Der einzige venezianische Platz, der den Titel "Piazza" führt, ist der Markusplatz oder Piazza San Marco, der das politische, religiöse und soziale Zentrum der Stadt darstellt. Der Platz liegt an einem Ende des Canal Grande, umgeben von einigen der ikonischsten historischen Gebäude der Stadt. Die Basilica di San Marco ist der Mittelpunkt des Platzes - eine venezianisch-byzantinische Kirche aus dem 12. Jahrhundert, die mit goldenen Mosaiken und aufwändigen Schnitzereien prachtvoll verziert ist. Zu beiden Seiten liegen die Procuratie Vecchie, stattliche Gebäude, die einst die Büros und Wohnungen der Prokuratoren beherbergten. Zwei Säulen, die zu Ehren der Schutzheiligen der Stadt, dem Heiligen Markus und dem Heiligen Theodor von Amasea, errichtet wurden, stehen in der Nähe, während der prächtige Hundepalast, der hoch aufragende Campanile, die Procuratie Nuove, die Nationalbibliothek und einige Museen den Rest des Platzes um Venedigs größten Platz einnehmen. Die geschichtsträchtige Geschichte der Stadt trifft sich auf dem ehrfurchtgebietenden Markusplatz.
Together, with the Basilica di Sant'Antonio, Palazzo della Ragione is a symbol of the city. Built in 1288, it is called the Salone, or lounge, because of its large room with its wooden vaulted ceiling (destroyed and rebuilt many times over the centuries), making it the largest undivided hall in the world. The piazza and the bustling daily market are dominated by its loggia. It was a real layman's center in the city. Justice was carried out in the upper rooms, adorned with frescoes of astrological depictions (perhaps even by Giotto). If the sentence was serious, the accused would be taken to one of the local prisons. The building also houses a large wooden horse that Annibale Capodilista had made for a merry-go-round and then donated to the city. On the ground floor, traditional commercial activities took place, as they still do today.
The Ca' d'Oro is a beautiful Gothic structure that served as a home to a highly influential family in the 15th century. Built for the Contarini family, the structure is called the Palazzo Santa Sofia and more casually got the name Ca' d'Oro, which means ‘golden house’ or ‘house of gold’, because of the chrome decoration and gold inlays on the exterior. Giovanni Bon and Bartolomeo Bon, his son, were the architects on the job as well as the sculptors and they created a beautiful Gothic structure that is still talked about because of its style. Through the years, a few private owners destroyed some of the original structure. Then when Baron Giorgio Franchetti became the owner, he restored what was destroyed and now it is almost as good as it was when the original architects made it. The house is now restored and is open to the public. It is now known as the Gallery Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca’ d’Oro. It houses the Baron’s personal art collection, and also showcases the original furniture and decor.
Based in the old Benedictine San Giorgio Maggiore monastery, Fondazione Cini was established to revive the island of San Giorgio Maggiore and the convent by turning it into a cultural hub. Founded by Vittorio Cini in remembrance of his son, it features a massive library containing archives of manuscripts and documents on music, history, art and theater. There is also a huge private park, events space and Teatro Verde within the complex.
La Casa dei Tre Oci with its splendid architecture and scenic surroundings is certainly a beautiful structure. Designed by popular architect Mario De Maria (Marius Pictor) it is a classic example of avant-garde style that dominated the 20th Century. Currently, this historical property is being managed and maintained by Fondazione di Venezia e Polymnia, Civita Tre Venezie and Veneto Banca e Grafica Veneta. And, it is the hub of creative and culture activities, with focus on art of photography. For bookings, events updates and other information, check website.
In the decade of 1470s, Virgin Mary's image Miracoli was credited with performing numerous miracles including bringing back a dead person to life. To commemorate this holy symbol, architect Pietro Lombardo constructed the iconic Santa Maria dei Miracoli church in the 1480s using only marble. Today, it stands as a relic, being one of the first monuments built using Venetian Renaissance architecture. Its stylish marble façade and interiors made from gray, pink and pure white marble draw tourists and locals alike for repeated visits. It is also remarkable for its architectural elements tweaked to give the impression of a spacious church, utilizing pilasters, arches and arcades in a clever manner. Due to its notable interior design, it is also a favored destination for fashionable weddings.