You cannot settle Venetians on just any island. They require a specific special island slot or the construction of a specific outpost. Their buildings are aesthetically stunning—think waterways and marble—but functionally unique.
Key Layout Considerations for Venice:
Noblemen require five public services: Market, Church, Pub, Bathhouse, Cathedral. This is where layouts fail.
Most production chains in Anno 1404 work on a ratio. For example, 2 Hemp Plantations feed 1 Weaving Hut. anno 1404 venice city layout
The Venice expansion introduces the Espionage mechanic, which changes layout philosophy:
Before we lay a single brick in the Orient, we must revisit the fundamentals of the Occidental (Western) layout. The biggest mistake new players make is treating Anno like SimCity. In SimCity, you curve roads for aesthetics. In Anno, you grout roads for efficiency.
Unlike roads, canals do not provide influence for markets. You must place your Market (South) touching the canal. You cannot settle Venetians on just any island
The Perfect Nomad Block:
Orient housing doesn't need pubs, but it needs Carpets and Coffee. Your layout must include a central "Caravanserai" (the Oriental tavern). Place it exactly 20 tiles from the market. This creates a "comfort zone" where your Envoys have 100% happiness without needing spice.
Critical for Venice: The expansion introduces the Earthquake disaster in the Orient. Never build housing in a solid block. Always leave a 1-tile gap every 5 houses to turn into a "debris field" when the quake hits, saving your core structures. Noblemen require five public services: Market, Church, Pub,
Strict grids are efficient but boring. The Venice expansion includes new ornamental canals and the St. Mark’s Cathedral (a world wonder).
To honor the naming of the expansion, try the "Lagoon Layout":