Maroon News

Issue date: 11/12/04 Section: Arts & Features

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'Venezia' is a city of light and color, of water and Istrian stone, of gondola-lined canals and winding, narrow pathways. Upon first entering the city via boat, I was instantly enamored of the majestic palazzi (palaces) that line the Canale Grande, which collectively display several centuries of architectural developments. Yet perhaps the most breathtaking site in Venice is the Piazza San Marco; it so perfectly illustrates the constant interplay between land, water and light that is quintessentially Venetian.
At dawn, the lamps that line the colonnades begin to dim as the sun rises above the Basilica. Every day as we make our way down to class along the Grand Canal, either walking or riding the vaporetto (water bus), we pass the Piazza and its many amazing sites - the Doge's Palace, the Basilica, the Campanile (bell tower). Each day, I cannot help but marvel at this immense opportunity that we have all been given; to live and study in a city so rife with art, history, and culture.
At noon, as well as countless other times throughout the day, the bells of the myriad campanili sound. By this point, a sea of people has overwhelmed the Piazza, accompanied oftentimes by acqua alta in late autumn and winter. This distinctively Venetian phenomenon occurs when unusually high tides approach the city, raising the water level on the Piazza to upwards of 100 centimeters at times! It was incredible to see the Piazza flooded for the first time. Luckily Colgate owns an ample supply of green rubber boots, which have provided much amusement in and of themselves (at least on my behalf ... not everyone finds the acqua alta quite as enthralling).
As the sun begins its descent, it illuminates the mosaic-encrusted façade of the Basilica, now awash in ruddy gold. Evening falls, and the five-piece orchestras begin playing outside the fancy cafes of the Piazza, including the illustrious, sumptuously decorated Caffè Florian (a favorite haunt of Byron, Dickens, and Proust). From opposite ends of the Piazza, the orchestras compete for guests, beguiling them with schmaltzy renderings of favorite tunes.
Many nights we venture out to the Piazza to enjoy the music and the illuminated colonnades over a scoop or two of gelato - after all, we live only a three-minute walk away. Our apartment is in a building that is at least 500 years old, for we've located it on maps dated to circa 1500! It is truly remarkable to be living amidst centuries of history - to visit monuments just beyond our doorstep such as the 15th century Church of San Zaccaria, which is right around the corner.
This past Saturday we saw a dazzling display of fireworks over a historical galley anchored in the lagoon, commemorating the 900th anniversary of the Venetian Arsenal. Long after the spettacolo had concluded and the orchestras had played their final notes, the Piazza again grew silent, filled only with a glittering string of light tracing the colonnades.
Essentially the city of Venezia is itself a work of art, and it is both a joy and an inspiration to live in the midst of such beauty.

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