<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Hotels-Base.com - Travel Guide]]></title><description><![CDATA[Articles]]></description><link>http://www.hotels-base.com/travel-guide/</link><copyright><![CDATA[Copyright Hotels-Base.com - Travel Guide]]></copyright><generator>sNews CMS</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Venice - The Doge&#039;s Palace]]></title><description><![CDATA[  Venice - The Doge's Palace  

  Venice was a Republic for centuries before the system was adopted elsewhere apart from the Roman period, of course. But even then aspects of nobility in government were present. The Doge's Palace was one such. It was home to the Doge, and was also used to house administrative offices, along with several prisons.
  
  First constructed in the 9th century about 100 years after the beginning of the Republic, the Palazzo Ducale gained its present form between 1340 and 1420. The result was not just a boring government building, but a magnificent work of architecture that also houses some of the world's finest art.  

  The palace is located at one end of the Piazza San Marco and forms part of that impressive area in the heart of Venice. Despite fires, earthquakes, damage from Napoleon's war machine and much more, it stands today as one of the premier symbols of this amazing city.  

  Its high walls of white limestone and pink marble provide background for the many colors laid on in the decorations. The carefully crafted loggias, the crenellated roof and the magnificent balconies all define late-Gothic Venetian architecture. There are 36 capitals on the lower colonnade that are festooned with carvings. The animals and flowers represent some of the finest stone work in Europe. There are sculptures depicting Adam and Eve, Noah, the Archangel Gabriel and many other religious figures.  

  Enter the palazzo through a door beside the Lagoon and you'll be treated to an impressive courtyard. The mixture of styles is characteristic of Venice, a blend of East and West thanks to its rich trading history. Here you'll find Renaissance facades at the eastern side across from the Gothic on the south and west. The staircase at one end from 1600 represents High Renaissance.  

  Ascend and enjoy large statues of Neptune and Mars on your way to the first floor loggia. Look around and gaze upon paintings by some of the period's best artists, including Titian and Bellini.  

  Visit the Museo dell'Opera and view the Scala d'Oro (Golden Staircase) leading to a series of rooms built in the 16th century. Look up to see numerous stuccos by Vittorio. Enter the Sala del Maggior Consiglio and look out over the Bridge of Sighs that connects the palace to the now-disused prisons.  

  Further down the hall one can find the Doge's private quarters. Through the other side is the Anticollegio containing masterpieces by Tintoretto. In the Sala del Collegio are more works by this master in a room designed by the famed architect Palladio. The Sala delle Quattro holds Titian's portrait of Doge Grimani. The Sala del Consiglio dei Dieci houses several Veronese.  

  Then exit the palace and stand in the center of the square to admire the whole. The lower section of columns gives an unusually light effect, since it supports the more solid-looking upper floors. This 'reverse' wouldn't become common in architecture for hundreds of years. It shows once again that Venice was centuries ahead of others in many ways.  

  Hotels in Venice  ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:23:35 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.hotels-base.com/travel-guide/venice/venice-the-doges-palace/</link><guid>http://www.hotels-base.com/travel-guide/venice/venice-the-doges-palace/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Venice - Piazza San Marco]]></title><description><![CDATA[  Venice - Piazza San Marco  

  What could be more ordinary than a public square in Europe? Every country is filled with them. Yet, ah, there are few to compare to Piazza San Marco. One could easily spend an entire vacation in Venice taking in its many wonderful sights. Even apart from the famed Basilica di San Marco, there are a dozen fascinating things to see.  
  
Just the opportunity to stand in this ancient square will attract many visitors. The sights of the Basilica, the Campanile, the Doge's Palace and more are their rewards. Unlike many public squares in Europe, there is no traffic or auto noise to mar the experience.  
  
The piazza began life as nothing more than an open space outside the now-replaced church in the 9th century. Enlarged and reshaped to its present three-sided area by the late 12th century, it rapidly became the meeting place of rich and poor, grand and humble. All-important offices of the Republic were located here. All the major festivals were held here.  

  One of the more delightful sights is the Doge's Palace. As the name suggests, the Palazzo Ducale di Venezia was the palace of the Doge of Venice, a leader of the government. Constructed during the 14th century, it incorporated several innovative features, such as a series of arches on the lower story, with the heavier sections above. Now a museum, there are paintings inside by Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese and other famed artists of the period.  

  The Bridge of Sighs is nearby. This bridge led to a 1600-era prison but gained its present name from the poet Lord Byron in the 19th century. The thought was the prisoners would sigh at the loveliness of Venice before seeing it for the last time as they entered the Doge's prison. Legend has it that two lovers who kiss in a gondola under the bridge at sunset will enjoy eternal love.  

