Tuesday, December 16, 2008

A day in Venice

Today was cold wet and flooded. We spent the majority of the morning and early afternoon indoors. The tide didn't go out until much later. The apartment foyer was partially flood which slowed us down. We spent the morning organising checkin and a expensive water taxi. Still uncertain if we are safely checked in???

We went back to San Marco square and the Doge Palace in the afternoon. Took some more photos and film. Eventually we did a tour of the Doge Palace. The Doge Palace was the government seat of power of the Venetian republic from the 8th to the late 18th century. Sheer size and splendor of the palace takes away one's breath. Venetian power over 1000 years is represented in sheer wealth of the palace's decoration. We took in the sculpure, paintings, murals, gold and gilded walls. Art work of the masters adorned most walls. Ceilings hung from the heavens, and are decorated beyond belief. A grand courtyard of marble and gold is framed by 4 palace wings. We saw perhaps 10% of the palace. The age of the art and palace is easily 5 times Modern Australian settlement in age.

We left the palace in twilight for the Rialto bridge. The Rialto area is traditionally Venice's Market area where cargos of the east entered Europe. The bridge spans the Grand Canal and is 500 years old. It so large, that shops line it's sides.

Later we returned home via several cafes.

Sadly we didn't get to see the grand harbour this visit, perhaps next time.












1 comment:

AB said...

A day in Venice should be about water - so far so good!
Life in the fast lane - can you believe that you have been gone a week - for some, time fly's but does it have to move so fast?
No posting today - hope all is well and going to plan. Glenvale is still standing - no rain this week so far but some coming tomorrow - maybe!
Stay happy