This morning we woke up (early again) and headed to Venezia. We learned from Karrin how the city was formed and that it is actually 380 different islands with the city taking up just over 100 of them. Karrin asked who wanted to buy an island!
We met up with our local guide Rita and hit St. Mark's Plaza. Another beautiful spot! And then into Doge's Palace. The Doge had been "President" elected by councilors for a lifetime position - although simply a figurehead for the city. This is the most famous museum in Venice. We passed through the room with 4 doors, the Senate Room, the Department of Justice and the Prison. The winged lion is the symbol of St. Mark, and consequently, the symbol for Venice and was featured in several pieces throughout the museum. We saw another 24 hour clock here and visited the Great Council Hall. This is the biggest room in Europe without support columns. It also features the largest "Paradise" painting in the world.
We then went to St. Markàs Basilica - very ornate with lots of gold mosaics. The gold color comes from a mixture of gold leaf and glass. The Basilica had served as the private chapel for the Doge. This church is also called The Golden Basilica.
We had a group luncheon with great pasta, mystery meat, a nice dessert and som of the best wine yet.
Later many of us took a gondola ride through the Grand Canal. Others went shopping for more gifts (for ourselves and those at home). We then took the water taxi back to the bus and headed home for a late group dinner at 9:30 at the local restaurant.
We met up with our local guide Rita and hit St. Mark's Plaza. Another beautiful spot! And then into Doge's Palace. The Doge had been "President" elected by councilors for a lifetime position - although simply a figurehead for the city. This is the most famous museum in Venice. We passed through the room with 4 doors, the Senate Room, the Department of Justice and the Prison. The winged lion is the symbol of St. Mark, and consequently, the symbol for Venice and was featured in several pieces throughout the museum. We saw another 24 hour clock here and visited the Great Council Hall. This is the biggest room in Europe without support columns. It also features the largest "Paradise" painting in the world.
We then went to St. Markàs Basilica - very ornate with lots of gold mosaics. The gold color comes from a mixture of gold leaf and glass. The Basilica had served as the private chapel for the Doge. This church is also called The Golden Basilica.
We had a group luncheon with great pasta, mystery meat, a nice dessert and som of the best wine yet.
Later many of us took a gondola ride through the Grand Canal. Others went shopping for more gifts (for ourselves and those at home). We then took the water taxi back to the bus and headed home for a late group dinner at 9:30 at the local restaurant.
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