  Another sight in the square is the Campanile, the belltower of St. Mark's. The present Campanile di San Marco was completed in 1912, designed as an exact replica of the earlier structure that had collapsed ten years earlier. It had stood for nearly 500 years. Both a bell tower for the cathedral and a military watchtower from the 10th century, it alone would make a visit here worthwhile. The roof catches the warm Venice summer sun and radiates it out across the entire square.  
  
Torre dell'Orologio or the Moors' Clocktower is still another outstanding sight in Piazza San Marco. Completed in 1499, it does much more than provide the time to local citizens. It adds immeasurably to the beauty of the area. With its five bays and two giant bronze figures it remains one of the city's most glorious public works. The clock contains a series of concentric dials that tell the time, the zodiac sign and the phases of the sun and moon.  
  
There are so many things to see in this one part of Venice alone that visitors can be thankful for the nearby Cafe Florian. Serving visitors and locals alike since 1720, the coffee will be just what you need to have the energy to see everything that St. Mark's square offers.  

  Hotels in Venice  ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:22:12 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.hotels-base.com/travel-guide/venice/venice-piazza-san-marco/</link><guid>http://www.hotels-base.com/travel-guide/venice/venice-piazza-san-marco/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Venice - St. Mark&#039;s Basilica]]></title><description><![CDATA[  Venice - St. Mark's Basilica  

  Venice is an unusual city, a mixture of influences from East and West. Nowhere is this more evident than in the famed Basilica di San Marco.  
  
Built on top of the burnt ruins of an earlier church, the current building took shape in the late 11th century. Consecrated in 1094, the present facade began in the 13th. The cathedral was under construction in some form or other for the next 600 years.  

  Though the basic plan and style is Greek/Byzantine, pieces and artifacts of the church come from many places and many periods. The facade is essentially drawn from early Constantinople, lending the building its Byzantine appearance. But pillars, sculpture and much more were drawn from all over Europe and the Middle East.  

  Five large arches support five enormous domes that provide the overall look. The best views are from the far end of St. Mark's square. Closer up, one can see thousands of tiny bas reliefs, such as an old man biting his hand. Legend has it that the image is of the architect, complaining that he could have built a much more beautiful church.  

  Inside there are equally impressive sights.  

  The mosaics, all 8,000 square meters (86,000 square feet) of them, draw fascinated visitors from all over the world. There are dozens of separate 'stories' that depict religious symbols and events that would have been familiar to locals of the time. The individual tiles were deliberately placed not perfectly flat, in order to splash light in all directions.  

  Within the space there are several separate areas worthy of long and close attention.  

  San Marco's Treasure is a collection of gems, ceramics and objects made of precious metals that would astound even the most jaded. They were gathered from numerous countries over centuries of trade and conquest.  

  Today there are hundreds of pieces of enamel on the high altar, named the Golden Pala. Covered with gold leaf, it was begun in 1000 AD and continued to be built up over the following 300 years. The result is a collection of nearly 2,000 sapphires, garnets, emeralds and more to rival any other collection in the world.  
  
Also inside, in the Church museum, are the original four Horses of St. Mark, installed on the facade in 1254. Their origin is in doubt, but they are definitely ancient. The horses, enormous in size and each a sculptural masterpiece, were taken by Napoleon to Paris in 1797. After his defeat they were taken back to Venice in 1815. Exposed for centuries to weather, they were finally brought inside in the 1990s and replaced by bronze replicas.  

  Another object of note is the Four Tetrarchs. Made of porphyry (a type of marble) and taken from Constantinople in 1204, this statue sits in the southwest corner. The figures displayed represent the four co-emperors of the Roman Empire during the period of Diocletian.  

  There are literally hundreds of small areas that merit a look in St. Mark's Basilica. No matter how often you visit, you'll find something new to explore. But to avoid the lines, either schedule a visit in or line up early.  

  Hotels in Venice  ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:20:56 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.hotels-base.com/travel-guide/venice/venice-st-marks-basilica/</link><guid>http://www.hotels-base.com/travel-guide/venice/venice-st-marks-basilica/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Islands of Venice]]></title><description><![CDATA[  Venice - The Islands of Venice  
  
There are several islands a short boat ride from Venice that are well worth a look when you visit this beautiful city.  

  - Murano  

  One of the most popular is nearby Murano. Most tourists come to visit the glassmakers and buy some souvenirs. There are plenty of opportunities. The art has been practiced here for centuries. Since the late 13th century, glass artisans here have been offering their wares to rich and poor alike. Prices can range from a few dollars for a trinket to thousands for a true work of art.  

