Sunday, April 18, 2010

The Sights of Venice

This is a classic view of the heart of Venice. The Campanile is on the left, with the Doges Palace on the right. In between the two, the domes of St. Mark's Basilica are visible.
This is the architectural detail under one of the windows of St. Mark's Basilica. The Winged Lion is the symbol of Venice and is included in buildings throughout Venice and the former Venetian empire. The winged lion was the logo of St. Mark the Evangelist. When Venitians took St. Mark's corpse from Alexandria, Egypt in the Ninth Century and presented their looted treasure to the Doge, St. Mark became the patron saint of Venice, a predecessor to St. Mark's Basilica was built, and the winged lion was adopted as the symbol of the city.
Some gondoliers have a moment to chat. It is very competitive to become a gondolier. Only a few people are granted licenses, and there is a rigorous training and approval program.
A gondola navigates one of the countless narrow canals that form Venice's side streets.
This detail of one of the corners of the Doges Palace shows the highly stylized columns, archways, statuary, and the pattern of the Verona marble on the exterior facade.
Several gondoliers pass some time on a small bridge over a canal. Why do you think they are all looking in the same direction? Yes, you are correct. A pretty woman had walked past.
The Grand Canal is lined with large, ornate palazzos. The ambassador of Charles VII of France in 1495 described it as "the most beautiful street in the world" More than 500 years later, many would still agree.

6 comments:

brattcat said...

Some wonderful views of my favorite city in the world.

Phivos Nicolaides said...

Amazing place full of beauties, history and culture. Gorgeous pictues!

Unknown said...

Fantastic view of the Campanile and the Doge's Palace. The building in the last shot is one of my favourites. Wonderful photos as always!

Rob Siemann said...

Nice photos from what is probably our favorite place on earth. Many many happy memories, over 30 years

Stefan Jansson said...

Some great Venice photos here. It's a fun city to visit.

glenda said...

You have chosen some wonderful photos of Venice. Makes me want to go back and do it all again!

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