The city of Jesolo is located east of legendary Venice, in Italy, a mere 30 km from Venice International Airport, 'Marco Polo'. One of its most attractive parts is the 15km long beach, the Lido di Jesolo resort.

Although it existed as a Roman settlement, it was only in the 20th century that Jesolo developed into one of Italy's best seaside resorts. Today, there are about 25,000 residents in the Jesolo area, and some 400,000 visitors every year, who come to enjoy a sunny holiday by the Adriatic sea. How­ever, the main attraction is a few kilometers away: Venice, one of the world's most celbrated destinations.

Venice (pop. 275,000), the capital of Venice Province, is situated on more than 100 islands formed by about 150 canals in the lagoon between the mouths of the Po and Piave rivers, at the northern extremity of the Adriatic Sea. Because of its historic role as a naval power and commercial center, the city is known as the 'Queen of the Adriatic'. Long sand bars, or barrier beaches, on the outer side of the lagoon serve as protection against the sea. The islands on which the city is built are connected by about 400 bridges. The Grand Canal, about 3 km long, winds through Venice dividing the city into two nearly equal portions. No motor vehicles are permitted on the narrow, winding lanes and streets that penetrate the old city, and the bridges are for pedestrians only. For centuries the most common method of transportation was by gondola, a flat-bottomed boat propelled by a single oar. Today, the gondolas are used mainly by tourists; motor launches carry almost all the freight and passenger traffic in Venice.

Modern Venice has faced many challenges, including loss of population to other areas and physical damage from flooding, sinkage, air and water pollution, and age. After severe flooding in 1966, an international effort to preserve historic Venice was coordinated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and many structures were renovated and preserved. Flooding has occurred throughout the history of the city; it is caused when high tides combine with storm winds, and has been combatted with experiments using mechanical barriers.

Venice is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city buildings and decorations, from Byzantine to Renaissance styles, show great artistic achievement. The works of the Venetian school of painting and art are represented throughout Venetian palaces, public buildings, and churches.

The center and most frequented part of the city is Saint Mark’s Square. At the eastern end are Saint Mark’s Cathedral and the Doges’ Palace (Palazzo Ducale), the two most important and imposing structures in Venice. The cathedral is considered an outstanding example of Byzantine architecture. The palace is a remarkable building in Italian Gothic with some early Renaissance elements. The northern side of the piazza is occupied by the Procuratie Vecchie (1496) and the southern side by the Procuratie Nuove (1584), both built in Italian Renaissance style. During the time of the Venetian republic these buildings were the residences of the nine procurators, or magistrates, from among whom the doge, or chief magistrate, was usually selected.

In the rear of the Doges’ Palace is the famous Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace with public prisons and was the route by which prisoners were taken to and from the judgment hall. The most famous of the three bridges spanning the Grand Canal is the Rialto (1588), lined with a double row of shops. The Grand Canal, the principal traffic artery of Venice, is lined with old palaces of the Venetian aristocracy, among which are many structures of historical and architectural renown. Islands extend to the east in the direction of the Lido, an island reef outside the lagoon that is famous as a bathing beach and recreational resort. Great museums, such as the Ca’ d’Oro (located in a Gothic palace on the Grand Canal), and historic churches are found throughout the city. The Libreria Vecchia (Old Library) contains about 13,000 manuscripts and more than 800,000 books, some of immense value. The University of Venice was founded in 1868.

Palazzo del Turismo Piazza Brescia, 11 30017 Lido di Jesolo (VE) Italy.  +39-0421-382 007   +39-0421-370 686  info@palazzodelturismo.it   www.palazzodelturismo.it The Championships will be played in Jesolo's Palazzo del Turismo (Palace of Tourism) which is situated in the center of the town, close to the sea. A futuristic structure of steel and glass, covering a total area of more than 15,000 square meters, the 'Palazzo' impresses the visitor, providing all necessary facilities for national and international events. It is unique in Italy for its size and flexibility; and hosts regularly conferences, meetings, exhibitions, conventions, concerts and sports and cultural events. The 'Palazzo' comprises a spacious reception area, a large and well-stocked refreshment area, terrace bars, cocktail bars, exhibition areas, collateral activities and impromptu events, parking areas and loading-unloading bays.

There is a regular shuttle service from Venice's 'Marco Polo' airport to Lido di Jesolo which runs regularly all day long. The journey takes about 40 minutes. To get the current timetable click here.

A number of accommodation possibilities has been worked out by the local organizers as follows (rates are per person per night, full-board):