leads to the infamous ‘Pozzi’ prison.

The following traditional events in Venice represent great moments in the history of the lagoon Republic. Although now familiar tourism attractions, travelers are wise to appreciate the social and historical context of each.

Do make a visit to the large Venice Boat Museum or, officially, Museo Storico Navale. Translated that's the Historical Naval Museum, a glimpse into the military life of the city.

Lace comes and lace goes, what was a booming business for Venice in the 1500’s, by the 19th century had nearly died out completely. In 1867, with the liberation of Venice, two men, Michelangelo Jesurum and Paolo Fambri developed, unbeknownst to the other, a key to the re-emergence of the lace industry.