  The Museo Vetraio (Glass Museum) on the island continues to attract visitors by the thousands every year. A 30-minute tour provides a complete introduction to this fascinating and beautiful craft. Tourists can see an outstanding church on the island: Basilica di Santi Maria e Donato. There's also a fascinating small lighthouse worth a look.  

  - Lido
  
  For those looking to enjoy the beach during one of Venice's warm summers, the Lido is a great option. The Venice Film festival takes place here in September and many celebrities attend. There's also golf for those who can't stay away from the clubs even on a holiday.  

  A brief boat ride takes one out to Sant Erasmo. Pellestrina is another option for those looking for a quieter spot to stretch out and catch some rays.  

  - Torcello  
  
This nature preserve continues to attract animal lovers by the score. The human population numbers fewer than 100, but there are thousands of wild birds and sea life species. There's also a beautiful church, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Built in the 7th century it is one of the city's oldest. The Mosaic of the Madonna continues to be one of the main attractions.  

  - Burano
  
  With 7,000 inhabitants, Burano is one of the larger islands of the area and there's much to see.  

  Famed for its lace-making industry, this island near Venice is well worth a visit. Traditionally a small fishing village, it houses the Museo del Merletto displaying many samples of the wares that made the town famous.  

  Others are attracted to the island by its numerous colorful houses. Alongside a pink one there will be ones that are green and yellow. Next to those, some that are lavender and blue. And so it goes in Burano.
  
  
Many tour operators offer multiple island packages. One can easily visit three in an afternoon without being exhausted. The character of each is distinct and no visit to Venice is complete without seeing them.  
  Hotels in Venice  ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:16:11 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.hotels-base.com/travel-guide/venice/the-islands-of-venice/</link><guid>http://www.hotels-base.com/travel-guide/venice/the-islands-of-venice/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Venice - The Villas of Venice]]></title><description><![CDATA[  Venice - The Villas of Venice  

  Venice has an array of villas that are historically interesting and beautiful to see. They make for another outstanding thing to do in a city already filled with so many.  

  - Villa Pisani   

  Villa Pisani is a baroque villa in Stra. Begun in the early 1700s, it was the home of the man appointed Doge of Venice in 1735. The design was based on the elaborate Versailles. While it doesn't quite match that magnificent building and grounds outside Paris, it does have much to recommend it.  

  The view alone is worth the side excursion about 20 mi/30 km from the city. The enormous facade of the villa is capped with statues and sports a highly decorated entrance with huge columns supported by caryatids.  

  Like Versailles, there are around the villa several acres of gardens, horse stables, a maze carved out of shrubs and much more. The long pool in front of the main building is extraordinary by itself, but also sports statues at each corner that are well worth a look.  
  
Inside, the villa contains several frescoes including one by the famed Giovanni Tiepolo, including the Glory of the Pisani family. Others are by his son Gian Domenico, Guarana and other artists of the period. While most of the rooms are now empty, there are several on the first floor that contain furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries.  

  The villa has seen its share of history, too. Napoleon acquired the villa in 1807 after one of his many conquests. It was recovered with his defeat a few years later. It has been a national monument since 1882. Hitler conferred with Mussolini, the WWII-era Fascist dictator of Italy, here in 1934.  

  There are other villas worthy of mention, as well.  

  - La Rotunda
  
  Otherwise known as The Villa Capra, La Rotunda is among the most famous in an area containing several stellar examples. Designed by the famed architect Palladio, it was completed by his student in the late 16th century.  

  - Villa Emo Capodilista  

  Another from Palladio, this villa shows the master's use of a Greek style facade in the form of four large columns. The effect resembles a Greek temple and it isn't hard to imagine those living in it feeling divine. The grounds have several farm buildings that extend from the central structure.  

  - Villa Cornaro  

  Still another of Palladio's works, Villa Cornaro is located in Padova. An earlier design from 1533, it was among the first to have a two-story projecting loggia. The style was widely adopted by those following the innovative architect. It can be seen in Georgian and Colonial architecture all over the south in the U.S., for example. Similar elements can be seen in Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, which was based directly on the Villa Cornaro.  

  - Villa Contarini-Camerini  

  Another villa in Padova, this summer residence is perhaps the largest and most complex in this style. The interior holds a music hall frequently used by the oft invited composer Vivaldi. It houses many outstanding frescoes of the period, as well as a collection of maps and drawings.  


  Visit any of the villas near Venice and observe that the word has a very different meaning from its more common cousins in Tuscany.  

  Hotels in Venice  ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:14:24 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.hotels-base.com/travel-guide/venice/venice-the-villas-of-venice/</link><guid>http://www.hotels-base.com/travel-guide/venice/venice-the-villas-of-venice/</guid></item></channel></rss>