Following the Fall of the Venetian Republic and the Napoleonic invasion of Italy, Venice passed into the control of the Austrians.   The crumbling palazzi reflected the declining power and wealth of the Venetian aristocracy and railways and industrialization brought changes in the character of the city and type of visitor.  But an increasing number of foreign artists, writers and composers drew inspiration from the City and ensured its continuing cultural vitality.   In this section, three visitors chart aspects of Venice’s changing character from 1816 to the mid-19th century. To follow in their footsteps, click on the icons below: