Framed by domes, arcades and the shimmer of the lagoon, St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is the most famous square in Venice and one of the most celebrated urban spaces in Europe. Often called the heart of Venice, it is the only open space in the city officially given the title “piazza”, while all the others are simply “campi”. For centuries, processions, proclamations, markets and festivals have unfolded on these stones, while the façades of St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile, the Procuratie and the Clock Tower watched silently over the crowds. Napoleon is said to have described Piazza San Marco as the drawing room of Europe, capturing how the square functioned as Venice’s grand reception hall. Today, St Mark’s Square is still the focal point of any visit to Venice. At its eastern end rises the glittering Basilica, while to the south the square opens into the lagoon via the Piazzetta, flanked by the Doge’s Palace and Biblioteca Marciana. On its long sides, the rhythm of arches and windows of the Procuratie Vecchie and Procuratie Nuove, joined by the Ala Napoleonica, create an elegant architectural frame. Cafés like Florian and Quadri spill out under the arcades, Read more [...]
Tag: Vincenzo Scamozzi in Venice
Church of San Giorgio Maggiore
There are many churches in Venice, and many are beautiful, but few impress like the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore. It may be the place, because not many churches have their own island, or it may be the bell-tower, probably second in height after the one in the Saint Mark’s Square, but we can easily believe that, among all, the inspiration of Andrea Palladio matters probably the most. SHORT HISTORY In 982, the Doge Tribuno Memmo donated the island of San Giorgio Maggiore to a benedictine monk, who will establish here a monastery. The church, built five years later, from brick and wood, will last until 1223, when it will be severely damaged by an earthquake. The Doge Pietro Ziani will fix it, only to retreat to the island a few years later. In 1109, the relics of St. Stephen will be brought here from Constantinople, and the annual celebration held on 26 December, on the saint’s day, will become one of the most popular Christian holidays in the Venetian calendar. The church we see today was begun by Andrea Palladio in 1565 and completed after his death, in 1610. The one who finished the project was, apparently, Vincenzo Read more [...]
