One of the big interests in this cruise was the ability to have 2 full days in Venice. I'm curious what this town looks like once the sun goes down.
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| The approach is pretty |
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| We're headed back that way |
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| A riverboat ship |
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| Their attempt at wheelchair ramps |
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| Just a few (9) ships in port today |
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| They come in all size and luxuries |
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As there are no 'roads' in the main city I'm curious how folks get around if they don't want to spend lots of time on the slow water taxis or go broke on the gondolas.
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| Aerial view of the islands |
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| 45 min walk into town |
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St Mark's Square. Home of St Mark's basilica and Doge's Palace. I'm told earlier today the square had some 15-20,000 people. With everyone gone you can see both of these amazing places in the late hours of night.
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| St. Mark's basilica |
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| You WILL get fined if you sit and drink or sit and eat |
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| Have a cup of coffee and enjoy live music on the stage |
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| It's so similar to Vegas |
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| We're starting in Doge's Palace |
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Venice is the oldest democracy on earth, lasting 1100 years. It worked because they ensured no one could serve in office for more than 2 years and no family could continue to serve. The Doge (aka: President) never had any real power (was more a figurehead), always was old, usually only living a few months so as to ensure they could never become corrupt in office. Oh what a house and office they had while they were in 'power'. The Palace served as both a house, office spaces, court and receiving hall for the people and foreign heads of state.
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| The main courtyard |
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| Notice how easy back in the day it would have been to just walk in. They didn't fear their people. |
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| They were so advanced they would collect rain water that hit the courtyard, channeled it to the white culverts, filtered it and make it available in the center wells |
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| The house of the Doge |
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| Walking up from the courtyard to the first level of rooms |
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| The selected Doge was often rich and since they would die soon they'd give their fortunes to make this palace more grand |
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| And oh how they'd make it grand |
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Since the Doge was selected partially for their wealth the Doge wanted to leave a mark and make their contribution be something super opulent. Each Doge left their mark in a portion or all of a room.
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| The receiving room. You'd sit here until the Doge was ready for you |
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| The court of the Doge |
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| He'd sit at that end and you'd be on this end to feel his power |
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| The courtroom for the 12 judges |
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| Depending which door opened and you were here you'd either be a witness or about to called in for trial |
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What made this such a unique society is that you could tattle on your neighbor. Successful tattles of crime or wrongdoings would result in a "finders fee". You'd write the note, slip it in one of these little anonymous mailboxes, it would be research. If it was legit the person would be brought into the room above. If it was a fictitious charge you'd be brought in on criminal charges. This kept everyone real honest.
Venice was able to keep their kingdom for so long because of the shallow harbor. Outside ships would get stuck as it required a flat bottom boat. They made their money as being the exclusive trader of black pepper up and until 1500's. Eventually they made their money as a entertainment hub (they had 20 theaters, casinos, etc) - the very first Las Vegas. They did keep quite the collection of war attire to give the appearance they'd fight anyone who dare steal or war with them.
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| One of the 'tattle' boxes |
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| Backside of the box |
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| A grown man's suit - all 4'5" of it |
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| Bullets were shot at armor to show it worked. You can still see 5 shots here |
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You can't have an elected court without a place for them to meet.
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| The Bridge of Tears. Prisoners would be moved from the court, across the street and into their cell |
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| It gets its name because these little holes are all prisoners would see of the outside world |
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| A cell would hold 3 people. Noble people would be in the higher stories of the prison, The lowest levels would flood and people would die faster |
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| So many stores in this space |
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| 11pm, time to walk across the courtyard to the other palace |
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Next: More Venice
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