We went to the Doge’s Palace and went in the secret passageways and jail cells with the Secret Itineraries Tour. Venice was Europe’s wealthiest city from the 1100s to 1500s (from what I have heard) and this palace housed the Doge (prime minister), council meeting areas, courtroom, jail, administrative offices, etc. The cells were accessed by secret stairs, and we saw other hidden areas: hidden justice areas, torture room, Venetian "CIA” headquarters, and the place where all the secret documents (treaties, etc.) were kept. We saw the cell where Casanova was kept and heard how he escaped. We saw the main doors he walked out of after his escape.
Then, we walked around the rest of the Doge’s Palace. After a homemade lunch, which included sautéed artichoke hearts from the Rialto Market yesterday (yum!), we headed to other museums about Venice: the Costume Museum and the Ca'
Rezzonico. Venice has such a unique history and the art and artifacts here are very interesting. We checked out the Friari Church, which houses some notable art that influenced the Renaissance. We saw a statue by Donatello, so we have Michelangelo, Raphael, and Donatello checked off. We headed back to the apartment for a homemade dinner and vegan gelato from the grocery store. The gelato was vanilla cherry flavored. We mixed our vegan Nutella into it. It was so good!! We packed up and relaxed. The boys and John are watching “Divergent” on the tv in English with Italian commercials. It is cold out and it is nice to be somewhere warm.
Sweet armor! Also love Durer. Hes a favorite.
ReplyDeleteYes, the Durer and weapons were unexpected, but awesome! The weapons and armor reflected the interesting melding of East and West that took place in Venice!
DeleteSo how did Casanova escape?
ReplyDeleteHe made two attempts. Both are pretty fascinating. He made friends with a fellow prisoner and had him cut a hole in the ceiling. Then he went to the roof and then came back in. Then, walked out the main doors!
DeleteThere is more to it, though!
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