We were in Venice last week, and pounded the streets for a number of days. A particular highlight for me was the architecture.
Just everywhere you look - its quite stunning. Above is St Marks Basilica - which is quite a stunning building. Very intricate in design, with beautiful coloured marble.
Above is another view of the basilica with the campanile to the right.
The campanile is a beautiful tower, and it is replicated all over Venice and its islands in varying sizes, although the one above in St Marks square is the grandest.
And then above is the Doge's palace, which is right next to the basilica. I find it quite unique in design, although I'd also call the architecture very Venetian. The pattern you see in the middle layer can be seen in buildings all across Venice.
And above is some of the residential buildings on one of the canals. I love how they have their own moorings and boats right outside !
And the building above has stunning mosaics - and really stands out when passing it on the canal.
Another view above, and you can see that arched form repeated across the architecture in these buildings as well - very common throughout Venice.
And it seems like there is a fantastic church on every corner. The one above has its campanile tower copy. With some byzantine influences in there too.
Another above which is more classical in its design.
Away from the canals it is common to find lovely courtyards like the one above. Again, the arch makes a key appearance in the design - quite important in Venice !
Another tower above, this time on the island of Murano, which is famous for glass making. This one was small compared to those in the city, but seemed to be right in someones back garden !
Above is a row of shops on the Rialto bridge - very much the tourist trap these days, but quite unique in design.
And I love the tilt on the tower above. There are many towers like this across Venice and the islands - due to the islands sinking !
Well for me, it really was an architectural treat - and I probably took a zillion pics !!!
I just loved seeing the various styles - quite impressive indeed. If architecture is your thing, then Venice is a great destination !
