The Basilica of San Marco ( 3 photos ) and other Venice, Italy Things to Do Tips

This Byzantine style cathedral is the most famous of Venice's churches. Conceived as the resting place for the earthly remains of the apostle St. Mark, it was first constructed in the early 800's following the theft of the remains from Egypt by two Venetian merchants. He replaced St. Teodoro, the original patron saint of Venice. The cathedral lies on the only real piazza in Venice, San Marco, connected to the Doge's palace. It has been replaced and altered several times, reaching its final appearance in the 11th century. It was consecrated in 1094. The Basilica is famous for the Pala d'Oro, a lavish altar screen covered with jewels and gold. Wall mosaics depict tales from the New Testament. The exterior features 5 arched gateways and fiberglass copies of the 4 horses of Saint Mark, originally believed to be part of Trajan's Arch in Rome.

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Located next to and connected to the Basilica of San Marco is the second famous building on the St Marks Plaza. First built in the 9th Century and renovated between 1309-1424 this classic gothic palace served not only as the residence of the duke but also as offices for many governmental offices. Legal offices and courts were housed here, and the building is connected to the adjacent prison by the "Bridge of Sighs". The most spectacular room is the Grand Council Chamber where the legislature met. Here is Tintoretto's "Paradise", one of the largest paintings on canvas in the world, as well as frescoes by many major artists. Today much of the ground level is occupied by commercial establishments.

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The only major canal in Venice is about 2 miles long, S-shaped, and between 75 and 150 feet wide. Crossed by only 3 bridges, the major artery in Venice carries vaporetti, commercial vehicles and motorboats, and the gondolas for which Venice is famous. It is lined by the most prestigious buildings in the city, truly the high rent district. There are few areas with sidewalks for walking along the canal. The buildings front the water with their mooring poles and terraces overlooking the water.

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As in every city, some of the most scenic and intimate views are obtained by wandering from the major pathways and exploring. The small interlocking canals with their delicate bridges certainly are worth the effort in Venice. Whether from a gondola or from an adjoining alley, a side excursion is worth the effort.

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The Rialto Bridge is one of the longest span masonry bridges in the world. It replaced a series of wooden and pontoon bridges first constructed in the 11th century and replaced because of fire or flood on several occasions. It took just 3 years to construct (1588-1591)from plans by the architect Antonio da Ponte (his real name). It is supported by some 12000 wooden pilings driven into the soft clay on which Venice rests. It is approximately 150 feet long and with a 24 foot arch, large enough to allow passage by the Venetian galleys and trade ships.

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The Accedemia Bridge is the last of the 3 fixed crossings of the Grand Canal to be built and the first to be seen on the vaporetto from the train station. It is a wooden bridge first built as a temporary structure but never replaced. Many museums and art galleries are adjacent.

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