2 Go Venice Photos

Venice is a must. As the best preserved big city in Europe, with its famous canals and striking (and well preserved) architecture, it is like no other place.

Venice was built on wooden pilings which were placed into the lagoon. On top of these pilings were placed beautiful palaces, basilicas, cathedrals, homes, etc.. By the fifteenth century, Venice became the envy of Europe and ruler of the eastern Mediterranean. While Venice does not possess that kind of power any more, it does possess a a kind of magical elegance that attracts visitors from all over the world.

We came to Venice following Florence to spend our last two days--and great days they were.

The heart of Venice is Piazza San Marco--St. Mark's Square, which is headed by St. Mark's Basilica, seen here. It is an extraordinarily interesting church with an architecture that melds east and west (for instance, its onion shaped domes from Greek Orthodoxy and its Byzantine mosaics).

St. Mark's Square is a grand public space, as well as home to thousands upon thousands of pigeons.

Across the lagoon from St. Mark's Square, and seemingly floating on water, is San Giorgio.

A real joy of Venice is the back streets and canals--no museums or souvenir shops, just real life and charm.

The Grand Canal bisects historic Venice and is the main thoroughfare--all traffic by boat, of course, as cars are not allowed in this city. Lined with elegant palaces and the distinctive gondolas, the water taxi ride down the Grand Canal from the train station is a thrilling introduction to this one-of-a-kind city.

The Bridge of Sighs, with gondoliers beneath. Connecting the Doge's Palace with the prison, it provided the last glimpse of Venice--and a hearty sigh of resignation and despair--for prisoners on their way to the dungeons.

Gondolas ply the canals of Venice at all times of day. While they look lovely upon the water, it is an experience that comes with a considerable price tag--this time, we passed, contenting ourselves with merely admiring them.

While in Venice, we happened upon a shop of exquisitely crafted and decorated masks--all hand painted with love by the woman who is posing here with Kelly. The major event in Venice is Carnevale (similar to Mardi Gras) held in the 10 days prior to Ash Wednesday. During Carnevale, people don these masks for festivities and revelry in what is quite literally a 10 day street party. These masks were so beautiful we had to indulge ourselves and buy one to enjoy back in Atlanta.

The wooden Accademia Bridge, one of only 3 bridges to span the Grand Canal.

There are rumors that Venice is sinking. These rumors are true. Venice has sunk 5 inches over the past century. However, the sinking has slowed down with the help of the Italian government. With any luck, our children's children will still be able to enjoy this romantic city many years from now.

After a wonderful time in the elegant city of Venice, it was time to say goodbye to Aunt Maureen and Aunt Doreen. However, we were not yet ready to say goodbye to Italy. Yes, there is more. Our last destination in Italy was the Chianti region, where the famous wine is cultivated. Continue with us to Chianti.

2 Go Maps / 2 Go Actual Itinerary / 2 Go Photos / 2 Go Home Page

PLEASE E-MAIL US. . . WE WOULD LOVE 2 HEAR FROM YOU!

hi@2goglobal.com