Today was the day we visit all the main "attractions" of Venice, first stop is the Doge Palace.
On the way we passed the Bridge of Sighs, this bridge connected the place to the city prison. The bridge got it's name supposedly from the sighs of prisoners as they had their last glimpse of freedom. A bit unfortunate advertisement has destroyed what once was quite a nice view. I think the advertisement is also the cover for the scaffolding of the renovation work on the exterior of the palace.
I found out on an iPhone app that the Doge Palace can get quite hot in the summer afternoons so this was our first activity in the morning.
Remember talking about a Rolling Card? This came in very useful when we were purchasing the tickets as we were able to gain the discounted rate.
The Doge Palace is a very impressive political house during the renaissance period. The Doge is a man who holds office as the high authority in the republic government. Although the Doge is elected for life, he actually holds a more representative role than an authoritative role in government.
Nevertheless the government palace is also the home to the Doge.
Inside are beautiful renaissance furnitures and Venetian artworks. This is the inside courtyard of the Palace.
The inside of the palace is prohibited from photography, there are some impressive artwork and government history of Venice that is housed inside. I appreciated the English translations of most of the description boards, without their assistance the visit would not be half as enjoyable.
I highly recommend this palace if you are to understand more of Venetian history and why it is the way it is.
By the time we finished exploring the Palace we are overdue for some lunch! Most of the food in the St Mark's Piazza is very expensive, but if you are willing to pay the price some of the beautiful and historical restaurants have live music and offer the perfect place for people watching. On a tighter budget we opted to have lunch at a local snack bar a bit further back from the Piazza. It was a family owned affair. Still pricy for a sandwich but is already the best option. I believe the closest market is in Rialto and like I said in the previous blog it is a fair distance away.
After filling our tummy we had a look around the small shops of Venice. Some of the Carnevale marks are spectacular. I decided quite early on I will not buy a mask from Venice. A photo is all I need.
Some of those Murano glass work is amazing as well. These pieces are crafted by a master and is very expensive.
If you face St Mark's Basilica, on it's left is a few small corridors. On one of the is a free luggage check. Once you deposit your bag there they give you a card to bypass the line into St Mark.
This little tip was given to us by a colleague of mine and I feel very in debt, I think we skipped at least 15mins of waiting in the humid Venetian outdoors.
St Mark's also has a strict rule regarding clothing, for ladies with sleeveless tops or short skirts, they offer cloths to cover up before entering. Here is the exterior of St Mark's Basilica.
Photography is not allowed so here again is a written description.
As soon as one enters the Basilica your eyes are inadvertently drawn upwards to stare at the golden ceiling of this spacious place. The ceiling is covered with shimmering golden mosaic depicting many events in Jesus life and that of the church. Symbology of the four evangelist is found.
Although similar to some Spanish churches which is covered with gold also, St Mark's seems to hold a more refined touch. I believe it is due to the intricacy of the mosaics.
I believe the travel writer Rick Steve described the mosaic as a work similar in magnitude to covering a football field piece by piece with contact lenses.
This beautiful Basilica was originally built not for the people of Venice but as the private chapel or of the Doge and his council.
It does not cost to enter the Basilica, but extra payment is required to visit the back of the altar, the treasury and the top floor museum.
To see the back of the alter it cost two euros, there we beheld the remains of St Mark. On his tomb lies a single beautiful golden rose. It was a curious experience to be standing before St Mark the evangelist, the man who wrote the Gospel of Mark and there I was looking upon his tomb. I think the feeling was a mixture of knowing my unworthiness compared to him and my blessing of the opportunity to once again step into this Basilica. I was unknowing before but now I understand the treasure before me.
The story goes that St Mark the evangelist was once given a dream of an angel that told him his resting place would be in Venice, however when he traveled to preach in Africa, he actually died in Alexandria. Many years later two enterprising Venetian decided to steal his remains to bring back to Venice, partly to fulfill the Angel's message and also for the prosperity it would bring to the city and themselves.
The story further goes that as the Merchants brought the remains to Venice they faced a storm at sea and was rescued by St Mark himself. Afterwards whilst they were on their way to the Doge's Palace his remains so heavy they were unable to lift it any more. They legend states that it was revealed to them by St Mark that they would not be able to lift the remains unless the Doge promise to build a church there in his honor. Hence the site of the current Basilica. Ironically this whole event is depicted proudly on the ceiling of the basilica in the golden mosaic.
Please google the basilica when you have time, it is truly spectacular.
We also went upstairs to the museum and balcony which cost another 5 euro entrance fee.
Here are some photos.
These horses are also another stolen trophy from constantinople.
Next we decided to visit the Santa Maria Della Salute Basilica just across the canal. This Basilica was built in thanks giving for deliverance from the plague during the medieval period. Many people died from the plague when it swept Europe and even surrounded by water Venice did not escaped unscathed. When the plague passed more than half of the population had perished from the disease.
Whilst walking around we stumbled on the location of China's Venice Biennale exhibition venue, as it was free entry we ventured inside. Some of it was pop culture themed art, here was my favorite.
We decided to go back to the previous night's plaza for dinner as the price was more affordable.
That night we went back to the hostel and still the weather was very muggy, as my room was cooler the boys came over to chill out before bed time. My room's temperature was 28oC, theirs was 30oC!
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