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#1 - 6/6/26 - Amanda and Holt arriving in Venice on a water bus.
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#2 - 6/6/26 - Amanda and Holt (in the right foreground) walking in Piazza San Marco.
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#3 - 6/6/26 - Holt and Joe A. in Piazza San Marco, Venice with Saint Mark's Cathedral and the Bell Tower in the background.
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#4 - 6/6/26 - A return to the iconic Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy, showcasing the historic square on a clear day. The prominent St. Mark's Campanile (bell tower) is visible on the right, featuring its distinct red brick exterior and green spire. The eastern end of the square is dominated by the intricate St. Mark's Basilica, noted for its grand arches and marble decoration. The open space of the piazza is filled with visitors walking on the stone pavement, with surrounding government buildings framing the area.
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#5 - 6/6/26 - St. Mark's Basilica is a cathedral in Venice, Italy, known for its Byzantine architecture, gold mosaics, and historical significance. The cathedral is located in Piazza San Marco and is often referred to as the "Church of Gold". It serves as a key landmark and holds the relics of Saint Mark the Evangelist.
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#6 - 6/6/26 - St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) in Venice, Italy, features an ornate Italo-Byzantine facade decorated with precious marbles, intricate carvings, and glittering gold leaf mosaics depicting biblical scenes like the Last Judgment above the central portal. The lunettes and arches display vibrant gold-ground mosaics illustrating the history and triumph of Christianity and St. Mark. The Horses of Saint Mark: Replicas of the famous ancient bronze quadriga horses stand on the gallery above the porch (the originals are safely preserved inside). The lower facade incorporates hundreds of antique marble columns looted from eastern Mediterranean buildings during the Crusades.
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#7 - 6/6/26 - The sidewalk cafes along the side of Piazza San Marco.
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#8 - 6/6/26 - The Procuratie Vecchie, a long, historic 16th-century building in Venice's St. Mark's Square featuring a distinct ground-floor arcade. The structure historically housed the offices of the Procurators of St. Mark and has undergone major restorations, including modern interior work by David Chipperfield. The architecture is characterized by its repetitive arched ground floor, known as a loggia, supporting upper levels with ornate window details. To the right is St. Mark's Basilica.
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#9 - 6/6/26 - St. Mark's Clocktower (Torre dell'Orologio) in Venice, Italy, is a late 15th-century Renaissance masterwork located in Piazza San Marco. It features a famous astronomical clock face, the winged Lion of Venice, and an archway leading into the Merceria shopping street. Designed by Mauro Codussi and built between 1496 and 1499 by Gian Carlo Rainieri. It features a blue-and-gold astronomical dial showing the zodiac and moon phases, topped by the Lion of St. Mark and bronze figures of the "Moors" that strike the bell.
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#10 - 6/6/26 - Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) with a few tourists. The Doge's Palace to the left. The structure on the right is the Palazzo Ducale, a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture and the former seat of Venetian power. Though largely out of view in this angle, the iconic bell tower typically overlooks this area. The space shown is the Piazzetta, a smaller square connecting the main Piazza to the Venetian Lagoon.
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#11 - 6/6/26 - St. Mark's Campanile, the bell tower of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy. It stands 98.6 meters (323 ft) tall, making it the tallest structure in the city. The current structure is a reconstruction completed in 1912 after the original tower collapsed in 1902. It is located in Piazza San Marco, the main public square of Venice.
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#12 - 6/6/26 - Holt chowing down on pasta and sauce as his dad, Joe A., enjoys a Margherita pizza at a sidewalk cafe on a side street in Venice.
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#13 - 6/6/26 - Holt enjoying pasta and sauce as his dad, Joe A., enjoys a Margherita pizza at a sidewalk cafe on a side street in Venice.
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#14 - 6/6/26 - Holt amazed at the "Ornamentalia Criminalis" (2026), a striking large-scale sculpture by artist Elisa Insua on display at the Giardini Reali in Venice during the 2026 art exhibition Flora Fantastica commissioned by Swatch. The intricate, organic-shaped sculpture is constructed entirely from discarded and recycled jewelry, trinkets, beads, and metallic objects symbolizing excess and ornamentation. Created as part of the group show by the Swatch Art Peace Hotel running through July 26, 2026, exploring botanical and theatrical visions. The artwork bridges the lush, seductive allure of flora with the vibrant spectacle of carnival culture.
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#15 - 6/6/26 - Closeup detail of "Ornamentalia Criminalis" (2026), a striking large-scale sculpture by artist Elisa Insua on display at the Giardini Reali in Venice.
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#16 - 6/6/26 - Joe A. and Holt in the historic Giardini Reali (Royal Gardens) in Venice, Italy, located just a short walk from St. Mark's Square. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 19th century and later favored by Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) of Austria, this tranquil 5,000-square-meter (16,404 square-feet) green space was meticulously restored and reopened to the public after years of neglect. The gardens feature a long, prominent cast-iron pergola draped in lush wisteria and bignonia, alongside a restored neoclassical pavilion. Admission to the park is free, offering a quiet retreat from the busy surrounding areas near the Grand Canal.
