Venice. October 31st 2018 Set 1

Venice. The name itself conjures up images of gondolas gliding through turquoise canals, ancient palazzos whispering secrets of the past, and lovers sharing stolen kisses under a bridge. And let me tell you, the reality is every bit as magical.

Venice is unlike any other city in the world. Founded on over 100 tiny islands in a lagoon, it's a labyrinth of narrow waterways, charming bridges, and hidden piazzas. Getting lost here isn't just possible; it's practically encouraged. Wandering down a random calle (alleyway) might lead you to a tucked-away trattoria serving the freshest seafood, a hidden courtyard adorned with blooming bougainvillaea, or a local artisan selling hand-crafted masks.

Of course, there are some must-sees:

• Piazza San Marco: The heart of Venice, this stunning square is dominated by the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. Take in the view from the top of the Campanile bell tower, or simply soak up the atmosphere while sipping a cappuccino at an iconic cafe.

• Gondola Ride: Yes, it's touristy, but it's also undeniably Venetian. Glide down the Grand Canal, serenaded by a gondolier, and you'll feel like you've stepped back in time.

• Island Hopping: Explore the colourful houses of Burano, famous for its lacemaking tradition. Visit Murano, where centuries-old glassblowing techniques are still practiced. And don't miss Torcello, a peaceful island with a charming cathedral and sweeping views of the lagoon.

But Venice is more than just a landmark. It's about the feeling of being surrounded by water, the sound of church bells echoing across the canals, and the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from local bakeries. It's about getting lost in a maze of streets, then stumbling upon a hidden gem.

Here are some tips for making the most of your Venetian adventure:

• Go early (or late): Venice can get crowded, especially during peak season. Try to visit in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) or arrive early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the throngs of tourists.
• Embrace the walk: The best way to see Venice is on foot. Comfortable shoes are a must!
• Explore beyond the main sights. Venture off the beaten path and discover the hidden corners of this enchanting city.
• Learn a few Italian phrases: A little effort goes a long way. Even a simple "Buongiorno" (good morning) or "Grazie" (thank you) will be appreciated by the locals.
• Savour the food: Venetian cuisine is a delightful mix of fresh seafood, vegetables, and unique regional specialties. Don't miss the chance to try cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and a glass of local wine in a bacaro (wine bar).

Venice is a city that will stay with you long after you leave. It's a place that awakens the senses, stirs the imagination, and leaves you feeling like you've walked into a living fairytale. So, pack your bags, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to lose yourself (and find yourself) in the canals of Venice.

I was in Venice for 5 days in 2018, between the dates of Monday 29th and Friday 2nd November. I took numerous pictures and I have been uploading them in smaller sets. This is set 1 from Wednesday 31st October 2018, they were taken with a Nikon d3300. Check out my other sets.

Fondaco dei Tedeschi.

Taken near the Rialto Bridge, the Grand Canal in the foreground.

Merceria San Salvador.

The previous 2 pictures were taken from one of the bridges crossing the Rio dei Bareteri Canal.

Public transport Venetian style, one of the cities water buses on The Grand Canal.

Gondola's moored on the Grand Canal.

Church of San Silverstro

The previous three images are of the Rio Marin Canal.

Ponte Degli Scalzi

Crossers The Grand Canal outside Venice's Railway Station.

The Grand Canal from the Ponte Degli Scalzi, the Venice Santa Lucia Railway Station is just visible to the right of the picture, the Big Dome of Venice (Church of San Simeon Piccolo) to the left.

The waterfront along the San Marco Basin, this is known as the Riva degli Schiavoni.

I'm not sure now you'll be able to visit any major city without finding a Golden Arches. 

Clicking any of the images should open a link in another window to the higher resolution version on Clickasnap. Some of the images have been listed for sale on Photo4Me and Zazzle on various products. Please take a moment to check out my stores and portfolio's there.

Thanks for looking, all the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Rialto Bridge, Venice October 2018

The Rialto Bridge is the oldest crossing of the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. One of 4 crossing points the bridge connects the districts of San Marco and San Polo. The current bridge made of stone began construction in 1588 and was completed in 1591, it is the last of several to have occupied this area of Venice and was built by Antonio da Ponte following a competition to design a new bridge.

