Europe Country 6: Itally II

17 September 2009

3. Venice

The city

Whatever other changes have happened, the most significant one in Venice is that the city, as our gondolier reminded us, is sinking. Venice is located in a lagoon on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. When Venice was founded in the year 421, the level of the Adriatic was about 5 meters (16 feet) lower than it is today. For centuries the water level rose very, very slowly, but in the last century or so the rate has increased dramatically. With each passing year, the difference between street level and water level shrinks faster. From time to time, the city gets a brief reprieve. On more than one occasion in early 2005, unusual weather patterns caused Venice to experience exceptionally low tides—so low that boats could not navigate most of the city' s shallower canals.

pic: bridge of sigh, connecting to the jail

pic: Mask in Venice

pic: Sinking in Venice

pic: We were forced to take off the shoes to walk

pic: Squid Spaghetti, recommended by the tour guide

pic: my teeth get dark after eating the squid spaghetti

St Marco Church

St Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco in Italian) is the most famous of the many churches of Venice and one of the best examples of Byzantine architecture in the world. Located just off the Grand Canal, the gleaming basilica dominates Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) and adjoins the Doge's Palace. San Marco is a cathedral: it has been the seat of the Archbishop of Venice since 1807.

Pic: Facade of St. Mark's Basilica from the famous St. Mark's Square. pic: Mosaic of the transfer of St. Mark's body. Photo © Branislav Slantchev.

pic: Closer look at the golden ceiling mosaics. Photo © Branislav Slantchev.

pic:Interior of St. Mark's Basilica

Gondole

The gondola is a traditional, flat-bottomed Venetian rowing boat, well suited to the conditions of the Venetian Lagoon. For centuries gondolas were once the chief means of transportation and most common watercraft within Venice. In modern times the iconic boats still have a role in public transport in the city, serving as traghetti (ferries) over the Grand Canal. They are also used in special regattas (rowing races) held amongst gondoliers. Their primary role, however, is to carry tourists on rides at established prices.

Well, the gondola trip was bit expensive. And the gondolier's service was terrible enough. They did not talk/explain much to us, but among gondoliers themselves when the gondolos passed by each other. And they demanded high tips.

pic: Mozart's house as seen from our gondola