Venice

So, as mentioned, I decided on Wednesday to go to Venice and on Thursday I actually went to Venice! I was actually only there for about five hours, but it was amazing. Venice, though not my favorite city, is perhaps the most beautiful city I have ever been in. The light in Venice is really magical, just like a Turner painting. Actually, one of the things that convinced me to go to Venice is I was reading about Turner (because of the whole 19th century British connection) and found out that Venice was a major inspiration for his style. Well, Turner is my favorite painter from that period, so I just decided I had to go.

Then, on the train I ended up sitting across from this delightful artist from Ohio, and we had the best art history conversation. I haven't really met many people who actually care whether they are seeing a Raphael or a Michelangelo, so it was nice to get all of my reactions and observations off my chest. She said the same.

So, I got to Venice around 2 and had to leave close to 7, which didn't leave me much time. Also, Venice is incredibly easy to get lost in. But, it's much quieter than other Italian cities because there aren't any cars.

So, the guidebook recommended going directly to San Marco, which is on the opposite side of town from the train station, where I set out from. Due to stops and general gawking at buildings, canals, etc. it actually took me about two hours to get from the station to S. Marco. But, boy was it work. I just don't think that words can describe it. First of all, the light in Venice really is magical. It was soft because there was rain in the distance (and we ended up getting some sprinkles) and the whole place just feels light and magical. This is no exaggeration. The piazza is huge, and leads right to the edge of the water, where you can look across the lagoon and see other amazing buildings.

I went into the Basilica, the ceiling of which is painted in GOLD. The mosaics are amazing. I mean, amazing. I wish that I could have taken photos, but it's not allowed. Although, I will say that a lot of people totally ignore this rule and it's really annoying. I mean, if a church asks that you not take pictures, don't take pictures people. I'm getting to the point where I'm pretty irritable about some fellow travelers. Also, talking when there are signs that say Please Be Quiet in five different languages is also quiet annoying.

Anyway, back to the Basilica. The floor is essentially one huge mosaic, and it is just amazing how very intricate it is. There are also mosaics on the ceiling, with a huge one above the main altar.

Let's see...what else about Venice? Oh, yes. I went into this Church Santo Polo, where Titian and Canova are both buried. Well, it was a huge church and had some very interesting art, unlike that I'd seen other places. What was most interesting was the sculpture work around the main entrance, as seen from the inside. It was this structure of, sculpted into the stone of columns. On the top were all of these Renaissance-looking people. On bottom, African's were holding up the structure at each column. They were depicted in black marble, with white marble showing their clothing, which was torn. Until then I hadn't seen anything similar in sculpture or paintings while in Italy. It was very interesting.

Also interesting, I ended my streak of bad luck with the Brownings, kind of. I actually found the house where Robert Browning lived in Venice, Ca'Rezzonico. However, I didn't have time to go in, so I just sat in the garden. Here's a picture:

And here are some pictures of Venice. Ahhh