0 Venice Trip: Day 4

 This really was the trip of the clocks.  Also, I have NO idea how you tell time on this one.

 Looking over the Grand Canal from the balcony of the Ca d'Oro, a museum located in a former palazzo holding many works of art, including the complete collection of Baron Giorgio Franchetti, who donated the building and his collection to the State.

 The balcony of the Ca d'Oro.

 More circle-glass!

 There are several views of the Rialto Bridge on this post- here's #1 and #2.

 There were several boats of some type of squad or crew practicing opposite our vaporetto.

 Campo San Polo, and how the Venetians live, play, and work in the campi.

 Scuola Grande di San Rocco.  I highly advise you to look at the website and some of the images of the interior.  Photography is not allowed, as I came to expect, but no camera could properly capture the experience of the scuola.  The entire interior (except for one stairway!) is covered in beautiful, exquisite art.  Mirrors are provided for easier viewing of the elaborate ceiling, but Paul and I both found ourselves walking blindly as our eyes were aimed straight up.   

For a note of history, scuole were created beginning in the 13th century as a means of stature for citizens of the city.   Non-nobles held the positions of power, giving them social means beyond the noble-only government.  Scuola Grande di San Rocco was formed in the late 1400s, whereas the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista, where we attended a performance of La Traviata, was formed in the 13th century.

 The corresponding Chiesa di San Rocco is also beautiful, although underwhelming after viewing the Scuola.  Both are decorated largely by Tintoretto, although the Scuola notably also holds a piece by Titian and many, many relics of saints.  

 Pigeons having a drink back in the Campo San Polo.

 This is a fairly accurate depiction of the canal water- at best it can be described as the color of paint water.

 Many former palazzi (noble palaces) are now hotels or museums along the Grand Canal.

 Yep, here it is again!  The Rialto is the oldest of four bridges crossing the Grand Canal. It's first existence  was as a pontoon bridge built in 1181, at least four incarnations later this stone bridge was completed in 1591.

 From our vaporetto we saw this: a barge with a grand piano and pianist... only in Venice!

Our hotel is the cream/yellow building on the right.  The bright window on the left next to the bridge is where Paul got pizza several times.