1 Year 8 Italian Culture Task By Patrick Conroy

2 Venice- Tourist Sites  Four popular tourist sites in Venice that I would like to visit would be:

3 The Grand Canal  I would choose this site as it is the largest canal in the city, being 3km long and up to about 70 metres wide.  Also, there are many famous buildings situated on the banks of the canal such as the Accademia Gallery, the Baroque church of Santa Maria Della Salute, the Ca’d’Oro and also the Grassi.  It would also be interesting to see that it is crossed by three bridges, including the Accademia, Rialto and Scazzi.

4 The Piazza San Marco  I would also like to see this on our trip seeing as it is the grandest square in all of Venice. It has the Basilica of San Marco and also the Doge’s Palace.  It also has the old law courts and new law courts. It would also be especially interesting to see the historic 91 metre high Campanile San Marco which was built some time between 874 AD and 1150 AD.  It would be fascinating to see how it was later reconstructed after its collapse in 1902.

5 The Basilica of Saint Giovanni and Paolo  On my trip to Venice I was also planning on seeing the Basilica di San Giovanni e Paolo (Basilica of Saint John and Paul).  It is the largest Venetian gothic church and contains the burial landmarks of Doges and other important people. Its current status is a Minor Basilica, which is still somewhat important.  Twenty-five Doges are buried in the church. We would also find it fascinating to have a look at the interior of the Basilica as it contains many beautiful and expensive religious masterpieces.

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7 The Ca’Rezzonico  Lastly, towards the close of my look at Venice I would enjoy seeing the Ca’Rezzonico palazzo as it is an interesting public museum today.  It would be extremely amazing to look at the interior and the exterior of the building, as well as the architecture.  You would also be able to inquire about what all the rooms in the building were used for, and find out which ones were ballrooms and which was the court. You would learn a lot from visiting this landmark.

8 More About Venice  An interesting fact about Venice would be that the main unit of transportation is the Gondola. And that Venice was originally supposed to be a ‘floating city’ due to its long canals.  Here below is a map of North Italy, Venice can be seen on it towards the east coast.  Venice is 255 kilometres away from Florence.

9 Florence- Tourist Sites  Four interesting tourist sites in Florence that I would like to see would be: 9

10 Piazza della Signoria  When I visit Florence on my voyage I would like to see the Piazza della Signoria, due to it being Florence’s most famous square and having many beautiful sculptures to look at.  The piazza was even used as a political centre in the dark ages. It would also be fascinating to look at seeing as it has the Palazzo Vecchio, which sits on the piazza.  The Palazzo Vecchio also has beautifully decorated rooms and private apartments that are allowed to be visited. There are also many fine restaurants on the piazza. 10

11 Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore  I would most certainly have to visit this site as it is one of the most popular sites in all of Florence. It is referred to as ‘il Duomo’ meaning ‘The Cathedral’ seeing as it is the really the only cathedral in Florence people visit frequently.  It was built in 1296, consecrated in 1437 and has a maximum capacity of approximately 20,000 people. Its exterior is made of beautiful green, pink and white marble and like most sites in Italy, it has many astounding statues to look at.  You can even buy a ticket to climb its 463 steps to the top. There is actually a lot to see in this elaborate building. 11

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13 Campanile (Bell Tower)  This bell tower can be found in the Piazza del Duomo. The first story of the bell tower was designed by Giotto.  Another name for the campanile is Giotto’s Campanile. Like many sites in Florence, such as the Cathedral you can climb it’s 414 steps (there isn’t a lift and the stairs are so narrow you can’t pass anyone! In fact, my Mother went up these steps and said she had claustrophobia!) if you buy a ticket you get to see its beautiful views of the Cathedral and the city of Florence and its sites.  The site began construction in 1334 under direction by Giotto di Bondone.  Due to this, it is also referred to as “Giotto’s Capanile”. 13

14 Ponte Vecchio  Meaning ‘old bridge’ the Ponte Vecchio was built in 1345 and is the only surviving bridge from the medieval period (the other bridges were demolished during the World War II).  It crosses the Arno River and contains many jewellery shops selling gold and silver jewellery.  As well as looking at the bridge itself, you can also get astounding views of the river itself and many unseen views of Florence. The picture at the bottom and in the middle shows people looking inside a gold jewellery store. 14

15 More About Florence  Did you know? (interesting facts)  People who live in Florence are called “Florentines”  When Hitler attacked Italy in the Second World War he announced to not destroy the Ponte Vecchio, as it was too beautiful to destroy. That is the reason why it is the only bridge in Florence from the Medieval era that wasn’t destroyed.  Map of Florence:  The de Medici’s were a powerful ruling family during the Renaissance era and while they were considered ruthless, they fostered many important artists and works of art. Some of these artworks are hanging in the Uffizi Gallery.  Distance from Venice = 255 km. 15