Venice is challenged at every high tide. Although every year the marriage between Venice and the sea is celebrated. Many storms cause incalculable damages to the city. Venice was colonized about 1300 years ago, by settlers running from Northern Barbarians. And because of the lagoon, the city has accumulated wealth and numerous work of arts in security. Now, in 2002, the city is more secure than it has ever been, yet domestic and industrial pollution is the Barbarian. Great efforts are made to save Venice from drowing. 12 mile aqueduct supplies the need of industry; and sluice gates, barriers, sea defences have been built. Also concrete has been pumped under many of the buildings which were damaged by industrial polution. But modern sanitation has been installed too slowly to protect the lagoon from being contaminated and the killer algae has invaded the area.. It's sad that Venice was able to beat the sea and the elements only to be destroyed by its own waste.
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Favourite spots: |
If anyone has been honest while writing about Venice, they would have written that Venice stinks, the waters are overly polluted, and garbage is everywhere. Although there's a lot of art, one cannot omit those negatives. Romantic it may have been in the past, but not in the present.
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What's really great: |
The only way to visit the Island of Venice is of course by walking or by gondolas. The city is similar to a giant labyrinth. Some alleys are so narrow that we could only walk one behind the other. Also we found ourselves in dead ends often. Do remember that one isn't allowed to take pictures in the Basilica Santa Maria. I did find that the accomodations in Venice were expensive; therefore I stayed at a nice modern hotel in Quarto D'Altino. It was only a few minutes away by train. I didn't rent a gondola, but perhaps next time I will. Italy has it's own special charm one cannot stay away from for too long.
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Sights: |
The Basilica di San Marco is of course the highlight of Venice, but many people write about it, so I won't. The bridges across the city are frequent and most are of different and interesting architecture.
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Other recommendations: |
Enough of this negativity and lets pass to what else I experienced. Perhaps it was just the time of the year, but there weren’t many tourists around. We did buy one Church pass that enabled us to visit the most important churches and basilicas. A map was given, and when we would enter the different churches and basilicas, a brief history pamphlet and guide would be offered in the language of our choice. The most impressive Basilica is the Basilica Santa Maria. Inside you will find the G Bellini: Trittico. The painting is in 3D and is life size. I was transfixed by the details. I was equally impressed by the Monumento al Doge G. Pesaro. The Tomb is very large. People must be quite offended by the black slaves and the black skeletons sculpted on the first story of this tomb. The whole monument is sculpted in minute details, including the ripped fabric on the knees of the slaves. Again this monument is life size.
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Published on Friday December 6th, 2002
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Mon, Aug 23 2004 - 05:18 AM
by pottendorfer
Well written.
"Romantic it may have been in the past, but not in the present."
hahaha ..I lost my love there :)))
It is also crowded and too expensive to really enjoy things.Art gallery was one nice part.
Pottendorfer. |
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