Description
Broadcasting live from the heart of Venice, join us as we experience the majesty of the Doge’s Palace, the Basilica and its bell tower, Sansovino’s Marciana Library, and the Bridge of Sighs – no jetlag and no crowds! While we’re enjoying our 90-minute virtual tour, we’ll have a 360º view of our guide and their surroundings and enjoy a live Q&A as we stroll through the itinerary.
We will begin our time together from the iconic piazza’s west end with an examination of the facades of the Procuratie and the historic cafés which nestle in their porticos – hotbeds of political gossip and intrigue in the eighteenth century and still the most glamorous watering-holes in the city. After examining the piazza’s belltower and clocktower, we will examine the marbles and glittering mosaics on the façade of the Basilica of San Marco.
Moving from there to the adjacent Piazzetta, we will see Sansovino’s Marciana library, which introduced the Roman Renaissance style to Venice, as well as the Doge’s palace, the epitome of Venetian gothic architecture. We will pause here to decode some of the symbolism entailed in the elaborate sculpture that adorns its facade. From there we will continue past the famous Bridge of Sighs, and the historic prisons, as we follow the Riva degli Schiavoni east and pause for final questions and commentary.
Led by Dr. Susan Steer, an expert on Venetian medieval and Renaissance art, this conversation will concentrate on the monuments in and around St Mark’s Square, and participants will come away with a good understanding of the forms and meanings entailed in Venice’s most magnificent monuments.
About Your Expert
Susan Steer PhD is an art historian specializing in Medieval and Renaissance Venice. Susan has an extensive teaching background, lecturing on Italian art for universities in the UK and in Italy. She has also worked as a paintings researcher at museums in the UK, and has published on Italian Renaissance and Baroque art in leading specialist journals. She has lived in Venice for over 20 years.
Audience
This conversation is suitable for all ages.
Duration
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.