This beautiful baroque church is Venice’s gift to the Sainted Mary of Health for sparing the city further devastation after a 1630-31 plague wiped out a third of the city’s population in 18 months. Reportedly, over 100,000 pylons were driven into the mud banks that form Venice’s foundation to support the structure’s immense weight. The […]
Tag Archives | Europe
Glass Blowers
Ventians have been working in crystal and glass since the 10th century, passing techniques and secrets from generation to generation. Due to the fire hazards inherent in the trade, most of the industry was moved to the island of Murano in the 13th century. Some artisans remain in the city center, crafting small items in […]
Evening in Venice
There was a full moon this week, but luckily no high tide. Venice is always prepared for the acqua alta. There are piles of risers all over the city, which serve as raised sidewalks when the floods come. Also, homes have door dams, which can be pulled up to prevent the flow of water from […]
Burano
This island of brightly colored houses is a fishing village known for the freshest seafood in Venice (that’s really saying something!) and lace. Burano is about 90 minutes from San Marco on the vaporetti (ferry boats).
