La Serenissima #2

Headed off just before 10 this morning and had a wander along the Grand Canal until it was time to meet up with our first walking group of the day. First into St Mark’s Square and then the Cathedral. Both places were absolutely heaving with people. St Marks completely different to all churches seen so far being built in Byzantine style and an absolute monument to the mosaic makers art. Totally laden with gold leaf backed glass tesserae. Quite breath-taking but a real take your breath away moment was when one member of the group enquired as to what religion the church was!!!!! Guess which country he was from. He was also busy making notes on everything that the guide said! So at least he’ll go away better informed.

After St Marks we slowly made our way through back streets, campos and bridges, towards the Rialto. A really good opportunity to get well away from all the other tourists and get some sort of feel of what life in Venice is like on a daily basis. Also problems of maintaining buildings, subsidence etc.

Finished just after 1 which gave us time to pop back to the hotel and “freshen up” before joining our next walking tour for two hours through the Doge’s Palace. This was absolutely fascinating. Great guide. Learned lots about Venetian history, building process, former government systems as well as getting a gander at the art work in the place. Walked across the Bridge of Sighs to the prison. Nice spot. The part of the palace adjacent to the Bridge of Sighs is under restoration. As well as getting government money Venice, and elsewhere, are getting private funding in return for advertising space for the duration of the work. Hence all the blue around the Bridge of Sighs.

Ju deals to a local

After the tour we went and had afternoon tea at Florians – an institution since 1720. This is where you pay 6 euros a head for the privilege of listening to the music. All very nice!

Then we spent time wandering back to the Rialto. Fair amount of tat for sale – certainly a lot cheaper in all senses than the Ponte Vecchio. On the way back I did at last find a murano glass lizard!