A hidden Venetian garden

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoflqNU7gPo4CnuxaP-oj9xpisw0v23Uwsz_uCt1zc9kDWYvQHbkusGVfFqQ7pET2bWj6Z_5_iexqHcB83qW4qUFbfx8V-4pd2kSY7T4TErqbdZmjcu6m2vz_Xp7V04utzkJmheP1WKZ-/s1600/garden+statue.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoflqNU7gPo4CnuxaP-oj9xpisw0v23Uwsz_uCt1zc9kDWYvQHbkusGVfFqQ7pET2bWj6Z_5_iexqHcB83qW4qUFbfx8V-4pd2kSY7T4TErqbdZmjcu6m2vz_Xp7V04utzkJmheP1WKZ-/s400/garden+statue.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>My <a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2010/10/franziskanerkirche.html">Australian penpa</a>l, Neil, has been traveling again, this time to Italy. He sent me photos of this hidden garden in Venice that I just had to share with you!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfoFRRhKrz-jvaTiHRlkWJYj6OpSE9zPK7CblFchanKKdX_n12WZ4qM7HUUpXT2zqqR-WR8PL0IPX-o-SL6s4laEXtz1Xzc_gkUcq-PCRr_uiONPiRts5oJYegsXCjhQeXY4sT05F5M53/s1600/Palazzo+Soranzo+Cappello+garden.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfoFRRhKrz-jvaTiHRlkWJYj6OpSE9zPK7CblFchanKKdX_n12WZ4qM7HUUpXT2zqqR-WR8PL0IPX-o-SL6s4laEXtz1Xzc_gkUcq-PCRr_uiONPiRts5oJYegsXCjhQeXY4sT05F5M53/s400/Palazzo+Soranzo+Cappello+garden.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>The <a href="http://www.soprintendenza.venezia.beniculturali.it/soprive/restauri/percorsi-tra-i-cantieri/mappa-del-quarto-percorso/palazzo-soranzo-cappello">Palazzo Soranzo Cappello</a> dates to the late 16th century and now houses the architecture authority for Venice, Belluno, Padua, and Treviso.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3d-9hyphenhyphenu_F9QJPyZWO74Has5VKfLXc1susnPwq2qQRxUTb9vaNCgHznPCEJlic34aef5WpmAg6AY5vKd1JhSIMUZPn38wXskKt1rDoK7lghtgz4jYwH6gZFEj7FNpA8Vl9AqlzrHGD8yj/s1600/Palazzo+Soranzo+Cappello+rear+facade.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3d-9hyphenhyphenu_F9QJPyZWO74Has5VKfLXc1susnPwq2qQRxUTb9vaNCgHznPCEJlic34aef5WpmAg6AY5vKd1JhSIMUZPn38wXskKt1rDoK7lghtgz4jYwH6gZFEj7FNpA8Vl9AqlzrHGD8yj/s400/Palazzo+Soranzo+Cappello+rear+facade.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>The house is beautiful but it's the garden that steals the show.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzgkHF8CVvgV3srd2dcnnEf4fuuVKBCEdoltU63iK6Oe12lWDVY73VycS89Yu2LHEZqtmI5lYg03inGcCCW_qYpaEmEkttDQ-9lmxDQAA8TOOPu6BDD0UwkVZlk74Byc8nHxmk6MzX_NW/s1600/Palazzo+Soranzo+Cappello+interior.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzgkHF8CVvgV3srd2dcnnEf4fuuVKBCEdoltU63iK6Oe12lWDVY73VycS89Yu2LHEZqtmI5lYg03inGcCCW_qYpaEmEkttDQ-9lmxDQAA8TOOPu6BDD0UwkVZlk74Byc8nHxmk6MzX_NW/s400/Palazzo+Soranzo+Cappello+interior.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>This classical folly anchors the end of a lush, green garden.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYL6iX1Ew96OyW1WhDAgvI9KhpK5-Ti1IB4Gr55Eh14e8nSkAnVhEHYHLZjsdqKsgBTZq-tY-EzSwcr3Hlm3Eq9MXUn2S5V6KWfeDZVpgpxHIrTEHFuQPz2Q3GFdTkZ_TlNU30g-uGYmwf/s1600/garden+folly.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYL6iX1Ew96OyW1WhDAgvI9KhpK5-Ti1IB4Gr55Eh14e8nSkAnVhEHYHLZjsdqKsgBTZq-tY-EzSwcr3Hlm3Eq9MXUn2S5V6KWfeDZVpgpxHIrTEHFuQPz2Q3GFdTkZ_TlNU30g-uGYmwf/s400/garden+folly.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>A closeup reveals a brick structure with worn stucco covering to appear as stone.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2c-nj1BK5oo99D5qJBZKaHlNxjC3nEXrUthMhCt5Pa0ctpCIFLMkokKGB4FKh9AKY3HTI3DgAlH5-_oPxldpomcEWSP2KXeSMVYiWUyXBZ2T8fOKFUdaCPqZJn6AZDo6FjI9KHL0VZuA3/s1600/portico+detail.