Thursday started out cloudy and rainy and then the weather gods smiled on us and unexpectedly the sun shone for much of the day. (Sorry my northern VA family and friends!!)

As much as we liked Rome and Florence, Venice is FABULOUS!! The Grand Canal is far bigger than we thought it would be. Also the water is clear. Yes there is serious issues with water levels rising, but they seem to be coping. Depending on winds and moon cycles the water comes bubbles up onto St. Mark’s Square at high tide. They just put temporary elevated walkways over the water and we continue on our way. Within a couple of hours yesterday the water receded back to the Lagoon and Adriatic Sea and the walkways disappeared.

We are in a wonderful little hotel, Hotel Martello, in Marghera just a short train or bus ride from Venice. We bought a 48 hour Vaporetto ticket for traveling along the canal. It includes free bus rides. We found it fairly easy to navigate to and from our hotel and concentrated on St. Mark’s Square and the wonderful Museums there. The art, paintings and sculptures, are amazing. The architecture is terrific with a combination of Byzantine, Renaissance and Baroque.

Friday, we hired a private guide for 2 hours. She was great; she gave us lots of history while we walked around the aqueduct and toured the Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs and the prison.

The Bridge of Sighs supposedly got its name from the newly convicted prisoner walking directly from the courtroom across the short bridge to prison. There are 2 windows where the prisoner could get his (or her) last look at Venice and last breath of fresh air with a big sigh. The prison cells were about 12 feet square for about 6 – 10 prisoners. There were no furnishings (or commode) only hay on the floor and they were fed only bread and water. The prison remained open until 1922.

Touring Venice was the perfect way to wrap up our time in Italy. It ranks as one of our favorite spots so far. It has been called the Bride or Queen of the Sea. We agree. It has a great history and a blend of European, Byzantine and Eastern influences. It was built from marsh beginning in 811. It evolved into the richest city in Europe because of its strategic location. It was the point of entry for goods coming from the East. Between the 1200s & 1500s is the period when it was strongest.

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It still retains its charm and allure. Many of the palaces have been preserved or restored and serve as museums or government offices. The Doge’s (ruling Duke) Palace & judicial center are great examples. As museums they have retained their splendor with art treasures, period furnishings, magnificent inlaid, painted and/or gilded (spelling??) ceilings. This splendor is in stark contrast to the prison which is directly connected by the Bridge of Sighs.

The Rialto Bridge is another site not to be missed. It is one of 4 bridges across the Canal. It is the oldest bridge and most attractive with marble on the sides and beautiful arches. Sorry we couldn’t get a good picture. We enjoyed walking along the canal (as well as riding in the vaporetto or waterbus) as we took in the sights and sounds.

Venice is a wonderful city to visit!! Peggy has decided that if she could only visit (or return to) one place in Italy, it would be tough choice between Tuscany or Venice but Venice would win. We look forward to our new adventures tomorrow when we say Arrivederci, Italia.

Ciao,
Wayne & Peggy