Perhaps the most famous Venetian in history is Marco Polo, whose travels and writings opened up the Orient to Europe. The City on the Water, once a powerful city-state, is famous for its romantic canals and waterways as well as its explorers and merchants. The architecture of this city alone makes for a fascinating sight-seeing excursion, from its fabulous churches, museums, and palaces to its elegant bridges and rural villas. Yearly festivals include the Venice Carnival, which attracts visitors from around the world to don incredible costumes and masks and dance the night away at lavish parties and banquets, an absolute must to attend; dress up and lose yourself in the grand spectacle! Major attractions: Piazza San Marco (St. Mark Square), Palazzo dei Dogi (Doge's Palace), Bridge of Sighs, the Clock Tower, Rialto Bridge, the Islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. Interesting museums are the Correr Museum, the Marciana Library, the Ca' d'Oro, Palazzo Grassi, the Guggenheim museum, Ca' Pesaro and others. Major theaters, music venues and events: Teatro la Fenice, Teatro Malibran, Church of San Vidal, Palazzo Barbarigo-Minotto, Scuola Grande di San Teodoro, Ateneo San Basso, Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista, Church of San Giacometto, and others. Events include the Venice Carnival, the Redentore Festival, the Historical Regatta.