Venice around St Marco

We started our off season cold exploration of Venice with a VoiceMap tour around St Mark’s square. It was amazing to see it again, for the first time without huge hoards of tourists. There was a price to pay of course - it was really cold all the time, especially inside the palaces and churches. We walked around the square and nearby narrow streets, and then we had lunch in one of the trattorias. Then we still had time before Igor had to start working, and went to the St Mark’s basilica. The beauty of traveling off season displayed itself once again. We were able to just walk in to the basilica, as opposed to hours of standing in line for hours or buying tickets in advance. Even though we each have been to the basilica multiple times before, every time it’s awe inspiring. Almost every square inch is covered with detailed mosaics in brilliant colors. It’s hard to imagine the level of craftsmanship that went into this masterpiece. Later in the afternoon I ventured outside again to take sunset fotos and rushed right back in as it was super cold.Read more