Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Architectural Marvels
»
Basilica di San Marco
(
Click here
) Only if angels and pirates founded an architecture firm could there ever
be another building like Venice's cathedral. Saints tip-toe across gold mosaics inside bubble domes, gilded horses
pilfered from Constantinople gallop off the loggia, and priceless marbles lining the walls and floors are on exceed-
ingly long-term loan from Syria and Egypt. Awed glee ensues.
»
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
(
Click here
) The sublime white dome defies gravity, but thousands of
wooden poles underfoot are doing the heavy lifting. Posts sunk deep into lagoon mud create an ingenious founda-
tion for Baldassare Longhena's white Istrian stone masterpiece, influenced by mystical cabbala designs and ru-
moured to have curative powers.
»
Palazzo Ducale
(
Click here
) Town halls don't get grander than this pink palace. Other medieval cities re-
served Gothic graces for cathedrals, but Venice went all out to impress visiting dignitaries and potential business
partners with pink Veronese marble and gilt staircases - you'd never guess there were spies and prisoners hidden
upstairs.
»
Biennale Pavilions
(
Click here
) International relations never looked better than in Venice's Giardini Pub-
blici, where Biennale pavilions are purpose-built to reflect national architectural identities from Hungary (futuristic
folklore hut) to Korea (creative industrial complex). Venetian modernist Carlo Scarpa steals the show with his
cricket-shaped ticket booth.
»
Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli
(
Click here
) Small with outsized swagger, this corner church is a mas-
terpiece of Renaissance repurposing. Pietro Lombardo and sons worked wonders from San Marco's marble slag-
heap, creating a gleaming, aquarium-like space where carved mermaids and miracle-working Madonnas seem right
at home.
