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Published: October 22nd 2017
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Geo: 45.4413, 12.4224
Wednesday, we did Venice as planned and one day was more than enough! There is a limit to the number of narrow streets and tourist shops selling brightly coloured Murano glass, decorated masks and other tat you can experience.
We caught the 8.30 ferry from along the road in Punta Sabbioni which got us to St. Mark's Square and in the queue for the Basilica by 9.30 ready for opening of the doors at 9.45. Given the notoriously long wait, we decided to do this 'must see' sooner rather than later, but time soon went as you chatted to fellow tourists and marvelled at the amazing facade, despite the scaffold in place for repairs.
Once inside, I was surprised how dark the interior is compared to other cathedrals and the
like which we have visited over the years, but it is still stunning, particularly the mosaics. Although entry is free, donations appreciated, we paid the small charge to view one of the masterpieces - the Pala d'Oro - an altarpiece of 250 gold panels, encrusted with enamels and precious stones dating back to the 10th century. A further charge enabled us to take an audio guided tour around the Treasury which
contains centuries old relics, many plundered from other countries such as Turkey.
In this and other areas within the Basilica, tourists are blatantly ignoring no photography notices but they are not challenged by the staff or stewards. Strange or what? Why not, I wonder? Perhaps in this digital age with cameras and other devices being so small, they think they are fighting a losing battle.
Feeding the dratted pigeons in the Square is another activity which continues despite notices advising that it is forbidden. They are something of a pest as they swoop close to tourists.
After exploring the exclusive shops around the Square, we had lunch at a cheap and cheerful cafe, before walking down to Arsenale to catch a vaporetto which took us up the Grand Canal, giving us a different perspective on the architecture of Venice, not to mention a variety of craft - from traditional gondolas to one of the huge cruise liners being towed into its berth ready to off-load another few thousand tourists. By this time everywhere was packed, so we were relieved of our early start.
We got off the vaporetto at the Rialto Bridge and mooched around a bit more, but the overwhelming number of people
jostling for position to take pics and view the sights was becoming tedious, so we decided to return to St. Mark's and indulge in a treat at the Florian Tea Room. We sat outdoors in the sunshine, David eating a fruity pastry, me with an Amaretto ice cream concoction while the 5-piece orchestra played (for this privilege you are charged an additional 6 euros per person). Sheer indulgence, I know, but we intend to do things on this scale just once!
Today, Thursday, is to be more relaxing. After seeking out a supermarket to stock up on essentials and lunch, we are off on our bikes to explore the local area. Later, we shall be packing up ahead of an early departure to go to Assisi.
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