The bridge is a major tourist attraction reachers a length of 31.8 metres (104.3ft), a height of 7.32 metres (24ft) and a width of 22.9 metres (75.1ft). There are 2 arcades of shops across the bridge separated by a central pathway of steps with another 2 paths to the rear of each row of shops. To support the bridge arch over 6000 timber piles were driven in to the soft embankments under each abutment.

The first bridge to cross the Grand Canal here was was the Ponte della Moneta, built as a pontoon bridge with ships fastened together and designed by Nicola Barattieri in 1181. This bridge was replaced in 1255 by a wooden construction because the nearby Realto market had grown considerably, this bridge had a movable platform in the middle to allow ships to pass.  This bridge was the first to include shops who's taxes and rents helped with paying for the maintenance, it was during this time the bridge name was changed to Realto after the nearby market. 

In 1310 the bridge was badly damaged by fire during the attempt to overthrow the Doge by Bajamonte Tiepolo and in 1444 it collapsed during the wedding celebration of the Marquis Ferrara. This led to the bridge being rebuilt as a drawbridge but once again in 1524 the bridge collapsed. In 1551 the authorities invited the most famous architects of the era to offer their ideas for a bridge, and in 1588 work started on the current bridge which was approved due to the design being of a single span arch. Many people doubted the bridge would last but so far it has stood for over 400 years and counting.

These pictures were taken on the 30th October 2028 using a Nikon d3300 SLR camera. They can also be seen on Clickasnap full size, resolution and un-watermarked.

Thanks for looking and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

The Rialto Bridge at Night.

The Rialto Bridge is the oldest crossing of the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. One of 4 crossing points the bridge connects the districts of San Marco and San Polo. The current bridge made of stone began construction in 1588 and was completed in 1591, it is the last of several to have occupied this area of Venice and was built by Antonio da Ponte following a competition to design a new bridge.

The bridge is a major tourist attraction reachers a length of 31.8 metres (104.3ft), a height of 7.32 metres (24ft) and a width of 22.9 metres (75.1ft). There are 2 arcades of shops across the bridge separated by a central pathway of steps with another 2 paths to the rear of each row of shops. To support the bridge arch over 6000 timber piles were driven in to the soft embankments under each abutment.

The first bridge to cross the Grand Canal here was was the Ponte della Moneta, built as a pontoon bridge with ships fastened together and designed by Nicola Barattieri in 1181. This bridge was replaced in 1255 by a wooden construction because the nearby Realto market had grown considerably, this bridge had a movable platform in the middle to allow ships to pass.  This bridge was the first to include shops who's taxes and rents helped with paying for the maintenance, it was during this time the bridge name was changed to Realto after the nearby market. 

In 1310 the bridge was badly damaged by fire during the attempt to overthrow the Doge by Bajamonte Tiepolo and in 1444 it collapsed during the wedding celebration of the Marquis Ferrara. This led to the bridge being rebuilt as a drawbridge but once again in 1524 the bridge collapsed. In 1551 the authorities invited the most famous architects of the era to offer their ideas for a bridge, and in 1588 work started on the current bridge which was approved due to the design being of a single span arch. Many people doubted the bridge would last but so far it has stood for over 400 years and counting.

These pictures were taken on the 1st November 2018 using a Nikon d330 SLR camera, they can also be on Clickasnap by clicking any image, link will open in another window.

Thanks for looking and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Experience the Magic of Venice: A New Video Journey!

Get ready to be transported to the enchanting canals and historic piazzas of Italy's most unique city! I'm thrilled to announce my latest YouTube upload: "A Trip to Venice."

This captivating video, approximately 2.5 minutes long, is a curated collection of scenes I captured during my few days exploring Venice at the end of October and beginning of November 2018. From the moment you hit play, you'll glide along the iconic Grand Canal on a mesmerizing boat trip, witnessing the city's grandeur from its watery arteries.

The video also takes you through the bustling and magnificent St. Mark's area, showcasing its architectural wonders and vibrant atmosphere. Beyond the famous landmarks, you'll discover various other short, intimate clips highlighting Venice's charming smaller canals, intricate bridges, and the timeless beauty of its ancient buildings.

