| |
The Grand Canal: The Main Artery of Venice
By Bob Bruno
The Grand Canal is the main artery of Venice. Since the city consists of 118 islands situated in a shallow lagoon, the best way to get around is via the 150 canals which connect every district to its principal waterway. If you travel to Venice by train, the Grand Canal starts almost immediately as you leave the station. Probably the best way to see the sights is to travel along its entire length in one of the municipal water buses known as "vaporetti".
The Grand Canal weaves through the central districts of Venice passing some poignant decaying but still incredibly beautiful buildings in the process. Look out for the Ca' Rezzonico, an elegant palazzo with a three-tiered marble façade situated on the right bank at the point where the canal is joined by the Rio di San Barnaba, and don't miss the Palazzo Santa Sofia, known as the golden house because its exterior was once decorated by gilt and polychrome facing.
Shortly before the canal makes a sharp turn to the left, known locally as the "volta", you'll see the Palazzo Foscari; a Byzantine-inspired Gothic palace constructed in 1492, and then a little further on there is the Palazzo Barbarigo, which was once owned by a glass manufacturer who decorated its walls with Murano glass mosaics. Another smaller building, the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, houses the Peggy Guggenheim museum containing notable works by Picasso, Dali, and Jason Pollock.
The Grand Canal terminates at St. Mark's Square by the San Marco Canal and in the vicinity of the Basilica of St. Mary of Salvation, one of Venice's largest churches.
The Grand Canal is only spanned by three bridges since most people travel along it rather than across it. The Ponte degli Scalzi constructed in 1934 connects the districts of Santa Croce and Cannaregio while the Ponte dell'Accademica, which was re-built according to its original design in 1985, bridges the canal at its southern end.
The Rialto is the oldest crossing. The current stone structure dates from 1591. It was built by Antonio da Ponte and replaced an earlier wooden bridge. The design is quite stunning; two covered platforms join a central portico at a steep angle to create an impressive landmark. At the time few people thought that the structure could support the weight of the portico and many predicted that the entire edifice would collapse into the canal. However, the critics were proved wrong and the Rialto is now one of Venice's chief tourist attractions.
About the Author
Bob Bruno is a frequent visitor to Venice and a regular contributor to the Venice Sights blog at http://www.venice-sights.co.uk
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/34119.html
| If you wish to add the above article to your website or newsletters then please include the "Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/34119.html" as shown above and make it hyperlinked. |
| |
|