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2c-nj1BK5oo99D5qJBZKaHlNxjC3nEXrUthMhCt5Pa0ctpCIFLMkokKGB4FKh9AKY3HTI3DgAlH5-_oPxldpomcEWSP2KXeSMVYiWUyXBZ2T8fOKFUdaCPqZJn6AZDo6FjI9KHL0VZuA3/s400/portico+detail.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>I love the Italian mindset as to preservation (the Palazzo was recently restored);  Let it look old, it doesn't need to look brand new like in Paris.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitReTVkXwe0vY7YxYUY2-a7LTtDEeaQJmZHxN2lYUpnmZWbY_HnhdbSN3V-Uki6oSPJZKETKc-YIaSql_y3sQaIONIQG9gsA8_LCvXcde9rk0RS-bCLLePyxuhGNecwdD57bnSNIEOXByw/s1600/garden+feature+wall.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitReTVkXwe0vY7YxYUY2-a7LTtDEeaQJmZHxN2lYUpnmZWbY_HnhdbSN3V-Uki6oSPJZKETKc-YIaSql_y3sQaIONIQG9gsA8_LCvXcde9rk0RS-bCLLePyxuhGNecwdD57bnSNIEOXByw/s400/garden+feature+wall.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Maybe it's the architect in me but I need some sort of architectural anchor to give a garden interest.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDJfLLfk32EUAd5ufrPmYUMMWF1hzzJ-UfMWTfOyHsy-fASR-N6m64xcPlDEKSrWFQw6_79Vtm3yyavCosnN1I6_Jubr1N17LdqJ8geqbcmmYkAyKwun48uCkWIpALX2QVcfif2UszsVw/s1600/purple+flowers.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDJfLLfk32EUAd5ufrPmYUMMWF1hzzJ-UfMWTfOyHsy-fASR-N6m64xcPlDEKSrWFQw6_79Vtm3yyavCosnN1I6_Jubr1N17LdqJ8geqbcmmYkAyKwun48uCkWIpALX2QVcfif2UszsVw/s400/purple+flowers.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Aren't these blooms spectacular?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ArLCPHOIjL6w-E9TM95TV4234Eo-PJ5qegnUkvw5Di9dbqNz2z0aNNkmPqGvPC0ZWPc2EXUQK1-P32gYsaGoR5FAxcnTaUPPzquCUM02SZAGgPYV2hfdF_wFbJhE4DrnM0AONcdrs0T1/s1600/spring+flowers+in+venice.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ArLCPHOIjL6w-E9TM95TV4234Eo-PJ5qegnUkvw5Di9dbqNz2z0aNNkmPqGvPC0ZWPc2EXUQK1-P32gYsaGoR5FAxcnTaUPPzquCUM02SZAGgPYV2hfdF_wFbJhE4DrnM0AONcdrs0T1/s400/spring+flowers+in+venice.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>You would never guess this was in the heart of Venice!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WOfwEaGL46cQ4wSwrnGL50OGegR2LJvblzV65wsaJtCcAxAloMHV14DxWOpGcaDMxaX8laDllliaLTHvQvAqj4wi4kYYdnKN35QG8Q0ry6gvpTS-47P3sEbqdVdnbKFKRYElGR0QKQaA/s1600/backyard+in+venice.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WOfwEaGL46cQ4wSwrnGL50OGegR2LJvblzV65wsaJtCcAxAloMHV14DxWOpGcaDMxaX8laDllliaLTHvQvAqj4wi4kYYdnKN35QG8Q0ry6gvpTS-47P3sEbqdVdnbKFKRYElGR0QKQaA/s400/backyard+in+venice.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Perfect spot for a picnic.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThHjcEYSV9Da-BtpcfuI0JnQjoqad9Xh7MWLqirM3FUUOoHucviCtpmZwuHJfs9LnMI-D3LWus_2uIYrYH5r_SpvBzY2LxgLWc_q5h4LNpyMhii4hYsndjvW2UFDJ4z1-JpMP1LKRNun0/s1600/citrus+trees+in+venice.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThHjcEYSV9Da-BtpcfuI0JnQjoqad9Xh7MWLqirM3FUUOoHucviCtpmZwuHJfs9LnMI-D3LWus_2uIYrYH5r_SpvBzY2LxgLWc_q5h4LNpyMhii4hYsndjvW2UFDJ4z1-JpMP1LKRNun0/s400/citrus+trees+in+venice.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>The gardens are open to the public during office hours.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqrHmKAjLpSs3LswArDfGEFrSpWoTGDI-Fu8nHA48Fk95N6aGRj-XmlU5yMbFwCjvSZHuhaO-vntIXxxKhufXo_ZZCkjoEORO9VffHA39ZFMdUg6i432P7GR95K06MHlpWnLv8SU4xKcS/s1600/city+garden.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqrHmKAjLpSs3LswArDfGEFrSpWoTGDI-Fu8nHA48Fk95N6aGRj-XmlU5yMbFwCjvSZHuhaO-vntIXxxKhufXo_ZZCkjoEORO9VffHA39ZFMdUg6i432P7GR95K06MHlpWnLv8SU4xKcS/s400/city+garden.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> Be sure to check it out on your next Venetian getaway!

