Bob and Maribeth took the tour of The Doge Palace. The palace is situated right next to the Basilica San Marco and is impressive. The palace was the home of the doge of Venice as well as the administration offices of the republic. The Doge was elected and served for life. His family lived in the palace but, like the White House, it is a building of the people and upon the Doge's death they moved out. The doge and all other officials in Venice were not paid and worked their jobs while serving the republic. the Venetian Republic lasted for 11 centuries with the last doge leaving office in the 18th century.
There are no frescos in Venice (too damp for things to dry) so instead all of the ceiling art is painted on canvas. The boarder "-frame" is hand carved wood and then covered in 24K gold.
The prison was in the palace for a while but then one was constructed next door. After sentencing, the prisoner reached the prison via the Prisoner Bridge. Byron Shelley, upon visiting a renamed it the Bridge of Sighs - with prisoners "sighing" with their final glimpse of sunlight.
Looking out the window of the Bridge of Sigh.
The Venetians took great pride in their republic and being open minded to suggestions from the people. This is a marble "suggestion box" built into the wall at the Palace where one could make an anonymous accusation at first. Then deciding they needed to be more critical of simple accusation the accuser had to sign it along with three witnesses. If they were wrong -- well the prison was right next door.!!
Typical cell was for 5 prisoners.
Sorry we missed the palace, thanks for taking the pictures. Our trip to Burano was unforgettable too.
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