Veneto

Veneto is a region in northeastern Italy, bordering on Lombardy, Friuli - Venezia Giulia, and Emilia-Romagna, between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea. It is crossed by the Po and Adige rivers.

The capital is Venice, and other important towns include Verona, Padua and Vicenza.

This region is very rich in artistic and cultural treasures. Its archictectural heritage includes the unique buildings and bridges of Venice, and many of Palladio's villas. Verona's arena is an ancient Roman amphitheatre, traditionally reserved for opera. The thermal baths at Abano Bagni are also an attraction.

The regional economy, which used to depend entirely on agriculture , is now highly oriented towards high-tech industry and fashion (Benetton is a major employer), together with cultural tourism.