Marco Polo House

Sadly, there is only a plaque on the outside of the house – there’s no access inside. It is, however, worthwile seeing where this great traveller lived.

Born in 1254, Marco Polo was an Italian merchant, explorer, and writer who travelled through Asia along the Silk Road between 1271 and 1295. His travels are recorded in the book, The Travels of Marco Polo. The book described the then mysterious culture and inner workings of the Eastern world, including the wealth and great size of the Mongol Empire and China in the Yuan Dynasty, giving people their first comprehensive look into China, India, Japan and other Asian cities and countries.

Marco was appointed to serve as Khan’s foreign emissary to India and Burma. He was sent on many diplomatic missions throughout the empire, travelling extensively inside China. On returning to Venice after 24 years, he was imprisoned (while Venice was at war with Genoa). He was released in 1299 and became a wealthy merchant, married, and had three children. He died in 1324 and was buried in the church of San Lorenzo in Venice.

Marco Polo’s book inspired Christopher Columbus. He also influenced European cartography, leading to the introduction of the Fra Mauro map.

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