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.
Fondaco dei Turchi is a magnificent palatial structure situated in the captivating city of Venice in Italy. It overlooks the spectacular Grand Canal, and is one of the most popular historic landmarks of the city. With its Veneto-Byzantine architectural style, this edifice is truly a sight to behold. It was designed and constructed by Giacomo Palmier in 13th Century. In bygone times, this site was used as a place of sojourn by the dignitaries visiting the city. In 17th Century, this place was mostly occupied by the Turkish populace. At present, it houses the Tegnùe Aquarium and the Ligabue Expedition Room - which has numerous exhibits pertaining to fossils.
Housed in the stately Fontego dei Turchi that was built in the 13th Century, Museo di Storia Naturale di Venezia is a truly enlightening museum and was established in 1923. You'll find fossils, minerals, botanical collections, entomological collections, protozoa, mollusks and all kinds of vertebrates on display spanning 700 million years. This natural history museum also features an archaeology, anatomy and other repositories. Check out the scientific library, Cetaceans Gallery and other interesting exhibitions that are educational. Also noteworthy is their extensive bibliotheca that is a reference point for those interested in natural sciences. This Grand Canal museum is a great alternative to other historic museums in town.
Museo Dipinti Sacri Bizantini is tucked away on the first level of Istituto Ellenico, the base of Brotherhood of Scoletta di San Nicolò. Located next to San Giorgio dei Greci, this museum opened in 1959 and has a rich collection of pre and post Byzantine religious icons, vestments, manuscripts, textiles and crafts. These valuable acquisitions highlight the works of Greek artists like Theodoros Pulakis, Georgios Klontzas and Michele Damaskinòs. Exhibitions include a large variety of religious objects and artifacts from the life of Jesus and the Saints.
Constructed over a period of 20 years in the middle of the 18th Century, this building was designed by architects Gerolamo Frigimelica and Francesco Maria Preti. The stable buildings are regal and the enormous house is set in dense parkland. The villa is home to one of Giambattista Tiepolo's most well-known frescoes, The Glories of the Pisani House, and was once home to Napoleon.
Home to the university since the 16th Century, the building dates back to the same time, and was then renovated in the 20th Century. The best preserved area is the interior courtyard, with its porticoes decorated with coats of arms of the noble families, to which the students belonged. It housed the first anatomical theater in the world (1594) and the desk of Galileo Galilei, teacher of mathematics. Hours vary as per season.