Each afternoon here in Venice, we spend time watching gondolas full of tourists ply the waters of the canal behind our hotel. It’s a laid-back scene. Gondoliers belt out Italian classics everyone knows. Their voices echo off the walls of the surrounding buildings. Everyone is happy and having fun. We’re going to take a gondola ride ourselves – tonight! Continue reading “Nighttime Gondola Ride”
Category: Venice & Florence
The Battle of Lepanto
In the 16th century, the Republic of Venice was at its peak of prosperity. But Venice’s days as a superpower were numbered. Turkey emerged as the new powerhouse in the Mediterranean, and they were on a roll, headed north and west into Europe. East met West in the largest naval battle of the times – the Battle of Lepanto. Continue reading “The Battle of Lepanto”
Old Venice’s Amazing Shipyard – The Arsenale
A half-century ago, thanks to its dominance of East-West trade, Venice was a wealthy independent superpower. Its trading ships were unlike any others. Its navy ruled the Mediterranean. All of those ships were built in one place – the Venetian shipyard called the Arsenale. Continue reading “Old Venice’s Amazing Shipyard – The Arsenale”
The Biennale d’Arte di Venezia
My doctor is into modern art. When he found out I was going to Venice, he got excited and said, “You have to go to the Biennale!” I vaguely remember my response. “Oh, the Biennale… oh yeah… in Venice… Oh yes, that’s on our to-do list… up towards the top.” So guess what? We have a free day in Venice, so we’re going to the Biennale! Continue reading “The Biennale d’Arte di Venezia”
The Doge’s Palace – the Dark Side
We’re in Venice, Italy, touring the Doge’s Palace. We’re having a fine time, ooing and aahing as all good tourists do. We’ve seen some spectacular rooms, but now it’s time to explore the other side of the Doge’s palace – the dark side. Continue reading “The Doge’s Palace – the Dark Side”
A Visit to the Doge’s Palace
We’re in Venice, Italy. Long before there was an “Italy,” there was an independent, powerful Venice. Its elected leader was called the “Doge.” Today we’re going to pay a visit to the Doge’s palace. Continue reading “A Visit to the Doge’s Palace”
Venice – In Between the Canals
When most people think about Venice, it’s probably water, canals, and gondolas that come to mind. But Venice isn’t just canals – it’s what’s in between the canals. Continue reading “Venice – In Between the Canals”
Leonardo, Luca, and the Divine Ratio
We’re in Venice’s great museum, Gallerie dell’Accademia, standing in front of what might be the most famous drawing ever made – Vitruvian Man. What is it that drives the world’s keen interest in Vitruvian Man? It may have something to do with a special number that Leonardo da Vinci and Luca Pacioli called the Divine Ratio. Continue reading “Leonardo, Luca, and the Divine Ratio”
Let’s Meet Vitruvian Man
The time has come to see what’s drawn us to Venice’s Gallerie dell’Accademia. You’ve seen it numerous times. It’s a drawing called “Vitruvian Man.” It’s said to be the most famous drawing in the world. What is it about this simple drawing that makes it so special? Continue reading “Let’s Meet Vitruvian Man”
Inside the Gallerie dell’Accademia – Finally!
OK! We’ve finished our homework, so we’re ready to go inside Venice’s Gallerie dell’Accademia. But before we do, let’s briefly recap Venice’s golden age. Continue reading “Inside the Gallerie dell’Accademia – Finally!”
