Venice Part 2,Europe Trip .

After the Gondola trip we did what other 50,000 odd people did that day . We did sightseeing , and yes , it is estimated that almost 50,000 tourist visit Venice every day and which proves Venice as one to the most sought after tourist destination of the world .

Its popularity is due to uniqueness and rich musical and artistic cultural heritage . For the  rich and famous it had become a place to be seen in and so its popularity as tourist place increased many fold.It became a place for Venice Film Festival , Venice Biennale which further attracted the visitors for their cinematic , cultural , musical and dramatic contents. Revival of Venice Carnival also helped.So far as architectural attractions are concerned it has St Mark's Basilica , Piazza San Marco , Grand Canal and Palaces of Doges which was the residence of Doge of Venice , Supreme Authority of Venice republic.
There were no Venice Film Festival , Venice Biennale or the Carnival so we are the poorer for  missing out on all that  cinematic , cultural , musical and dramatic contents :-)
We die see the other attractions from the out side . I felt that Piazza San Marco which has St Mark Besilica , the famous St Marks clock tower, Doge's Palace and other historical monuments and pillers , as the most popular tourist place .
However in recent years the city is threatened by "High Water" or "Aqua Alta" which is flooding by high tides particularly in Autumn and Spring.This is caused even by adverse high winds .Large areas are flooded .In many localities lower floors have become unusable .Stagnant water gives rise to unwelcome smells and for some days makes life difficult for local people.The city seems to be fighting a loosing battle against times . An impression strengthened during our gondola rides where almost all the buildings needed re- plastering . The canal water dirty and stagnant.
But today we still have the Piazza San Marco and all the wonders . Have a look as long as they are there.

(you can see enlarged photos by clicking on them. Click "back" arrow to return to blog)

Hotel Daniele , haunt of the rich & the famous.

 On the Left.
Another view Daniele.

                     On the Right.

             View of Doges Palace

Doges Palace , San Marco Square , Venice.

St Marco Clock Tower .Must see Wiki page on this.

 On the Left.
Another view of St Marks Clock Tower.

                 On the Right .
Basilica of St Marks as you enter San Marco Square.

Basilica of St Marco, Piazza San Marco.

Column of San Marco or commonly known as Venetian Winged Lion.

Column Of San Teodoro at the entrance of Piazza San Marcos.

Our Group at Piazza San Marco.Basilica of San Marco in the background.

Basilica of San Marco in the background. 
Do not miss 
The Triumphal Quadriga or Horses of St Mark's above the arch.

 On the Left .
 Doges Palace & St Marks Bell Tower.
                                     

                                    On the Right .
Another view of St Marco Basilica.

General view of Piazza San Marco , Red Tower is St Mark's Campanile or St Marks Bell Tower.

 On the Left .
San Marco Square,

                             On the Right 
Canal bridge near San Marco Square . Sorry for the house with peeling plaster.

A restaurant at San Marco Square , Footpath restaurants are very common & popular .That part of the World.

Aftre this we return to Tronchetto terminal , Have dinner at Rangoli, Padova and Proceed to Innsburck.