This was the last stop on our Mediterranean Cruise. As we approached the city, the splendor of the past Venetian Republic was an awe inspiring sight. The magnificent buildings, the ships, and the sleek boats cruising beside us.
As we traveled along the coastline to the pier where we would be moored we continued to see many Venetian Gothic structures as seen on the left. The arches and stained glass are characteristics of the this style of architecture. It should be noted that these huge buildings are built on large timber piles driven into the mud. The entire city was built on a swampy area and that is the reason that canals are used even today as the only form of transportation in the city.
Because canals are everywhere stone bridges are used for pedestrian traffic. We had to cross four stone bridges to get from our ferry to St. Mark's Square.
On our walking tour we walked through calli which are like narrow alleys. They are maybe five feet wide and with the tourist traffic it was slow going to get to St. Mark's Square, but it was worth it.
St. Mark's Square or the Piazza San Marco was spectacular. We viewed St. Mark's Basilica and its bell tower which are amazing and date from 1060 to 1100. The pictures below show the beauty of the structures and the congestion in the piazza.
Also located on the piazza is the St. Mark's Clock Tower. You will notice the lion near the top of the tower. It is the symbol of the city.
Although this was the last day of our adventure, it is one that we will never forget. The adventure was a great celebration of our 50 years of marriage.
Who knows what is next in our future, but we look forward to many more years of marriage.
