A Day in Venice

Caught the water taxi or vaporetto to St Marks Square and spent the day walking. People everywhere but a lovely buzz.

Lined up in the big queue for a walk through St Marks Bascilica. Built around 1050. The tiled mosaics of Gold leaf and glass covering the ceilings are intricate and beautiful. The floor tiles with 3 D patterns are cool too.

We visited the treasury with ancient and precious Challis, bowls, ornaments and bones of the Doge or leaders. Also visited the 1 by 2m alter piece with its gold leaf and 2000 jewels.

Julie and I then visited the Museo Correr in an old palace with paintings, sculptures, coinage with lots of history of Venice.

After lunch we headed on a 2 hour walking tour with Antonella. Heaps of history of Venice while walking through the narrow side streets from St Marks to the Rialto Bridge. Learnt that Venice is really a group of many Islands joined by bridges each with its own church and well.  The squares or campo used to be green areas but these are now paved. The population has declined from 120 thousand in 1960 to 60 thousand today with house prices so high and less employment.

At 5.30pm we headed on our Urban Adventure with Giovanna for more history and local wine and cicchetta or tapas at 5 Bacca or traditional wine bars. A great group from the UK with us and still walking straight by 8pm.