Paul’s Top Ten – Venice

Piazza San Marco - see my separate post.

Basilica San Marco - see my separate post.

Doge’s Palace – see my separate post.

Grand Canal Cruise – see my separate post.

Frari Church

Basilica Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is a gothic church consecrated in 1492.  It contains works from Titian and Donatello.   This building of red brick is massive and well worth the visit especially as it is located in the back lots of San Polo not far from the action but far enough away to experience authentic Venice.

Ca’Rezzonico

After seeing many palazzi from the Grand Canal we had to visit one.  Built in the 1700s and more modern than many of other gothic and baroque palazzi Ca’Rezzonico is full of frescoes from Tiepolo and many other art works that I have forgotten.

Murano

The island of Murano is a short vaporetto ride from the main island.  It is known for glass and glass blowing factories abound.  Not the typical tourists we spent our time visiting the Glass Museum (a big yawn for Paul), boutiques selling glass products, and the Santi Maria e Donato church with its mosaic tile floors and dating back to the 10^th century.

That's (blue thing) a ten foot glass sculpture

Burano

Burano is known for its lace and pretty pastel houses.  It is also a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the main island.  The Bell Tower leans at a five degree angle.  This could save you a trip to Pisa.

La Salute Church

Santa Maria della Salute church stands in all its magnificence on the Grand Canal a short distance from Piazza San Marco.  During the bitter plague of 1630 providence took pity on the residents of Venice.  Only one third of the population died (46,000 people).  It was during this time La Salute church was built to ward off the plague.  We visited it to see Giordano and Titian paintings and listen to a free organ recital.

Every Day Venice

Every day I waited for the sirens to go off to announce an Acqua Alta (see my post).  Every day we went to the supermarket and other stores to buy groceries and improve our Italian.  Every day we waited in line to take a Vaporetto.  Every day we crossed numerous bridges and walked along countless alleys (often lost).  Every day we would traverse piazzi full of people talking, eating and strolling while school children yelled or played games.  The Vivaldi (another well known venetian) concert at the Santa Maria Formosa church was also fun.