[🇮🇹Venice] St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace — symbols of Venice, where history and art come to life

St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace stand tall in St. Mark's Square, the heart of Venice. Though each has its own history and beauty, they are both architectural symbols of Venice's magnificent past. The gorgeous mosaics and majestic Gothic palaces never fail to fascinate visitors. The golden St. Mark's Basilica St. Mark's Basilica is a church built to enshrine the remains of St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice. The exterior is already overwhelmingly decorated, especially the five arches lining the facade and the intricate carvings and mosaics that decorate them. When you step inside, you'll feel as if you're enveloped in a golden world. The mosaics on the ceiling and walls tell the stories of the Bible with a golden glow. The golden altarpiece, known as the "Pala d'Oro," is a must-see. The intricately decorated jewels and the shine of pure gold further enhance the solemn atmosphere of the temple. Also, at the top of the cathedral is a bronze horse statue called "St. Mark's Horse," and from the balcony you can enjoy a wonderful view of St. Mark's Square. Doge's Palace, a symbol of Venetian power Right next to St. Mark's Basilica is the residence of the Doge of the Republic of Venice and the political center of the city. The Gothic exterior, made of pink and white marble, combines elegance and strength, giving off a unique Venetian atmosphere. Inside the palace is the Great Council Hall, which was the political forum of the time, and is decorated with magnificent paintings by Venetian masters such as Veronese and Tintoretto. In particular, the ceiling painting titled "Paradise" is known as one of the largest canvas paintings in the world, and you will surely be overwhelmed by its scale and detailed depiction. If you go deeper into the palace, you will reach the famous "Bridge of Sighs." This bridge is a passageway connecting the palace and the prison, and is said to have been the last place where prisoners felt freedom. The view of the Venetian canals from the small windows of the bridge is beautiful, yet somewhat sad. A moment to feel history in St. Mark's Square After visiting St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, we recommend spending some time relaxing in St. Mark's Square. You can feel the weight of Venice's history while enjoying a cup of espresso at Cafe Florian or Cafe Quadri. The golden glow of St. Mark's Basilica and the magnificent architectural beauty of the Doge's Palace. These two spots, where you can learn more about the culture and history of Venice, are definitely must-visit places. #Venice #St. Mark's Basilica #Doge's Palace #Bridge of Sighs #Mosaic Art #Venice Trip #Spring 0 Yen Trip