Early Morning Venice

This Spring's travel to Assisi included a few days in Venice. One of our favorite places to stay is the Antiche Figure Hotel, on the Grand Canal, close to the train station, with easy access on arrival, and with a fine breakfast included.

Plus, it's always nice to have a gondola parked outside your front door. And, of course, there's that excellent cappuccino each morning....

One of Venice's most recognizable treasures is Saint Mark's Square, usually crowded, yet an enjoyable place to visit, whether your cup of tea is photography, architecture, history, art, dining, listening to music, people-watching or... a cup of tea.

High above the perimeter of the square was a window with what appeared to be a selection of Murano glass.

Here's a glimpse of the altar area of the Basilica di San Marco following the Palm Sunday vigil Mass.

A memorable morning awaits Venice visitors willing to rise early and set out around 5:00 a.m. While later in the day many thousands of tourists will crowd the streets, squares and canals, early hours can be enchantingly peaceful. Recall, there is no traffic. Here's a main walkway through town.

Imagine Saint Mark's Square without thousands, or hundreds, or even dozens of visitors.

Here's an early morning view of the Basilica di San Marco. Note what appear to be stacked tables in front of the basilica. When Venice floods, this staging is arranged to create walkways above the high water.

In the early morning light, gondolas resting by the Grand Canal.

Another early morning view, from the Accademia bridge, of the Grand Canal.

Within a few hours, the main walkways will be crowded and land and water will be bustling with activity. However, memories of a serene morning in Venice will remain with you.

Ciao for now.