In Venetian paintings you will find interesting backgrounds, which sometimes fascinate almost as much as the main scene: the lagoon, St Mark’s square, the Veneto mainland with its hills or Dolomites appear as true paintings in the painting!
Strolling around the Rialto area, on either side of the famous bridge, you may find alleyways with odd names: Aquila Nera (Black Eagle), Leon Bianco (White Lion), Do Spade (Two Swords), Simia (Monkey), and many more. These names originate from a number of taverns and inns that don’t exist anymore.
Osterie, malvasie, bàcari: let’s discover some interesting facts about the old wine shops of Venice!
Music almost dates back to the time men and women first appeared on Earth, but it is only in Medieval times that paintings started suggesting Heaven was even more beautiful with angel musicians playing music. At the Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice, we can see how ancient instruments (for which paintings often provide rare testimonies) were originally only played by angels, followed by brothers during processions and religious festivities and later also by poets or simple musicians.
The Compagnie della Calza, their history and customs will take us on a tour of Venice, to the heart of the ever-intriguing Carnival with its endless curiosities. Through the Compagnie’s stories, we will also uncover the flavours of many other Venetian festivities, some long-gone but some still very much alive today.
The lagoon city is characterised by an endless number of “altane”, a feature of Venetian buildings which is often, and unjustly, overlooked. Having an altana is great if you want to hang out the washing in the sun, enjoy the fresh air or simply marvel at one of the greatest views on earth.
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