Where: Venice, Italy
When: February 10, 2012
With who: Loren and Rachel
Flanking the back-end of the massive St. Mark's Square is the Basilica of Saint Mark. The Basilica was completely unique to the ones in Rome and Florence, perfectly completing the trifecta of cathedral cities. Built in 1063, it's Byzantine look with its round, mosque-like domes is in stark contrast to the famous Campanile (clock-tower) next to it.
Inside, the walls are completely covered in tiny tiles forming a giant mosaic. Most of the tiles are gold, making the interior bright and majestic. The pictures on the wall were made to depict famous biblical scenes in great detail specifically for the understanding of worshippers who were illiterate. The floor was made of marble arranged in a variety of patterns and shapes. Up the center aisle was an arrangement of blue marble that, in combination with old, completely uneven flooring, made you feel like you were walking on undulating waves of water.
After exploring the bottom of the cathedral, you can climb some extremely worn stone steps to a museum on the top floor. From there, you can walk outside to get a lovely view of Saint Mark's square, and some replicas of the bronze horses stolen from Constantinople in 1204 (originals are in the museum).
When: February 10, 2012
With who: Loren and Rachel
Flanking the back-end of the massive St. Mark's Square is the Basilica of Saint Mark. The Basilica was completely unique to the ones in Rome and Florence, perfectly completing the trifecta of cathedral cities. Built in 1063, it's Byzantine look with its round, mosque-like domes is in stark contrast to the famous Campanile (clock-tower) next to it.
Inside, the walls are completely covered in tiny tiles forming a giant mosaic. Most of the tiles are gold, making the interior bright and majestic. The pictures on the wall were made to depict famous biblical scenes in great detail specifically for the understanding of worshippers who were illiterate. The floor was made of marble arranged in a variety of patterns and shapes. Up the center aisle was an arrangement of blue marble that, in combination with old, completely uneven flooring, made you feel like you were walking on undulating waves of water.
Close up of the tiles. Technically, no pictures are allowed, so this displays my super stealth abilities.
After exploring the bottom of the cathedral, you can climb some extremely worn stone steps to a museum on the top floor. From there, you can walk outside to get a lovely view of Saint Mark's square, and some replicas of the bronze horses stolen from Constantinople in 1204 (originals are in the museum).
Later that evening, I got a couple more shots of Saint Mark's square as they were prepping for Carnevale.
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