Venice

February 2004

Venice

Venice is a city devoid of cars and it is odd how you don't really notice they are missing (or you don't miss them) as the local builders sail by in their little white pontoons.

These days it must be high on a list of of must visit places for all red blooded couples. But its history is long and varied.

Sometime around the fifth century the area it occupies proved to be a good hiding place for people trying to keep out of the way of various maurauding despots including Atila The Hun.

Down through the centuries Venice grew in strength and stature and became a great seafearing power, Marco Polo chief amongst its explorers. For a time it was also the prison home to Casanove and Galileo.

The site of the prison and the bridge to it is supposed to have given the famous Bridge of Sighs its title as prisoners took their last fleeting look at the beauty that surrounds them.

This was a one day visit as part of our trip to Northern Italy to witness the work of Carlo Scarpa who lived and worked here.