We got up extra early today to beat the crowds at the Plaza San Marco. It was a particularly hot today and it was only morning. By the time we finished at the Doge's palace the weather was 70% humidity and at least 90 degrees. We were in no mood to walk back so we too a water bus. The bussing system (sort of like a foot passenger ferry service) is very regular and efficient. There really isnt much of wait if you miss a bus. In fact considering the only transportation options you have are either by boat (gondola, water taxi, or water bus) or walking the city does a great job moving people around once they get here (which is via many modes typical for any city.).
Literally hundreds of thousands of tourists come here everyday and that may seem far-fetched and a little overwhelming but the only real places that are impacted are are Plaza San Marco.
the Doge's palace was pretty spectacular. The seat of the Venetian power the palace is nothing short of massive. Venice was a sea-bourne empire and its fleets were unmatched in the world for many years until the Portuguese infused its navy with wealth from the Far East through its sea routes in the 15th century and broke Venice's overland monopoly.
Venice was ruled by its wealthiest families (2,000). Each of whom had a say in the Great Council. It was this council who elected the Senate and special committees that governed the Empire, saw to civil duties and schemed over foreign policy. The Great Halls and Council rooms were huge and reflected this representation. The militia armory was in this building and the magistrate court rooms. A Republic it afforded its citizens rich and poor many luxuries and rights. The branches of the government had a checks and balances system, though not perfect, and often trumped by the Great Council. The palace was opulent and large and grandiose befitting the central ruling place of one of the richest and influential powers of the middle-ages and renaissance.
It was under renovation on its facade and in a lot of the salons. there was still a lot to see and the detail everywhere was incredible. It was particulary very warm and as the day got on the palace became more crowded. We made it from the magistrate area over to the prison via the Bridge of Sighs. It was here enemies of the state and criminals (civil and political)passed on the way from the magistrate to the prison. A literal dungeon and maze of tight and claustrophobic cells the prison was large. It is here that Cassanova spent many a day because of his many "exploits."
After the heat became too unbearable we headed off back to the hotel to cool off. We decided to buy a three day pass on the water buses. It turned out to be a good decision as when we got on the water there was cool marine breeze. We had not got down the Grand Canal yet and so it was a treat to ride up it. We passed under the Rialto bridge and made our way past some beautiful palaces, museums, halls, and theaters as well as typical homes all along the Grand Canal.
By the time we got home we were drenched from the humidity. We showered off and settled to get cool and then headed out for an early dinner, gelato and night stroll over to the Plaza Roma.
A delightful day in a beautiful and romantic city.
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