Venice

a tribute to Marco Polo

By Kim Lau

June 1^st, 2018

I last visited Venice in 1996 as a student. Back then, Venice was a must-see European tour stop, and pretty of course. Two decades later, a chanced visit thanks to 5 Euro Ryan flight from Zürich, coinciding with the Carnival in Venice. I have long needing to cover Venice, the home of Marco Polo, and curiosity about what it takes to be a Venetian these days. Arriving in Venice was still wowing, and exciting because of the Carnival. The number of tourist is also astounding, feels like Venice could sink anytime. Speaking to a couple of normal working Venetians, it seemed that their concern is the management of sinking Venice, and the management of mass tourism. Nobody really cared about Marco Polo, his family courtyard retained his nickname based on his book “Il Milione”, implying a book of a “Million Lies”. There are also not much emphasis on Venice’s history as a maritime powerhouse; museums focuses on the lineage of Doge (most senior statesman) who ruled Venice, and the powerful families of Venice. I was curious if Venice is still practicing maritime trade, but it seemed like tourism has long overtaken that role.

ENTRANCE INTO VENICE

Guarded by the Tower of San Marco (the Lion) and San Toredo (Hadrain era Soldier), flank by the Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) on the left, and the National Library on the right, a mersmeriszing entrance into the Maritime city.

SAINT MARCO SQUARE DURING CARNIVALE

Piazza di San Marco filled with crowd (largely tourist) during Venice Carnival

FACADE BASILICA DI SAN MARCO

Basilica San Marco is a bold design comprising of architectural styles and materials from many places, reflecting Venice past on maritime trade and interactions with the east.

HORSES OF SAINT MARK

Roman horses that were placed here after the sack of Constantinople in 1204. Napolean lotted them in 1797, and returned to Venice in 1815. Originals in the Basilica.

GOLDEN INTERIOR BASILICA SAN MARCO

Amazing murals that ornate the Basilica.

VENICE GRAND CANAL

A classic view of Venice grand canal from Ponte Rialto

Reflections

On the morning of the water festival, calm and beautiful Venice.

WELLS IN VENICE

Wells like these are everywhere in Venice, providing water to the community before the arrival of tap water.

STATUE OF CARLO GOLDONI

A statue that can't be missed walking around Venice. Carlo Goldoni is an Italian playwright and librettist from the 18th century.

Marco polo family courtyard

Entrance, interior, and exit into Marco Polo's family courtyard. The courtyard was named after his after his book "Il Milione", and could possibly refer to "A Million Lies".

Palazzo ducale

Venice were ruled by the Doge, the senior-most elected official that rule the state. Palazzo Ducale is the adminstration and residence of the Doge. This set shows the Enrance, Courtyard and Link to Jail/Dungeon across a canal.