August 13 – Venice, La Serenissima

This morning after an early breakfast, we disembarked at this beautiful city. We had been witness to Venice’s influence from as far away as Istanbul and all along the coast of the Adriatic Sea dating back many centuries - it had been a powerful city state. By the year 1500, Venice could claim that it had been a sovereign republic for more than a millennium and was so highly esteemed for its stable government and free citizens that it came to be known as ‘La Serenissima’, the Most Serene Republic. And here we were – the city of narrow interlacing streets and canals, and churches AND bells! 

Blue circle indicates where we docked and where our hotel was

Wew walked from where we disembarked to our hotel

Our hotel, Tiziano a charming C14 house, is located in the Dorsoduro area, Venice’s university district - away from the teeming tourist spots. Fortuitously it was within walking distance of where our ship docked and we found it thanks to my trusty MapsMe app. We checked in but we couldn't get into our room for hours and hours (why do cruises dock so early!) so we dumped our cases and went wandering.  It promises to be a pretty amazing few days here in La Serenissima - fascinating and unique. We almost wore our our feet but it was exciting to wander aimlessly. Eventually we erturned to check into our room. It is on the corner of the building and has windows along two walls so we have great views over the neighnourhood.  We are in a wonderfully quiet corner in the Dordoduro district. Tomorrow we’re off to explore the canals but in the meantime (before we head out for food and wine!) enjoy my first impressions.

There are many contrasts along the silent canals!

Someone's private 'driveway'

Intriguing

A garden oasis near the busy central transport hub 

“O solo mio ….”

Gives one pause for thought!

Amazing curved brick columns

San Pantalon near our hotel - unremarkable, modest from the outside but
magnificent, glorious, lavish and rather overwhelming on the inside.

A room with a view!

Our hotel room is very old-world with maroon walls and dark wood furniture.