Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Chiesa di| San Francesco della Vigna
Continue down Barbaria delle Tole, then dog-leg left to see Palladio-collonaded
Chiesa di San Francesco della Vigna
(
Click here
)
, where Antonio Negro-
ponte's Madonna and child float like a hovercraft above Venice's lagoon.
Arsenale
Heading south, you'll bump into the massive walls of
Arsenale
(
Click here
) ,
Venice's legendary shipyard. Arsenale's Porta Magna (Main Gate) is considered
the city's earliest Renaissance structure. By 1797 Arsenale naval production had
dwindled, and La Serenissima surrendered to Napoleon without a fight.
Chiesa di San Martino
Turn right at Campo de le Gorne and follow the walls to this
church
dedicated to
San Martino, patron saint of wine and soldiers. By the doorway is the
bocca di le-
oni
(mouth of the lion), a slot where Venetians slipped denunciations of their
neighbours.
Arsenalotti
(Arsenale workers) were sworn to silence about trade
secrets, since loose lips could sink ships - so reckless talk in Castello bars could be
reported as high treason, punishable by death.
Riva degli Schiavoni
From here, turn south onto Castello's breathtaking waterfront promenade,
Riva
degli Schiavoni
, to admire sweeping views across the lagoon.
Giardini Pubblici
The Napoleonic public gardens are dotted with
Biennale
(
Click here
)
pavilions,
thronged summer through fall with artists, architects and admirers from around
the world. Between Biennales, enjoy this unexpected oasis and its avant-garde ar-
chitecture.
