It's almost guaranteed that one of us will say, "I hope we can go there someday," whenever my wife and I would have a movie night alone or with our daughters. We get to have our glory days also and exclaim, "Hey, we've been there!" on rare occasions. Just think "Sideways" with Paul Giamatti and that alluring Danish-inspired city of Solvang, CA... or "Easy A" with Emma Stone (yeah, I watched that) which was filmed in its entirety in that dainty little town of Ojai, CA... or "Valentine's Day" with Ashton Kutcher and Jennifer Garner (yeah, I watched that, too!) on one of the bridges that spans the charming Venice Canals in Venice, CA. Dreaming has no charge so we might as well go big. Whether it's local or overseas, nothing can stop us from doing so.
Several years ago, we got to know Charlie Croker and his gang when we watched the 2003 "Italian Job" film. The heist took place in Venice with Donald Sutherland and Mark Wahlberg meeting at St. Mark's Square and walking through the connecting piazzetta (little square). It was the same location where James Bond (portrayed by Roger Moore) drove his "gondola on wheels" to escape his enemies in "Moonraker." Venice has always been in our bucket list and seeing it in movies makes us wonder if we'll ever get to cross it out. It finally came to fruition last year and it was worth every credit card we maxed out.
After taking an early morning Roma Termini to Venezia Mestre trip aboard the Frecciargento train, we checked in at our hotel and took a bus ride to Piazzale Roma, the central bus station in Venice. On our first day, we took the lovely inland stroll until we reached San Marco. We entered the piazza from the north side and were greeted by the captivating sight of the Procuratie Nuove. The next day, we took the canal route via Vaporetto #1 (waterbus) and alighted at the San Marco station. Both methods offered different views of Venice but walking allowed more photo and, of course - gelato, opportunities.
Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) is one of those places where it really doesn't matter where you're standing at; there's never a bad angle for a picture. Facing east, there stood the famed Basilica di San Marco (Basilica of St. Mark) and its unmistakable Campanile (bell tower). My older daughter goes to school at UC Berkeley where its most recognizable symbol is the Sather Tower, a.k.a. The Campanile because of its resemblance to the original. I had to tease her because what we saw here was, in all honesty, beyond compare. To the left of the church is the Torre dell'Orologio (clock tower) and hugging the rest of the square is the long and gorgeous arcade - stretching from the northern Procuratie Vecchie (old procuracies), making a turn at the Ala Napoleonica (Napoleonic Wing), and then lining up the southern side of the Procuratie Nuove (new procuracies). The succession of arches and the repeating patterns of these buildings, in general, were very appealing. Restaurants, shops, offices, museum, locals, tourists, tour groups, and pigeons dominated the scene. It was pure joy being in the middle of it all. I had my still and video cameras out to capture every moment. If I had the chops, I would have grabbed a pencil and paper and sketched what I saw.
Adjoining the piazza on its southern end is the Piazzetta di San Marco, which is technically not part of the piazza anymore. At the entrance are two large granite columns with the statues of St. Theodore (the patron saint before St. Mark) and the Lion of Venice (the symbol of St. Mark). Flanking the little piazza are the Biblioteca (library) to the west and the Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace) to the east. The latter was the residence of the former republic's ruler. A few steps away is the haunting and legendary Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs).
This side of Venice has plenty to offer. Whether on foot or by boat, all directions lead to St. Mark's Square. It is spectacular both day and night. If you plan on waiting for the sun to come down and you have a DSLR with you, make sure to bring a tripod. You will be carrying it all day, but you will be rewarded once it gets dark and the whole piazza illuminates. Take a shot from every conceivable spot. Try setting your camera in Bulb or Manual with ISO100, f/8, and 13" then adjust as needed. Take your time and breathe everything in. This is an amazing place.... Bellissima! read more