With its canals, historic bridges and gondolas, Venice is one of the world's most recognisable cities.

       Many cities, over the centuries, have tried to replicate some features of the Italian lagoon.

       However, a few locations around the world have gone beyond taking inspiration from Venice and tried to replicate its historic centre, from its lavish architecture down to red and white poles used in the lagoon to provide information about a route or for mooring.

       Three out of the most famous copycat attempts have been made by financial ventures, while one has become the area of a much bigger city.

       Express.co.uk has taken a look at these replicas of Venice.