City even mice deserted originally? (6)

I believe the answer is:

venice

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'city' is the definition.
(Venice is an example)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for venice that I've seen before include "It used to be known as the Queen of the Adriatic" , "La Serenissima" , "North Italian port" , "major tourist attraction" , "Italian city once known as Queen of the Adriatic" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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