Layer upon layer of differing architectural styles come together to form the magnificent Doge's Palace. A symbol of the Venetian government and political heritage, the historic palace was once the seat of the Doge, the chief magistrate of the former Republic of Venice. The foundations of the complex were laid during the 14th Century. Through the years, the palace was repeatedly reconstructed, extended and restored, creating a mix of artistic and architectural styles ranging from the Medieval to the Renaissance. A masterpiece of Gothic design, the palace is replete with exquisite details like sculptures, frescoes, arches and graceful columns. The original Doge's Apartments, the Armory, the Prisons, the Courtyard and Loggias have all been beautifully restored, with numerous hidden treasures around every corner. This historic icon also houses the Museo dell'Opera and its extensive art collection.
Established in 1792, Teatro La Fenice is regarded as one of the most respected venues in the history of Italian theater. Destroyed by fire three times, the theater was rebuilt, because of which it was named Teatro La Fenice (The Phoenix). Originally built by Gianantonio Selva, the later iterations were constructed by Tommaso and Giovanni Battista Meduna (1837) and Aldo Rossi (2003). Equipped with great acoustics, this premier opera house is among the best venues in town to watch superb opera performances, chamber music concerts, and ballets.
Located on the Grand Canal, Ca' Rezzonico was the last building planned by famous Baroque architect Baldassare Longhena. The interior is a reconstruction of an 18th-century palace, with original restored furnishings. The Venetian decor is splendid, particularly in the ballroom with its stunning trompe l'oeil, and the nuptial room, which has richly decorated dressing tables. Today, it is a museum dedicated to the Venice of the 18th Century and comprises beautiful fixtures as well as many works of art. There are frescoes by Tiepolo and paintings by Guardi, Canaletto and Longhi that are worth checking out.
The Grand Canal carves a path through the heart of Venice and serves as the city's main thoroughfare. While water taxis and water buses operate on the waters, the canal winds its way through the center of the city, terminating at the lagoon at one end and the basin, at San Marco square, at the other. Along the way, the jade waters flow past historic structures and sprawling squares, alive with the call of the gondoliers. From the Medieval, Byzantine and Gothic to the Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical, the structures that line the Grand Canal form a chronicle of sorts of the city's architectural change across the ages. Romanticized by numerous movies and novels, a gondola ride down the Grand Canal is an essential Venetian experience.
This basilica, the most important of the city, has been dedicated to main saint of Padua, San Antonio. It was built 8 centuries ago and from then on, it became one of the most important spiritual places of the Christian world. Antonio chose Padua as his permanent home in the period in which he was travelling all over Italy. The church is owned by the Vatican and it houses the tongue of the saint, an important holy relic.
Located in Piazza Hermits, the Museo Civico agli Eremitani is a museum complex, which houses a number of museums withing its premises. On the first floor lies the Museo d'Arte Medievale e Moderna with rich collections of glass, ceramic and decorative arts describing artifacts in Padua. On the next floor one can find the Museum Bottacin which has collections of old coins from Europe. The third floor houses a collection of antique weapons, storage spaces, paintings and medals from the 19th Century. The Museo Civico agli Eremitani also houses the Palazzo della Ragione, the Museum of the Risorgimento and the Health Pedrocchi. A great place to witness the tradition and culture of Italy and the Roman Empire, a visit to the Museo Civico agli Eremitani is surely an enriching experience.
De omvangrijke verzameling bestaat uit wapens, kledij, schilderijen, plastieken enz. uit het Verre Oosten.
Palazzo Pisani Moretta is a two-storeyed palace that stands majestically facing the Grand Canal. Dating back to the 15th Century, this palace boasts of a light pink façade exhibiting Gothic floral architecture. Its most prominent features are its white windows with mullions and arches. Its interiors have been designed by famous historic artists of the Baroque period and hence the stairways, walls and ceilings exhibit distinct Baroque art and architecture. Some of these artists include Giuseppe Angeli, Gaspare Diziani, Giambattista Tiepolo and Jacopo Guarana. This palace has been graced by the likes of Holy Roman Emperor Joseph Il of Austria, Joséphine Bonaparte and Tzar Paul of Russia. Today, it hosts an annual masquerade and is open for public visits.