Formed from numerous lagoon islands, Venice is one of the most visited cities in the world. Traveling there for the weekend would be an experience I'd unlikely forget.
Venice is well connected train-wise, so I boarded the first train to Venice bright and early on November, Saturday the 13th. As I left Tuscany and entered the Veneto region, I could easily sense the change in scenery.
As we pulled into "The Canal City," land soon disappeared with just water as far as the eye could see. Oh, and the temperature dropped horribly too.
Much of the first part of Assassin's Creed II takes place in Venice, allowing me to complete more of my on-going secondary mission.
Escaping the train station, I crossed over the first bridge and soon found myself deep in the forbidden alleys of Venice. Transversing across numerous canals, while observing gondolas swimming through the rivers was a spectacularly celestial experience.
I first headed to the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. This famous Basilica holds the classic Titian painting, The Assumption, as well as burial monuments for such prominent figures as Monteverdi.
Unfortunately, no photos were allowed within the church.
As I stepped into the church, I was genuinely impressed with the enormous monuments on display for the various Doges and such. They held symbolism, scale, and enormous depth.
Turning to my left, the world famous Assumption by Titian captured my attention fully.
This powerful work is an incredible piece that brilliantly showcases Titian amazing depth for lighting and movement in the dimensions of a vertical slice. A true masterwork of Venetian art.
After experiencing Santa Maria Gloriosa, a key location in AC II, I ventured forth, deeper through the canals.
I also transversed across the celebrated Rialto Bridge.
Further inward, I found myself approaching the most famous area in all of Venice, Piazza San Marco.
This landmark site has seen some of the most influential people in history, with even Napoleon claiming it as the, "drawing room of Europe."
Right in the middle is the soaring St.Mark's Campanile.
The original collapsed in the 1902, with a replica built soon after. With the construction of the new bell-tower, they installed an elevator, allowing visitors to ascend to the very heights of the towering Campanile.
It was something I couldn't pass up.
The view from atop was a roaring sight, full of Venetian wonder.
You could view the tiny canals puzzle their way through the narrow houses, with monumental sights making a colossal mark on the city's grand vista.
After experiencing Venice from its highest point, I returned to 'peasant level' and ventured into the unmissable St.Mark Basilica.
This glorious basilica houses the remains of Saint Mark, smuggled out of Alexandria in 828. Yes, a very long time ago.
These frescoes tell the epic story in illustrative form.
Due to Venice's complex relationship with the Byzantine Empire over time, the design of the basilica was heavily influenced by the Byzantine architecture.
As you step into the interior, the entire atmosphere is quite unique to any church generally found in Italy. Much gold is sprinkled throughout the church, with dim lighting being the only source of light. Much of the mosaics and paintings on display are also heavily inspired by Byzantine art.
On the second floor, four bronze horses stand astutely in the corner.
These four statues have been on quite a journey.
These horses were taken from Constantinople, after the Venetians sacked the city in 1204. They were placed atop the basilica for many years, until Napoleon arrived in Venice during 1797. Upon seeing the colossal statues he ordered them removed and sent to Paris, where he put them on grand display. It was returned to Venetians in 1815, in which they were immediately placed it inside, away from liable damage or mistreatment.
Pretty cool...
I stepped forth onto the balcony and observed the sights.
The two pillars, one representing the Lion of Venice, was the site where criminals would be put to death. The space in the middle was where the criminals would be beheaded or hanged while taking in the view of the tranquil sea one last time before death. It was also a signaling point for travelers that they had arrived to Venetian shores.
With day-light saving's now robbing me of a full hour of light, I had to end my first day in Lagoon city.
After experiencing the iconic sights of the Venetian landscape, tomorrow would entail traveling to the far less popular, but just as fascinating locales.
Venice, till tomorrow, I bid thee adieu...
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