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 9272 Venice Tips.17547 Venice Photos.16 Venice Videos. Venice Pages by ChrsStrl
Tips 1 - 10 of 42 Venice Things to Do
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The best drawing room of Europe - a place to sit in and watch people pass (though be prepared to pay the price at the cafes - worth it for the fun). Obviously visit San Marco itself - the Byzantine mosaics, the treasury, etc. Go to a service, sit and contemplate. Visit it at night when the square can be subject to shallow flood and the reflections are amazing. Go in winter, summer, spring or autumn. Love it as we do!
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There are so many different stories about these characters - Byzantine emperors/ four fratricidal brothers - it is lost in time. They are a lovely piece, though. Some say it is 4th C porphyry group of tetrachs representing Diocletian, Maximian, Valerian and Constatine. They were appointed to help rule the Roman Empire.
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Address: St Mark's
Directions: Facing St Mark's head to the right corner of the building, opposite the clock tower.
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The first church here was founded in 832 to house the body of St Mark brought back from Alexandria. Damaged by fire, a new building was started and consecrated in 1094 and it is this that you see today. It is basically in the form of a Greek cross with five onion domes inspired by Islmaic design. The interior is covered with really splendid mosaics and marbles.
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Address: St Mark's
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This is the mosaic at the left end of the facade and is from the mid 13thC and is the only original external mosaic. It shows the Translation of the body of St Mark to the basilica and is the earliest representation known of the exterior of the building. Note that the bronze horses brought from Constantinople are already in place!
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Address: St Mark's
Directions: Go left when facing it
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The 'trouble' with this place is that there are just too many ways you have to look at the same time! Down to avoid the pigeons, ahead to avoid the other travellers and up to see the beauty. This is easily missed as it is around the right hand corner of the front when you are facing it. It is just lovely. Take lots of time in the Square. Stand and stare. Let others walk around you! This is the south facade formerly one of the main entrances was this side and was the one that could be seen from the water. If you make the picture large you can see the 13thC mosaic of the Madonna in prayer over a 10thC door (between the two arches). Two lights are lit nightly in front of this in fulfilment of the vow of a sea captain.
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Address: St Mark's
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St Marks and Piazza: Make sure you see the sign of St Mark
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Missing it in Venice would be a miracle! This one is high above the central door to St Mark's and above it is a gilded statue of the saint with four angels from the 15thC.
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Address: St Mark's
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On the southern facade are two marble griffins (12th / 13th C) which surmount the columns of the first doorway.
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Address: St Mark's
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The Porta della Carta is the 15th C gateway to the Doge's Palace. Assumed to get its name from the State archives or cartae which used to be kept near here. The doge is Francesco Foscari who kneels before the lion of St Mark and the gateway is crowned by a figure of Venice as justice.
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Address: Next to St Mark's
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Art Museums: Stop at the Guggenheim gates
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This modern art museum is in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni where Peggy Guggenheim lived for 30 years. There is a sculpture garden with work by Arp, Moore, Giacometti, Paolozzi etc. In the gallery are paintings by Braque, Picasso, Leger, Dali, Duchamps, Mondrian, Brancusi, plus my favourite Magritte 'The Empire of Light', etc. The gates to the museum are open when the museum is, so you miss the beauty of them. Arrive early!
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Address: Palazzo Venier dei Leoni
Directions: It is a one-storey building facing onto the Grand Canal.
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Markets: Visit the Fish Market
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Right near the Rialto is the lively fish market. Go early for the views of the fish stall or later if you just want to admire the architecture!
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Address: Near the Rialto
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Join a Discussion Venice
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» Ask about Venice |
 Comments for ChrsStrl about Venice | | | | |
Zvrlj Sun Dec 2, 2007 22:57 UTC
Bronze casting is known for more than 4000 years, so equestrian statue of of Colleoni by Verrocchio could hardly be "one of the earliest bronzes ever". | uglyscot Sat Jun 18, 2005 14:24 UTC
Lovely site, and you know your Shakespeare too. | nicolaitan Mon May 2, 2005 17:38 UTC
Your love for venice is obvious from your great pages. I really enjoyed my vicarious trip thru your camera. 777 | shirez Fri Oct 15, 2004 08:54 UTC
really enjoyable tour on Venezia! thank you!:-) |
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on Jun 8, 2003
