Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Venice Landmarks

More photos have arrived from our Italian photographers, Opus and Roscoe. They captured the 2008 Carnival gang at three of Venice's most prominent landmarks.


At the Rialto Bridge ready to do some shopping.
Photo by Opus & Roscoe

The Rialto Bridge is the true heart of Venice. The current structure was built in just three years, between 1588 and 1591, as a permanent replacement for the boat bridge and three wooden bridges that had spanned the Grand Canal at various times since the 12th Century. The Rialto Bridge's 24-foot arch was designed to allow passage of galleys, and the massive structure was built on some 12,000 wooden pilings that still support the bridge more than 400 years later.


In front of St. Mark's Basilica.
Photo by Opus & Roscoe

St. Mark's Basilica, the cathedral of Venice, is the most famous of the city's churches and one of the best known examples of Byzantine architecture. The cathedral site on St. Mark's Square and was originally the "chapel" of the Venetian rulers, and not the city's cathedral. Since 1807 it has been the seat of the Patriarch of Venice, archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice. For the opulent design and its status as a symbol of Venetial wealth and power, from the 11th century the building was known by the nickname Chiesa d'Oro, church of gold.


Checking out the Bridge of Sighs
Photo by Opus & Roscoe

Antonio Contino's bridge over the Rio di Palazzo was erected in the year 1600 to connect the Doge's prisons with the inquisitor's rooms in the main palace. The name "Bridge of Sighs" was inspired by the sighs of condemned prisoners as they were led through it to the executioner.

I cannot wait until next year for Carnival in Venice so I am planning on a trip in the fall. Mark your calendar as all are invited to join me.

A big thank you to your photographers. They have said that you may feel free to borrow the photos if you would like. Don't forget to credit the photographers.

15 comments:

The Cat Realm said...

Sassy - how wonderful to also educate us a bit!!! All we thought of was FOOD....... Which does make sense, being in Italy, right?
Wonderful post!
Check your email - something (an idea) coming that should excite you!
Karl

Daisy said...

Those Italian photographers are genius!

Cat Naps in Italy said...

Grazie! Grazie! So glad you all enjoyed our photos! Daisy, next time you MUST join us!

Sassy, sounds like you are ready to be an offisual tour guide of Venice!

Karl, we just got your email and we are IN!

Puurs,
Opus and Roscoe

Tybalt said...

I bet Venice didn't know what hit it!

PB 'n J said...

Thanks Sassy - it's fun to learn about places! And the photos are awesome!

We love you're valentines theme for your blog.

Sassy Kat said...

Karl-I'm way ahead of ya and checked the e-mail, as the Italians said "Count me in." I am glad that ya liked the educational information about Venice.

Daisy-Yes, they took some wonderful photos.

Opus & Roscoe-I could try and give a little tourist information when we travel again. I will have to read up on things.

Tybalt-I bet ya are right, I hope when we go back they will be us back in the beautiful city of Venice.

PB & J-Next trip we need ya to all come along.

Gemini and Ichiro said...

Oh a fall trip?! How amazing. I bet it will be gorgeous! Is it before or after November?

Islay said...

So many of us! I hope the humans didn't mind our taking over their city!

licks
-Charlie

Sassy Kat said...

Cheysuli & Gemini-I don't think that we have the exact time yet when we are goin back to Venice but will let ya know when I find out. Also, keep your eyes pealed and make sure ya join us on the next trip.

Charlie-The Italians are so nice and the ones that live in Venice are used to visitors. As long as we don't make too much noise we are welcome.

The Cat Realm said...

Happy Valentine, Sassy!
Come by our blog - you might like what you see....
Karl

Sassy Kat said...

Karl-I am on my way.

Anonymous said...

Sassy, you are our Valentine!!!

kisses,
~Ruis

Motor Home Cats said...

It looks like you had a wonderful time.

Tiki, Tavi, Cody and Camie

Charlotte said...

Sassy! You are brilliant to post up the photos. I LUUURVE them (and the geographical history tour - you are so knowledgeable!).
Charlotte x
PS HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

Venice hotel said...

Very nice photos. The Carnivale in Venice is a great event. I hope you will post some photos from this year's edition as well.

 

© New Blogger Templates | Webtalks