A hidden Venetian garden

My Australian penpa l, Neil, has been traveling again, this time to Italy. He sent me photos of this hidden garden in Venice that I just had...

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Palazzo Cavalli Franchetti

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwC9rR_YvLefB0PgbF0DDpXR3oXGubL7cP4b1A6DHMEKAWkSW53CFkXn2ZjXbW5M016_jvZWs2QIbV9u3Hoo_iOKsKgo7JsozrYvp6eAVkGoxNHvvao8VvqhpRRZ0AJOjXBtE0ig-H9fo/s1600/Palazzo+Cavalli+Franchetti.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681156611279021858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwC9rR_YvLefB0PgbF0DDpXR3oXGubL7cP4b1A6DHMEKAWkSW53CFkXn2ZjXbW5M016_jvZWs2QIbV9u3Hoo_iOKsKgo7JsozrYvp6eAVkGoxNHvvao8VvqhpRRZ0AJOjXBtE0ig-H9fo/s400/Palazzo+Cavalli+Franchetti.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 269px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Located along the Grand Canal in Venice is the Palazzo Cavalli Franchetti. Now housing the Venetian Institute of science, letters and arts, the palace started life in 1565 with many renovations since. <br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681156461838472706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZR-BDaSByqWsG5aRNJW_RiLYKc8LEXeOCYjsQf26JTF6Iu_MG_48joWxwHaR7dRLn5-6Z1mNr2-YYmdTXUvCIEB1H5F_CmsbBfUBGbKXgPeICMUX7TY4FKitmpx3zpWopqGPDla9m3_6/s400/canal+view.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />Like many of the palaces facing the Grand Canal, the main rooms are on the upper floors facing the canal providing beautiful views, seen in the room above. Notice the Venetian glass chandelier.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681156456196265650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecesyy7_vaoUjgHVupkDY9kKFpd05IvDtvvqKBSGcpBQRCOFtPwpwzYrCQfu91DVBGxhiXwgmHQLQ6qfy91GBha8Nm6O2kJFTolR_JCr_KhEV_wLX2R10_41LxvHSZBAhSNomowCreAXu/s400/stairway.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /> <br /><div>The palace is most known for is grand stairway built for Baron Franchetti in the 1880s by architect <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camillo_Boito">Camillo Boito</a>. Boito was one of the preeminent architectural historians and restorationists of the day, chartering the modern historic restoration movement.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681156448655281138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4KFKj7rPnFce5t2egeBlS8E3kwTWn0vhY9Vk3LT14zZ_6PQm2HxJnTCfCMXYwKl8D6GQ0G9VWC8wedoSOxPahjikWXSXwp9iXTdks-1c1yTudsyCsZ5es3LTZc7FeIegnwwzBY1isYxM/s400/stairhall.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />While the Australian (who was kind enough to share these pictures) was in Venice, the Bienalli was taking place and the palace housed the glass exhibition, seen in part in the stairway above.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681156442300297298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHGUJFHzckI8WzHmLx64QEASOKkzZX-l_bAc127GsVylHGm2Fgf7hd4fdQwjWLTZbAT8hArzBlSGUMCndy29R35ZwTh8uMlwVOP3TqnjenlgaSRNWQx_lVqbm8BY6KfNr7KP3lmimMzIg/s400/gilded+ceiling.