St. Mark’s Campanile, Venice

The belltower of the Basilica di San Marco is much more than just an enclosure to house bells to ring the faithful on a Sunday morning. It is a symbol of Venice and one of its most significant structures. In a city like Venice, that’s quite a claim.

The tower stands nearly 100 meters (98.6m or 323 feet) high. Freestanding in St. Mark’s square it literally towers above many of the surrounding structures. Yet, unlike them, its facade is a simple and still elegant brick design. The base is 12 meters (39 feet) on a side and the attic houses five bells. Capped by a spire in the shape of a pyramid it is topped with a golden weathervane in the form of the Archangel Gabriel. Read more…

The Islands of Venice

There are several islands a short boat ride from Venice that are well worth a look when you visit this beautiful city.

Murano

One of the most popular is nearby Murano. Most tourists come to visit the glassmakers and buy some souvenirs. There are plenty of opportunities. The art has been practiced here for centuries. Since the late 13th century, glass artisans here have been offering their wares to rich and poor alike. Prices can range from a few dollars for a trinket to thousands for a true work of art. Read more…

Palazzo Grassi

Anyone who was anyone in 18th century Venice simply had to have their own palace. And so it was with the Bolognese Grassi family. Contrary to popular thinking, aristocracy isn’t always hereditary. One can sometimes buy one’s way in. So it was with the Grassi and one of the patron’s later acts was to commission a grand dwelling on the Grand Canal.

Engaging the neoclassical architect Giorgio Massari, the builder set to work in 1745 to design the sumptuous building. Completed in 1775, it bore little resemblance to the Byzantine structures elsewhere, or even the Renaissance buildings so prominent in the area.

Located opposite the Ca’ Rezzonico, the facade is imposing and rises up several stories in a large block. Stylistic elements are everywhere on display. Large windows regularly line the entire upper exterior, with none below. The arches display some of the finest carving of any of the structures near St. Mark’s Square. Read more…