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The Most Serine Republic
Venice has no-equal in the world. Founded about one and half thousand years ago on the islands of the Lagoon, the development of the city differed widely from those of all other Italian or European cities. This was largely due to Venice's unique environment. At a time when all of Europe was still uncultivated and uncivilized, covered by marsh and wood, Venice was already maintaining close relations with the declining Byzantine Empire in the east. Venice was to become one of the greatest economic centers of the Renaissance and in consequence the Venetians filled their city with thousands of works of art.
Here is a short list of the monuments that should not be neglected a visit.
Of the monumental churches the Basilica of St. Mark in the square (named after the cities patron saint) is a must. The Franciscan basilica of S. Maria Gloriosa dei Frai and the Dominican basilica of SS. Giovanni e Paolo, both fine examples of Gothic style and can be considered church museums due to the abundant collection of art within. A walk along the Grand Canal will fascinate the visitor with views of harmonious lines and spirals of the Santa Maria della Salute, a jewel of Venetian Baroque. The small church of S. Maria dei Miracoli is a fine example of Renaissance architecture, reminding the admirer of a gem-adorned shrine. Another church of the Renaissance is San Zaccaria, the ages have left their various traces, and the interior is covered in paintings of the highest quality. San Giorgio Maggiore and the church of SS. Redentore reflect the classical harmony of design that is characteristic of Andrea Palladio.
Public buildings that should be mentioned are the Palace of the Doges that houses art and history displays of the Republic. and the Ca' d'Oro, the Golden House, on the Grand Canal. Institutions typical of Venice are the so-called "Scuole", ancient brotherhoods of Venetians pursuing charitable aims. The Scuola Grande di San Rocco at one time looked after the sick, especially plague victims. Today its buildings house a museum that includes the greatest collection of works by Tintoretto. Other brotherhoods were dispelled, but the buildings of the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista and the Scuola Grande di San Marco remain examples of impressing architecture. A number of inspiring paintings by Vittore Carpaccio are on display at the Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni. The Ca' Vendramin Calergi, now occupied by the municipal casino is also worth visiting.
As for museums, the Gallery of the Accademia boasts one of the finest collections of paintings by Venetian master from the early Venetian period to the 18th century. A visit to the archeological museum at the Piazza San Marco is obligatory for those interested in ancient cultures. This museum contains a collection of Greek and Roman statues, Roman frescoes, Greek and Etruscan pottery, Egyptian mummies, a coin collection and more.
In the nearby Museo Correr one can immerse oneself in Venetian painting, from the Renaissance to the 19th century. The Correr also offers a notable exhibition of maps, coins, costumes of the Doges, pottery, ivory carvings, and a collection of arms and uniforms. The Museo dell'Opera at the Palazzo Ducale is devoted to the maintenance of the public itself, particularly its splendid decorations. It also prides itself on its valuable collections of paintings, sculptures, arms and artifacts from various periods. The International Gallery of Modern Art (Ca' Pesaro) gives an interesting synopsis of both Venetian and Italian art of the 19th and early 20th century. The Ca' d'Oro, seat of the Galleria Franchetti, contains works by Mantegna, Bellini, Carpacio, Tiziano in addition to sculptures, ceramics, and bronzes. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection, that is situated in Ca' Venier dei Leoni on the Grand Canal, posseses on the most signiicant collections of Italian and international contemporary art. The exhibition at the Pinacoteca Querini Stampalia covers Venetian painting from the 15th to the 18th century, At the Museum del Settecento Venceziano (Museum of the 18th century Venice), housed in the splendid Baroque palace of Ca' Rezzonico, the visitor may breathe the atmosphere of the most magnificent period of Venetian art in the works of Pietro and Alessandro Longhi, Piazzetta, Gianbattista and Giandomenico Tiepolo, Rosalba Cariera, Francesco and Giananto