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /> <br /><div><br /><div>Designed in rich Venetian Gothic style, the house is characteristically rather over the top and ornamental: what we expect most in Venetian style.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681156443362924034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEicC0PWgkQ47pviCOBwSX3BZ7-lDwa6n5jOAfhU2ZuwpE39_ufiqTnRjK3GPIvCqcUEHFPZS7e5OGWDsv3oLoiw4Ri1LJY_6qUT3I_lf5Lu2b7kQvnPCuE0AJcbWRYBfjcuI9GbGkLfS/s400/interior+courtyard.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /> <br /><div>As in all Venetian Palazzo's, the house fronts the canal with a courtyard or garden behind. I love this ornamental grille work.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681156139083828882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzh8T3ZrsI_Ukpo_6h-4WZ1iktXqx2TLbpmJoM9ht9AHnK5EbVXJrblMnhxRVL_-8W5na0QJFzG6WXtsti1us22WE36R0L7s-UZ5bQIB_ZEsS-mEjk8jHn0hoKf7J2xoajx7mRElicbBG1/s400/thin+house+view.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />The palace has a rare side garden facing the canal which during the Bienalli housed a strange house called the<em> Narrow House</em>.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681156131345794386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKYphhFgBwc24oCrDAQfPdhKO3hEb9Qby5_UzzA_gWvY5LjKkduw8WowTJm4pvbRTEIEaiPpCaIxqmRxfyTYC0JKdUpNcqvBBgJ0FDqhdNSzELApZEpICu211Gxd1S5gPNuUZ4MnzrO5B/s400/bienalli.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />Designed by Austrian artist <a href="http://www.erwinwurm.at/">Erwin Wurm</a> as a reconstruction of his childhood house but squished to scale to only 1 meter wide to reflect the crowded conditions in Venice and the tricks our mind plays on our memory. <br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681156126421973186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj104iw6QycHnpKbQfbgU0ij0mj3jzVoQKidCrTQL5uwdkn6sz2iPqWYBs46jkVx-Z4i70u2KEsk4to99nsB0K-tWnD2yk7Ul2jfcSKyxnui-TRco4RGCzI0Evn_KkE7opeIVtZIgR7i68c/s400/thin+house+interior.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />And I'm showing this because it's just amazing the detail that Wurm went to, but I promise you it's the only toilet you will ever see on <a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/">ArchitectDesign</a>!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681156126041060146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgW0mBfDJBZ8icmlIOvZ8w2vmCenwYokBGrutszy9r5iAHrkK52s1-uCVO3t-G62e_wAZPkCYpTz2vGldr4mVIUSFdl1WVOsYVQYneHpvYKdSZexl5StizeujuYAnzz15d777gKGl7i5L/s400/thin+house+bath.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /> <br /><div>Top photo of the Palazzo from Wikipedia, all others from the Australian.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Palazzo Cavalli Franchetti

Located along the Grand Canal in Venice is the Palazzo Cavalli Franchetti. Now housing the Venetian Institute of science, letters and arts,...

