How did the tradition of Souvenirs start? With the grand tour, a long journey that wealthy European aristocrats undertook in the 17th century to perfect their knowledge, the custom of visiting unknown places, or tourism, began. The tradition of creating small objects to take home, for oneself or for others, as a souvenir of the places visited came naturally. Called souvenirs in French, this custom also had religious connotations, combining the sacred with the profane. With the advent of globalisation, it is often difficult to find souvenirs produced in the places you have visited: by choosing Venice Original you give value to raw materials and quality craftsmanship!