THE QUEEN OF ADRIATIC

We had stayed overnight in Padova. Next day morning, from the pier we took a ferry to  the heart of the city.  What we saw during the day still remains one of the most amazing experiences till date, probably the most amazing. This city has got so many names - La Serenissima, City of Bridges, City of Masks, City of Canals and many more. But the one I love the most is the Queen of Adriatic. As per numerous surveys, this city is the most beautiful city ever built by mankind. So Venice it is...the capital of Veneto...the lagoon city at the mouth of Brenta and Sile rivers and consisting of more than hundred islands and about four hundred bridges connecting them. Together with Padova and Treviso, Venice forms the Patreve metropolis. 

The history of Venice is incredibly rich. The ancient Veneti people were believed to have resided here during the tenth century BC. For more than million years, from 6th century AD to 18th century AD this city was the capital of the Republic of Venice. Historically and culturally significant, Venice is considered the first real international financial center as early as 9th century AD and remained a major financial hub for many centuries to come. It was an active trading partner of the Byzantine empire and the Byzantine influence is remarkably notable. The governance structure was based on a senator type assembly of nobles with an elected chief executive who was known as the Doge. The city was the richest in Europe for many years and its nobility competed with each other  to build unmatched levels of beautiful settings and architecture.  At it's peak during the 14th-15th  century AD, Venice had more than 3000 ships dominating the European maritime trade.  The historical naval battle of Lepanto was driven by Venice in association with the Spanish against the Ottomans and is considered a major event in the history of Europe and that of the Crusades. The city was also a major stage of Italian renaissance. Antonio Vivaldi lived here. Many other renaissance artistes also played their roles in giving shape to Venice.   

The first signs  of decline of the Venetian Republic were visible during the fifteenth century with regular clashes with the Ottomans persisting for the next three centuries. This was also the time when the great Atlantic trade route was discovered to India and other parts of the world. Venice's maritime hegemony was soon captured by the Portuguese, Dutch, French and the English. Possibly, Venice was not equipped well enough with the requirements of the new colonial era developments and lost the race. By the eighteenth century, the great republic was just a shadow of its glorious  political past, though culturally Venice still remained the most elegant city of Europe. During the Napoleonic wars of the early decades of the nineteenth century and subsequent political developments, the Republic of Venice became a part of the Austrian empire. It took another fifty years, until the Italian war of independence, when Venice became a part of the kingdom of Italy. The city escaped World War II with minor bruises and ever since has remained the dream destination for generations to visit and witness its glory and legacy.

Coming back to our visit, our boat sailed through the Guidecca canal giving us the first glimpse of this magical city and its amazing vistas.  Soon the St. Mark Square or the Piazza San Marco was visible and we could also see the Grand canal too. Such was the influence of this location, that Napoleon referred the square as the "drawing room of Europe". As we alighted, and entered the St. Mark Square, it was an experience. Cruise ships were lined up ready to bring thousands of tourists in. Hundreds of boats and ferries were all around in the canals. And a sea of humanity....excited and eager to explore the most beautiful city created by mankind. Right in front of us was the magnificent Cathedral Basilica of St. Mark. The close association that Venice had with the Byzantine Empire is so visible in this masterpiece and it is arguably the best example of Italo Byzantine architecture.  Built during the eleventh century AD, the golden opulence of this monument, nicknamed the Church of Gold, is a manifestation of the Venetian glory at its peak. The legends and stories of St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice is deeply embedded in this monument. The mysteries and treasures surrounding is a topic of another post.

The Campanile or the Bell Tower of the St. Marks Basilica stands free and very close.  About five hundred years old, red, easily identifiable structure is about hundred meters tall and houses five bells, each with a purpose.  The markings of the Lion of St. Mark and the symbol of Venice are engraved high on this structure. On the top sits a pyramidal spire with a symbol of archangel Gabriel. 

The Clock Tower of Venice, an early renaissance structure is close by. On it's top are two bronze figures who strike the bell. Just below is the symbol of Lion of St. Mark. The Doges Palace. which is just adjacent to the St. Marks Basilica also owns its dominant presence in the Square. There are also two large granite columns in the square one of which holds the famous forth century BC bronze winged lion sculpture. The story of this lion sculpture which became the symbol of Venice is intriguing and long and is a topic for another post. 

Beyond these monuments and many other monuments, what gives Venice its unique appeal is the wide network of canals. The reverse S shaped Grand Canal connects the Guidecca canal and passes through the heart of the city. The banks of this canal are lined up with the majestic buildings owned by the wealthy Venetian nobility at its peak and encompass all the major architectural forms including Venetian, Byzantine, Gothic, Rennaisance, Baroque and Neoclassical traversing through centuries. This canal is also called the most beautiful highway in the world and the gondola ride on this canal is a beautiful experience to remember. Surprisingly, there are only four bridges spanning the canal, out of which Rialto Bridge is the oldest and prettiest. Though this bridge has been in existence since last nine hundred years, its present shape is about five hundred years old. 

Another famous bridge of Venice is the Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri). This limestone bridge connects the prison to the courtrooms of the Doges palace. As the medieval prisoners walked on this bridge from the courtroom to the prisons, they knew that their life would be devoid of beauty and charms once they crossed the bridge. The view of Venice from the bridge was the last view of the beautiful city for the prisoners and the name of bridge justifies that.

The carnivals of Venice are too famous to mention and the masks of Venice are visible all around within the shops. 

Numerous movies have been shot here...books have been written...poems have been composed, yet I doubt if any of these have been successful in capturing the essence of Venice. It is to witness and feel and experience. In recent days, Venice has been through troubled times including bankruptcy, floods and over tourism. Subsequently, numerous checks have been implemented to ensure that the most beautiful city in the world remains well preserved for future generations to witness and believe. UNESCO too is taking additional efforts to protect Venice, which is an integral member of the world heritage list.

This post is for alphabet ‘Q' of the #BlogchatterA2Z 2020 challenge:

Q for Queen