We arrived in Venice early because we were not able to stop in Debrovnik, Croatia. It was very exciting because we were able to view the city as we arrived from the ship. This city is built on marshes and consists of numerous canals and bridges as well as St. Mark's Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs which links the Palace of Doges with the prison (prisoners sighed as they saw their last view of freedom), The Bell Tower, and the Clock Tower.
Coming in on a ship was a spectacular way to see this beautiful city and the Princess had music playing as we arrived. It was beyond words! This was our only stop on this cruise where the weather was a little dreary but that was okay because we could see this magnificent city at high tide in the wet weather! When we were arriving we heard the alarm which signaled to the residents that it was high tide. As we deported, it was cold and rainy and water was rising and everywhere! There were platforms placed throughout the city for people to walk on and those that were adventurous walked in the high water with rubber boots on.
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| The view of Venice as we approached on the ship. |
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The top of St. Mark's Basilica on the right and
the Clock Tower on the left |
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| St. Mark's Basilica |
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| People walking on the platforms over the water in the square |
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| Water flows on the ground floor |
Most people would be disappointed at this weather but I was excited to see the city with high waters. We were there until evening so we were able to see the tide go out at around three. How very exciting! As we toured St. Mark's Basilica, there was water flowing into the entrance area. We were able to tour and stay for a Mass if we wished. We viewed the square with one to two feet of water and then when the water receded we were walking on dry land! Amazing! The buildings in Venice are only four stories high and people do not live in the ground story due to flooding and the water. They adapted to the water levels. As we walked through the city we saw someone dropping down some boots through a shuttered window on a line to someone on the ground. They were hollering down to the people below. It was so unique. I LOVED VENICE!
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| Standing on the tall Rialto Bridge |
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| The narrow canals with the gondolas |
Most people would be disappointed at this weather but I was excited to see the city with high waters. We were there until evening so we were able to see the tide go out at around three. How very exciting! As we toured St. Mark's Basilica, there was water flowing into the entrance area. We were able to tour and stay for a Mass if we wished. We viewed the square with one to two feet of water and then when the water receded we were walking on dry land! Amazing! The buildings in Venice are only four stories high and people do not live in the ground story due to flooding and the water. They adapted to the water levels. As we walked through the city we saw someone dropping down some boots through a shuttered window on a line to someone on the ground. They were hollering down to the people below. It was so unique. I LOVED VENICE!
We also were able to eat a quaint Italian restaurant. We had wine, salad with oil and vinegar, and lasagna. It was so delicious! Then we enjoyed shopping and going to the The Rialto Bridge which overlooks the Grand Canal in the business district.
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