Doge’s Palace
The lavish doge’s Palace is linked with it by San Marco Basilica facing the lagoon. The gothic masterpiece was the home and an office for the Venetian government for several centuries. The walls are an impressive collection of historical and artistic value. From the first part of the journey up through the Golden Staircase to the end in the Great Council, the architecture as well as the art and decor are breathtaking. The narration of The Tour Guy guide added the depth and clarity of the tour.
The Doge’s Palace complex were used as prisons during the time of. The prison cells were located on the dark, dank damp bottom floor, which could have been miserable conditions for prisoners who waited for their fate. It’s amazing to stroll over the canal and cross the famous Bridge of Sighs, which connects the prisons. Prisoners awaiting their executions took this last walk, during which they could gaze out of windows to catch a last glimpse over the Venetian lagoon prior to their execution.
The art work in The Doge Palace is infinite and irresistible. Statues, paintings, murals and more from artists such as Tintoretto, Titian, Paolo Veronese, Carpaccio, Giovanni Bellini, Gianbattista, and others are displayed in every room. A series of fires damaged some of the most impressive artworks of the palace throughout the years but they now have more stunning art.
The Great Council Chamber was where the Senate convened to make decisions regarding local financial and other issues. The ceiling is adorned with gorgeous paintings and gold inside one of the biggest and most lavish spaces in Europe. One side nearly every wall is covered with Tintoretto’s Paradise. The world’s biggest oil painting on canvas. This work is simply stunning with over 500 characters on the canvas.
Another fascinating area in the doge’s Palace can be found in the Armory. The four rooms showcase an extensive collection of more than 2500 weapons that were used through the ages. Medieval armor as well as bows, swords arrows as well as various other war weapons give an insight into the way war has played out throughout the centuries. There’s even an armored suit that is miniature that was likely designed for a dwarf or child and discovered on the battlefield of Marignano in 1515.
The Scaramouche Mask of the Black Plague
As we strolled through older areas the guide took us through photos of the well-known Scaramouche Mask, a traditional Venetian Mask with very large noses that are pronounced. In the days of the Black Plague, some doctors believed that these masks, that contained herbal remedies for protection in the nose, would aid in removing harmful smells and poisons from the air. Masks remain popular for masquerade parties as well as at the celebrations of the festive Carnivale celebrations.
Gondola Ride
I didn’t take an gondola ride on my initial trips to Venice. Because of our time constraints and other commitments and obligations, we never had the time for the iconic Gondola ride along the canals. We did use the comfortable Vaporetto for a number of trips and also an individual water taxi. On this trip, which was my fourth trip, we made an attempt to take the Gondola.
I have to say that my wife and I were thoroughly enjoying our time along the canals. It truly is a once in a lifetime experience. It is only in Venice is it possible to glide through the canals of an old city, crossing the Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal that has a long history of fascinating stories and beautiful scenery all around. This was a wonderful opportunity to conclude the Venice walk.