Since
the city was founded in AD 452, Venice was riddled
with invasions, wars and hostile takeovers. From
the Turks to Napoleon Bonaparte, everyone wanted
a piece of Venice. After the Third War of Independence
ended in 1866, Venice was rightfully returned
to the Kingdom of Italy. The trials and tribulations
that the city experienced at the onset of it's
founding is evident in the architecture and art
throughout Venice. The heart of Venice is Saint
Mark's square and is a hustle and bustle of activity.
Here stands Saint Mark's Cathedral, one of the
most famous cathedrals in the entire world. Originally
built in 828, the building was destroyed by a
fire in 976. When the structure was finally rebuilt
between 1047 and 1071, the cathedral was deemed
just as opulent as the original. This emblem
of Venice stands as an excellent testament to
Byzantine architecture. Also sharing the square
is Doges' Palace. Destroyed on four occasions
by fire, the palace was rebuilt each time. Each
reconstruction was grander than the one before
it. It now acts as one of the best examples of
the famed Italian Gothic style. Behind Doges'
Palace is the Bridge of Sighs and rightfully
so. The bridge connects the palace with Venice's
public prisons and acted as the main route in
which prisoners were led to hear their judgments.
The Rialto, another famous Venetian bridge, spans
the Grand Canal and is surrounded by shops. |