Venice, with its enchanting canals and historic architecture, holds an undeniable allure. But in October-November 2018, during my visit, the city offered a stark, firsthand glimpse into its unique challenges. I arrived to find Venice battling what hotel staff informed me was its worst flooding since 1968. My 1-minute, 50-second video, "St Marks Square Flooding," captures various scenes filmed around the iconic square on random days and times during my stay, showcasing the pervasive nature of the acqua alta.

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Waist-High Waters and Resilient Spirits

The moment I stepped off the vaporetto, the reality of the situation hit me – literally. I had to wade through waist-high water across St. Mark's Square just to reach my hotel. It was an immediate and unforgettable introduction to Venice's watery embrace. Every single day of my trip, the area was flooded to some degree, a constant reminder of the city's delicate balance with the sea.

What struck me most, beyond the sheer volume of water, was the incredible resilience of the Venetian people. They didn't lament or complain; they simply accepted the flooding as part of their everyday life. I saw locals navigating the submerged streets with a calm pragmatism, adapting their routines to the ever-present water. Their spirit was truly fantastic, a testament to generations of living in harmony with – and at the mercy of – the tides.

A Lingering Concern for Venice's Future

Recent news reports have sadly indicated that Venice has experienced even worse flooding since my 2018 visit. My heart goes out to the residents, and I feel desperately sad for the continuous challenges they face. It highlights the urgent need for long-promised flood defences, such as the MOSE project, to finally be completed and become fully effective. One can only hope that these crucial measures will soon provide the protection Venice so desperately needs, allowing its beauty and unique way of life to thrive for generations to come.

My video serves as a small, personal document of a truly impactful experience, a visual diary of a city learning to live with its extraordinary watery landscape.

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The Enduring Charm of Venice's Accademia Bridge

Venice, the city of canals, bridges, and unparalleled romance, offers countless iconic views. Among its many crossings, the Accademia Bridge, or Ponte dell'Accademia as it's known to locals, holds a special place in my heart. My photographic exploration around this beloved landmark in October and November 2018 revealed not just a crucial link over the Grand Canal, but a structure imbued with a rich, evolving history and a unique charm that set it apart.

A Bridge Reborn, Again and Again

The Accademia Bridge marks the southernmost crossing of the Grand Canal, just before it gracefully sweeps into St. Mark's Basin. While it feels like an ancient part of Venice's fabric, its history is surprisingly dynamic. The first official crossing at this point was a steel structure opened in 1854. This was a significant development, especially given previous unsuccessful attempts by locals to establish a bridge here.

However, steel wasn't to be its final form. In 1932, a new wooden structure replaced the original. This wooden incarnation stood for decades, becoming a familiar sight to Venetians and visitors alike. But the story doesn't end there. In the early 1980s, local politicians once again sought designs for a replacement. The result, opened in 1985, was a faithful wooden replica of the 1932 bridge.

There's been talk of yet another replacement, a notion that personally fills me with a touch of apprehension. I sincerely hope they decide against it. The current wooden design feels perfectly suited to Venice's historic aesthetic, offering a warmer, more inviting feel than a modern alternative might.

A Favourite Among Giants

During my time in Venice, I had the opportunity to experience three of the four bridges that span the Grand Canal. While each has its own distinct character, the Accademia Bridge quickly became my favorite. Compared to the more ornate yet perhaps less captivating Scalzi Bridge, the Accademia offers a more interesting and visually appealing design. And in stark contrast to the often overwhelmingly crowded Rialto Bridge, the Accademia always felt significantly calmer, allowing for a more serene and contemplative experience.

Perhaps it's the gentle creak of its wooden planks underfoot, or the unparalleled views it offers of the Grand Canal stretching out towards the open lagoon. Whatever the reason, the Ponte dell'Accademia embodies a certain Venetian spirit – resilient, beautiful, and steeped in a history that continues to unfold. It's more than just a crossing; it's a vantage point, a piece of art, and a quiet witness to the timeless rhythm of Venice.

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me social media, and explore my work on Photo4Me and Clickasnap using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.