Today was my last full day in Venice! Where did the time go?
I woke up extra early determined to see as much as possible and not waste a second of my time. By the end of the day my feet hurt from all the walking around.
Always looking up!
Today consisted of museums, art galleries and a lot of history! First, I explored Palazzo Ducale and fell in love with it. The architecture, the details of the building, the vastness of the rooms, and the art that covered the ceilings and walls were awe-inspiring. I spent hours going from one room to the next, reading the history behind each room, admiring the talent of the various artists and imagining what life would have been like during that time period.
Inside a prison cell.
Small stairs and doorways leading to the prisons!
Spaghetti for lunch!
Apart from the art, my favorite part of Palazzo Ducale was exploring the prisons. I had to duck through many small doorways and down many steps just to get to them. My first observation was how dark and cold it was. I don't know how any of the prisoners would have survived down there during the winter. My second observation was how hard it might have been to escape. At one point myself and other tourists were walking around in a circle trying to find the exit. Overall, it was a fascinating experience, and a MUST DO when you visit Venice. Located near the exit of Palazzo was a cafe where I ordered spaghetti for lunch (while in Italy!). Refueled and energized I was ready to continue with the sight-seeing.
The bells from the bell tower.
Look at that view!
VENICE
Next stop, the top of the bell tower in San Marco Piazza. Although there was a fee of 8 euros to enter, the view was well worth it!
Who are you looking at?
Seen in Museo Correr.
I wonder who was the last person to read these books?
After taking in the view I went to check out Museo Correr which was also located in San Marco Piazza. I really enjoyed seeing the art, especially the sculptures.
Posing in the garden.
Sculpture on display at the Nasher Sculpture Garden.
Part of the Peggy Guggenheim collection that I found really cool.
Part of a bench in the garden... it had a story to tell
More sculptures in the Nasher Sculpture garden.
Another sculpture in the Nasher Sculpture garden.
Afterwards, I ventured to Palazzo Grimani (another museum) and popped inside numerous churches. By chance, I came across this beautiful indoor and outdoor display of the Peggy Guggenheim collection. It was set up around the Nasher Sculpture garden which was not only beautiful but peaceful as well. I read a lot about her life and learned that she was the one who discovered the artist Jackson Pollock, whose artwork was on display inside the building. Pollock was an influential American artist during the abstract expressionist movement. He was very unconventional in the sense that he rarely used a paint brush. Instead had a unique way of dripping paint onto his canvases, or pouring paint straight from the tube. He often used hardened brushes, and sticks to apply paint. More so, he preferred using household paints to traditional 'art' paint. Venice is definitely a place for the art and history lover... why couldn't learning be like this in school?
A Jackson Pollock piece on display.
A Jackson Pollock piece on display.
My time in Venice was astounding, and my pictures do not even begin to do justice to the artistry and beauty I experienced. I would strongly recommend that if you have the time and ability to go visit Venice! Or better yet, just go travel in general! Go see all the charm, elegance and exquisiteness that this world, the Lord has made, has to offer. You will learn, grow and gain an appreciation of what you have in the process. God willing I'll be able to see more of His creation in the near future!
One of my last meals, yum!
Venice, it's been a pleasure. You will be missed!
Thanks for stopping by and God bless!
-K