A dramatic depiction by Luigi Querena of the blazing Church of San Geremia on the Grand Canal during the Austrian air raid

On this day in history: World’s First Air Raid

On 22nd August 1849, the city of Venice witnessed a historic and unprecedented event: the world’s first air raid. Long before the age of aeroplanes and modern warfare, this remarkable feat was achieved by primitive, unmanned balloons. It marked a pivotal moment in military history, laying the groundwork for the concept of aerial bombardment.

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