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Ca' d'Oro

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678275116761190306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwryKffFyxqgCdprUDgRRNxPlRVsnP5lHcFbSCMwUpdFUkeWpwSEVH20JXMRs03plsWbNYzdu1WVU8IGLs-OrtZH1ZfkU-3dFr_o-5p7GwWshERAH5U42gbiKn6L89uHWDkdFZOE785Izr/s400/screen.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />The Palazzo Santa Sofia, commonly known as the Ca' d'Oro or golden house, is a 15th century palazzo along the Grand Canal in Venice. You probably recognize it from myriad postcards or the backdrop to movies, I know I do!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678276404255566770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qvdjEGokUmRVudHdY4vU_ljuUnDji-reje1FbxEYne2CpDFTD-mrKUeIvJISqpykrfx-58FsBxed9tPfxdUSuL9PwB1AmP3GbaEfCD5r4S61vzUCaqAzusb8sj81SRBtpsR4ohTEW21t/s400/Ca%2527+D%2527oro.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />The building is known as the golden house because its exterior used to be decorated with gilt and polychrome but now is natural stone; Old habits die hard I suppose! <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678275124649101090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7g5DvXvEMtGqTeVNNMK9dfJfgLusWXwCv5j92j8sWCeFk-S4S5hD4ScmKLcGeBHw0D7-20jUPgpEyEVZ2pyCz3q-OvqHKq1KVxKeoW-sRxCGP1x2Ysk24ZtpA55DZkBiDG4SNUPnnPIHW/s400/venetian+canal.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />Built for the Contarini family by sculptor/ architect Giovanni Bon and his son, Bartolomeo Bon, in gothic style, it was a more decorative version of the style prefered by the Venetians which the Bon's made famous throughout Venice. <br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0EMHFRaDZuAY3ZGlRNOOdloLnNsRNraB26VAi_rz5dOpadETgjS3IgoXO_URPLltCCrpYS0TI6mk_Lam5Sl3g5gIpugr2kKkBMAeLY4OuTtx26j-YxSERTPSm5HX3YbzpSWecbMQdAW2/s1600/view+from+terrace.jpg"></a><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678274558101026338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaP_HqwkR3gEC_rb0dGrUiBVqbWvtBv6lVZ0wFcm_0ZaeRMk84h_n4Zr64c1Va2RfiF4FETLWcKzfdU5jZSEdY3idQgX_c7troQIWngfmJ4dnwTbVEfaNpVBwm_RjGmqsWtlpJnqxGZxB-/s400/Boat+launch.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />One arrives off the Grand Canal to the boat launch behind a screened loggia.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678274582405078386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3LQaOvZTkU7C8PWaGc8Em8aKGEh_uq7x7LUsjz9EtoC3AXhmU3Pf_c_SLz0Gs-AO3dEHZ8pMTyH-Cge1bxxT1IKRk7odbZtYrX6JaH-mTthf8pUk9T9Fx_JndTHghJR5JKe-79vzbMVr/s400/gothic+screen.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />Which gives entry to the courtyard.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678274572257868098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiu2qa3whkBYh8zSLei0ihCum2XXsxFbeCKcSNxbmd-joc0FnG76k5-WOdnVDHhu9gMmBzTC8GS8ZTmFuWsnKMzLOsVsd4nYfzexhOgqy2aWWgtUZn7xEb7YidJg0i-VWpJ3btHsnrl7e/s400/courtyard.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />The loggias surrounding the courtyard have gorgeous inlaid marble floors and byzantine capitals topping the columns.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678274568950437234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XjICHHI74ap7bxd5YU_xWDYqC0ktT6ksBniCMMeWjdR8kieiR0DgHZ-IKl_LRB5gkWzBHo9EJK4nxV0Orq6Fsmj9Yy6V8jdJ9Lhs5ThDvClZQZzxoY4QoEHta9X4NtX32BoaiJ9pqUFD/s400/courtyard+floor.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />How many different types of marble can you count here?<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678275113620841026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgqVC1LyNs0f9ey5j8u09ISujWtvjjb08bbix6PzFH1iSaDKQ8vSWNKUdRhGKDmIdFEwMIJAfdOtsJ2JLIhxHwVXSsvgiLzUdNrc371Pd0smDgOjDvoAgcnxMVSuZkwRzsaorJMssZBbo/s400/marble+floor.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />The loggias upstairs off the main compartments offer breathtaking views of the Grand Canal.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678275109090509426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNC5jQOEz1VaMNsnw3Su7WvyIQuPdmd4Vq-DK4FUf4Q4fwo5vBfm0lG1adI-He88yIIK7dB9gVAAqMuZibo8nLe7HUNtxEfpm-wQrCmkkVmPyP30TNOXB9nkh2vLIQP7MZmYmfZp7r9uCT/s400/loggia+screen.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />Since 1922 the house has been owned by the state and operates as a museum.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678275130211197234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3Dj1SNRS-mbgBWbKYKj5s3uk8MRXOk5Vhta-ckMNSaD-aPK8JzV7504-UllpMxLl_PC-VICnRiRMGxjhClgTW0aJumXBiryAiSihL_GQxUPGKI7yPdSMU6cXeYuk7fnpdnEGE9N9tH9z/s400/venetian+lion.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />In the collection is this bronze winged lion. The winged lion is representative of St. Mark the Evangelist who is the patron saint of the city and stands as the symbol of the city.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678274559451934514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirq5YT-oBovVnzGX_5d0EyWeEi1-s2fLRCTjKbSAbmPYYLrq-dX7m711ASItM1k9bGJPmz_NBSs-WKGuykpvDI0S7woT5xnLyykdbdvtTdWJ6PgsoHF1tdfxMOPWigaaT-fuG3-u4FAbSK/s400/ancient+sculpture.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /> <em>Photos courtesy of the Australian</em>.</div></div>

