Introduction: Visions of Venice in Shakespeare

Were The Merchant of Venice and Othello inspired by a real trip to Venice, or did William Shakespeare only imagine the city from a distance when he wrote his two Venetian masterpieces? Even though scholars believe that he never set foot in Italy, as one strolls around Venice today the temptation is strong to believe the opposite: so many places, majestic monuments and hidden corners seem to whisper “Shakespeare was here”. For the calli and campi of Venice tell many stories and Shakespeare could not resist a good story. This invites the readers, whether they are traveling in their imagination curled up in an armchair, or walking the streets of Venice, to explore the real places behind the imagination of the greatest playwright of all times.