St Mark's Basilica that forms one side of St Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco). Most of this grandiose basilica was bit by bit between the 11th and 15th centuries. The result is a harmonious blend of Byzantine gold Gothic spires, Romanesque round arches, and Islamic domes. This is a great example of how international and eclectic Venice is.

The Rialto Bridge is the oldest, most famous and the loveliest of the big bridges that span the Grand Canal. It was originally made of wood with a centre section that could be removed so sailing ships could traverse the Grand Canal. This was prior to the 16th century when it was rebuilt in stone. The Canal at this point is 28 metres wide and the height of the bridge at its centre is 7.5metres. The two ends sit on 12,000 wooden piles!!!!! There's an 24 shops actua...

Looking down on St Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco) St Mark's Basilica. It is huge and full of life. The red brick tower on the right is the bell tower for the basilica. The paving has a unique white band pattern that dates back to the 18th century. On either side is the Court buildings, the 'Old' and the 'New'. The Napoleonic wing is on the opposite side to St Marks Basilica. Another impressive location to add to our ever increasing list of 'impressive locations...

The clock tower in St Mark's has the famous 'Moors' sinking the on the hour.

Gondoliers on one of the back 'streets'.