Ca' d'Oro

The Palazzo Santa Sofia, commonly known as the Ca' d'Oro or golden house, is a 15th century palazzo along the Grand Canal in Venice....

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Bella Venezia (2)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnj6B0KRzsuQfyJGTsW1xUOegdT1J2GlNgWDRF2PTEP3EQMz6AKhxDOK_g7N0IdTS4JCbOoYiWW7gFL6DEDFX1_emHXEKfT9imSXrYZqZbT9OWG6wQrscUsOvIqh-e9Vh8HlMihReYg6Z/s1600/venice.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676454934780234562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnj6B0KRzsuQfyJGTsW1xUOegdT1J2GlNgWDRF2PTEP3EQMz6AKhxDOK_g7N0IdTS4JCbOoYiWW7gFL6DEDFX1_emHXEKfT9imSXrYZqZbT9OWG6wQrscUsOvIqh-e9Vh8HlMihReYg6Z/s400/venice.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Since last week's <a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2011/11/bella-venezia.html">post </a>on Venice proved so popular, I thought I would leave you with some more images from the Australian of that beautiful city this weekend.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676454856826268898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClniOrg9WT7c8HwTJZUfP-lZv_KHIppMFpNh1IWSrmgUKFzUiRKkl91uPGEvPTK1u6Qk8etBYRAjpwPsXrJDSjpMZaMnBOd8ZsvpxHgxGVPj0v0da-wEb4Pig2wEewjbmwDSS0nHdw6R1/s400/gondolas.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676454845010853394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAFd2lnANnzJ-rDALYvvCTAHA4q3zjCQQyLImAJDiUiTX5fNHYhlgUTWuohfo-0DPSTXrJSIfnTwXOlcI1cRKq9aTfeoj3hpbfqg2jxVsaFZXevu-xKqi1YPcjfAMTys9rMJkhbRkXvBg/s400/venetian+garden.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676454842227308994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EsfIRxIqsOuZO0C7CGbG2UpgPQRDFQ-DP8t2P27nL-8Zma4ezUCvoch-l5UUw3l9A6VtmFvd8LQb1KMgWD2MBVYLBWuENZGMSu-Cm6PjfdNh8NPZE8WQTnob6WgDucOIjxovJRaSNu-5/s400/tower+in+venice.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676454839511312386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziWhYRosKT8tZ0HbLPAPUDCTM9br7bd16QCESWoG1m7XUmkdXMHZ4MEAwLj3DRrCOmgJlZFNX8TnMUT8pHa99BevesGmeESOzkGX5HlOaReRFaEcxHJzV-6eCYuj1UTgt6WX3TFNzSTO7/s400/bridge+in+venice.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676454833572304994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKonLWkZF2oDzPnXkW3Cse97ENQdD9MCuKMhaoevhqd2edHD81QS7-kEzCGKV2oK79AczXSEUbDIytLrljXk3sr2uwNQpDBgUE26G10oTd7h7ms1CmnP8m62h3VDitio0MJd0a2yTMCOJM/s400/docks+in+venice.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676454931994113602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-6mt7MrSN5i-AB9eZnUlM_huYnDLiDbedmzgNtWESxY01iJ-Co68NzIvZD-Dswz4kKGLp-R1qFcDOIuz9S8gTdr23yGNbJbYqiWWs1m0RHjdOjdemLnwyXisEm8gAe8X82R7Ov-TaJR_/s400/venice+scene.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />

Bella Venezia (2)

Since last week's post on Venice proved so popular, I thought I would leave you with some more images from the Australian of that beaut...

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