Piazza San Marco
Located in the heart of Venice, the square of St.Mark witnessed all the important events in the history of the city.
Sunrise at Venice
Flooded by Acqua Alta ( sometimes ) an the pigeons ( always ) the square offers dozens historic cafes and garden restaurants, from where the tourists can watch the passers-by in front of Basilica and Doge’s Palace.
Palazzo Ducale
Not only the doge’s residence, but also the seat of Venetian Government in the past, the palace is opened for visitors, who can see the splendorous rooms, including the hall of Great Council with the ability to hold over 3 000 people. Part of the palace served once as a heavy prison with Torture Chamber, from the cells of which Casanova is believed to escape..
Basilica San Marco
The small private church connected to the Doge’s Palace, soon became the most important place both for worship and the splendour ceremonies of the Republic, and finally obtained the title of Cathedral.
The economic power of Serenissima brought thousands of priceful art pieces to the heavily lavished interior of the basilica. The golden mosaics from 12th-14th centuries change their appearance with the different light, so to fully comprehend them it could be necessary to visit the church several times during the day.
Grand Canal
The outlook of the canal follows the course of an ancient river bed. Along the ‘main street of Venice’ is the perpetual line of stunning aristocracy residences built over a span of some 500 years. All the facades of palaces turn into the canal side, and present their full splendour to the vaporetti boats and barges floating down the Grand Canal, but nothing compares to the early night gondola ride just around the dusk.
Rialto Bridge
The bridge, that for a long time was the only one connecting both sides of the Grand Canal was named after the ancient commercial seat of Venice, where the first inhabitants settled.
Ca’ d’ Oro
This building stands out of the line of palaces along the Canal Grande. The 15h century Gothic facade shows visible influence of eastern art. At present hosts the items from Giorgio Franchetti Collection, with the great names like Titian, Carpaccio, Mantegna or Sansovino.
Gallerie d’Accademia
The biggest art museum in Venice features also the largest collection of the Venetian art. The first items from the 15th century show the great influence of Byzantine style, but during Renaissance period Venice’s artists compete successfully with the ones from Florence and Rome.
The great artists, whose works are displayed in Accademia include Carpaccio, Giorgione, Tintoretto, Tiepolo and wall painting by Titian.
Ghetto
The Jewish district in Venice established in mid 16th century, soon became known as the ghetto, the name somehow popular has been given later to Jewish communities throughout the world.
To visit are two synagogues, the Hebraic Museum, there are also some kosher shops, and libraries. The Jews from Venice did not escape the sad story of WWII, and today only about 500 of then live in the city.
Santa Maria della Salute
One of the architectural landmarks of Venice, the baroque church has been built as a thanksgiving vote to St.Mary , who’s protection ceased the great plague from 1630. The inner ceilings of large cupolas overlooking the Canal Grande are adorned with paintings by Titian.
Murano
The most important Medieval centre of glass blowing in Europe owes its prosperity to the glass. Although Murano’s glass has been outrivalled by the cheaper one from the Central Europe,
the glassmaking is still the part of Venetian tradition. The island located just several minutes by boat from Venice, features Museo Vetrario and several manufactures, which present the old way of glass blowing for the tourists.
[photo courtesy of sminky_pinky100 (Away)]
