Travels in Italy--Venice (Part 1 of 2)

Recently, we ventured to Venice. 

Venice is unlike other Italian cities because it sits atop a group of small islands criss-crossed by canals. 

A bird's eye view of Venice with the Grand Canal winding through the center

Venice was established long ago.  A town started to take shape during the Roman era as inhabitants from nearby towns fled to the islands to escape invaders.  The islands -- located in the middle of a large lagoon -- provided protection.  During the middle ages, Venice developed into a wealthy, powerful maritime republic, trading goods all over the known world.    

Some fun facts about Venice:

• Venice consists of more than 100 small islands
• Famous Venetians include Marco Polo, Antonio Vivaldi, Tintoretto, Tiepolo, Titian, and infamous womanizer Giacomo Casanova
• Venice has about 400 bridges and 400 gondoliers
• Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

While visiting Venice, we toured St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the Fenice Opera House. 

St. Mark's Square:

Some random hottie in St. Mark's Square, with the bell tower and St. Mark's Basilica in the background

The clock tower on St. Mark''s square, the Torre dell'Orologio, completed in 1499 

St. Mark's Basilica:  The church is filled with beautiful gold mosaics.

The Doge's Palace:  The palace, the former seat of Venice's government, is a large ornate building on St. Mark's square.  The Doge, an elected leader, was the Duke of Venice.  Today, the palace is a museum with collections of art and other artifacts from past centuries.

Doge's Palace:  The main courtyard

Doge's Palace: The main courtyard

Doge's Palace:  A statue of St. Theodore in the main courtyard.  Now the statue depicts St. George after slaying the dragon.  The origin of the statue is unique and described below. 

Doge's Palace:  The Golden Staircase

Doge's Palace:  One of the many chambers

Doge's Palace:  The chambers were richly decorated

Doge's Palace:  An astronomical clock

(16th century)

A view of the Grand Canal from the Doge's Palace...  (No, this is not a postcard; we took this photo.)

The palace is connected by a bridge to a large prison across a canal.  The bridge is enclosed and was used to move inmates from the prison to the palace for judicial proceedings.  We crossed the bridge, known as the Bridge of Sighs, and explored the prison.

A beautiful view from the bridge.  A heavy sigh follows because freedom is unlikely.

Not to worry.  The forlorn captive above was pardoned and released.  She sighed in relief.

Next Up:  More adventures in Venice.