Early Morning in Venice

Was out early this morning, enjoying Venice before the crowds arrived. There were few people about and it was pleasantly quiet.

Passed the Hotel Danieli, a Venice landmark, interesting on the outside and quite luxurious within.

And a more famous landmark, the Bridge of Sighs, connecting the Doges Palace with the prison.

Looking toward the Grand Canal from Saint Mark's Square.

A very quiet and peaceful Saint Mark's Square.

The Clock Tower had not yet struck seven.

A closer look at the time.

Some of the exterior detail of Saint Mark's Church, including the four horses.

Another view.

And a closer one.

Although the canal water level was a few feet lower than the Square, the sea has a way of rising. Thus, portable walkways sit ready to be assembled in front of the Church.

Between where I'm staying in the Castello section and Saint Mark's, looking down a canal one sees the leaning church tower of San Giorgio dei Greci. (or perhaps this is a poorly aligned picture of a straight church tower in a tilting neighborhood)

While graffiti pollutes many neighborhoods in the U.S. and Italy, here one occasionally stumbles across thought-provoking political or humanitarian statements. The crowds of Venice span the very rich to the very poor, and many of the latter beg or vend their wares along the walkways and bridges. This directional sign caught my attention.

By now the morning sun was shining in Castello.

Finally, one more glimpse of Saint Mark's Square, only this time early afternoon.

Ciao.