Venice

We had some great history lessons from our guides in Venice.  One can't help but think that the political freedom experienced by the people ( sorry, men) of Venice led to the free flowing capitalism and economic success of Venice.  At the time, Venice was at the crossroads of trade in the world.  It became a melting pot where people of different religions, races and cultures were tolerated.  It was only with the discovery of new lands and new trade routes that Venice's economic power declined.