Venice is Sinking …

History reports that it DSC_0400was in the 5th century AD that Venetians, escaping barbarian raids, found refuge and temporary settlement on the islands we know today as Venice.

 

DSC_0184Designated as a UNESCO world heritage site,   Venice and all of its canals, are a great link to its medieval past!

 

DSC_0295The waterways of Venice still offer gondola rides.   We didn’t take a gondola ride on this visit … but there were quite a few other tourists enjoying the experience.

 

Located just off the Grand Canal is Saint Mark’s DSC_0320Basilica. The most famous of the churches of Venice, it overlooks the town’s center, Saint Mark’s Square. The Square is a busy place where tourists mill about, enjoying the sights and sounds of the city!

 

The famous horses of Saint Mark have a long history. In the 1200s, these life size bronzes were stolen and sent venice_panoramato Venice, only to be stolen 500 years later when Napoleon shipped them to France.  Ultimately returned to Venice in the 1800s, the originals are now inside Saint Mark’s Basilica, while the replicas can be found guarding the grounds outside!

The Rialto Bridge is said to be the heart of Venice. DSC_0221When it was built in the 1500s it was the only way to cross the Grand Canal. A second bridge was built in the 1800s. The shops along the bridge are sprinkled with tourists like us shopping for Italy’s famous Murano glass.  

After spending a glorious day in Venice we stopped for dinner.  On our way to the restaurant we DSC_0385saw this charming Venetian peering out of her second story window watching the crowds below. She waved at us after we took her picture!

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