Venice A look to the past... from the present

When most people think of Venice, they think of an ancient city they commonly see on postcards.

What most people don’t realize is the major transformations and episodes this ancient city has gone through to become the “sinking city” in the lagoon.

Arriving to Venice from Florence the average visitor is greeted with this panorama... Constantly under repair, few shots are perfect

Old v. New Industry Now a tourist attraction, Venice changed with the times to help bring in the money. New industries emerged from ancient origins or innovative entrepreneurs. The classic gondola The not so-classic paying to be attacked by pigeons

The Gondola

Always a commercial hub, the Rialto bridge has always been visited by various foreign visitors looking for exotic trinkets. This is the third bridge on this spot, in 1592 replacing the draw bridge that was once here to allow large ships in the Grand Canal

The Ghetto of Venice The world’s original ghetto, the word ghetto comes from Venetian dialect. Set aside as the local Jewish quarter in 1516, this area became extremely crowded. When there wasn’t enough room, they began building up, no matter what the living conditions inside would be. Some of these floors are only 6 feet tall.

Behind the Fence Locked in behind this wall and razor fencing, Venetian Jews were kept down by the government. They were only allowed to do certain types of work and Christian artists were hired to decorate their temples.

Built to house the bones of St. Mark (Venice’s patron saint), this church combines Byzantine, Classical, Medieval and Roman styles.

These are copies of the original bronze horses which dominated the entrance to the Basilica of San Marco. Made in the 4th century B.C., the original horses were taken to Rome by Nero, to Constantinople by Constantine, to Venice by crusaders, to Paris by Napoleon, back to Venice when Napoleon fell and are now housed inside the basilica to protect them from elements.

Base of the Campanile The highest monument in Venice at 325 feet, this Campanile replaces the original which collapsed gently into the piazza on July 14, 1902.

The Doge’s Palace

Built in 1602, this bridge gets its melancholy name because it connected the Doge’s Palace to the prison across the canal.

All over Venice, these Lions represent a force to be reckoned with.

A final symbol that still waves as you leave Venice