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#17 - 6/6/26 - Amanda and Holt on a street in Venice.
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#18 - 6/6/26 - The facade of the Chiesa di San Moisè (San Moise Church) in Venice, Italy. It is a 17th-century church renowned for its elaborate Baroque architecture, designed by Alessandro Tremignon and featuring extensive carvings and sculptures. Located near St. Mark's Square, the church is dedicated to Moses, honoring the Old Testament prophet as a saint.
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#19 - 6/6/26 - Holt and Joe A. standing on a bridge over one of the many side canals in Venice.
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#20 - 6/6/26 - Amanda, Holt and Joe A. visiting the island of Murano in the Venetian Lagoon, Italy. The scene depicts the waterfront of Murano, a famous island known for its blown glass creations. Visitors often take boat tours from Venice to explore the island, visit glass factories, and see showrooms filled with jewelry, tableware, and sculptures. Murano is quieter than mainland Venice, offering a scenic pace to enjoy local pastries like bussolà or traditional Venetian glass art.
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#21 - 6/6/26 - The historic Torre dell'Orologio (Clock Tower) and the adjacent Ponte San Pietro Martire bridge spanning the canal on the island of Murano, near Venice, Italy. Murano, part of the Venice lagoon in Veneto, Italy, is renowned worldwide for its long-standing glassmaking tradition. The prominent red-brick clock tower stands near the Rio dei Vetrai canal and the Church of San Pietro Martire.
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#22 - 6/6/26 - The Mazzega Glass Factory in the Palazzo da Mula, a historic 12th-to-15th-century Venetian patrician villa located on the Grand Canal of the island of Murano in the Venice Lagoon, Italy. It is a prime example of Venetian Gothic architecture, featuring an ornate multi-opening loggia (pentafora) with slender marble columns and ancient carved stone reliefs and coats of arms on the brick facade. Situated along the Canale degli Angeli (Angels' Canal) on Murano, it stands as the last remaining 15th-century aristocratic summer palace on the island. Check out the VIDEOS PAGE to see videos of glass blowing demonstrations.
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#23 - 6/6/26 - The Wave Murano Glass furnace in Venice, which features a historic brick building that now houses a modern glass factory. The company focuses on sustainability and innovation, using modernized furnaces to conserve gas while maintaining traditional techniques. Visitors can watch glassblowing demonstrations in the courtyard or take tours of the production area. The factory includes a showroom where visitors can purchase handcrafted glass art. Check out the VIDEOS PAGE to see videos of glass blowing demonstrations.
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#24 - 6/6/26 - Closeup detail of some examples of the glass works from The Wave Murano Glass furnace in Venice. Check out the VIDEOS PAGE to see videos of glass blowing demonstrations.
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#25 - 6/6/26 - The glass earrings that Amanda got at a glass factory store in Murano, Venice.
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#26 - 6/6/26 - Amanda wearing her new Murano glass earrings at a sidewalk cafe in Venice.
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#27 - 6/6/26 - Amanda wearing her new Murano glass earrings at a sidewalk cafe in Venice.
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#28 - 6/6/26 - The Murano Lighthouse (Faro di Murano), an historic white Istrian stone lighthouse located on the southern tip of the island of Murano in the Venetian Lagoon, Italy. A tall, cylindrical tower built of white marble/stone featuring double observation balconies and a lantern at the top, standing next to the Murano Faro water-bus (vaporetto) stop. It guides maritime traffic through the Venetian Lagoon, though the interior and tower are not open to the public for climbing.
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#29 - 6/6/26 - The Chiesa di San Michele in Isola, located on Venice's cemetery island, is a 15th-century masterpiece of early Renaissance architecture designed by Mauro Codussi. Constructed entirely of white Istrian stone, this historic church is notable for its harmonious blend of traditional Venetian forms with new classical elements.
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#30 - 6/6/26 - Campo Santo Stefano, one of the largest public squares in Venice. The central monument depicted is the statue of Niccolò Tommaseo, a renowned 19th-century Italian writer and patriot. The square is located in the San Marco district and historically served as a venue for bullfights and markets.
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#31 - 6/6/26 - Holt with a Venetian glass in the Campo Santo Stefano square, one of the larger and most esteemed public squares in Venice, which is recognized for its historic architecture, including the gothic-style. In the background lies the Church of San Stefano, a notable 15th-century Roman Catholic church built in the Gothic style. The square acts as a bustling hub for tourists and locals alike, featuring restaurants with outdoor seating under umbrellas.
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#32 - 6/6/26 - Traditional black Venetian gondolas moored at wooden pylons along the canals of Venice, Italy, with the iconic dome of the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute visible in the background across the water. Gondolas are flat-bottomed, asymmetrical Venetian rowing boats traditionally finished in black pitch, fitted here with red and patterned upholstery. Distinctive wooden bricole driven into the lagoon bed to tie up watercraft. The 17th-century baroque church of Santa Maria della Salute standing prominently on the skyline. Check out the VIDEOS PAGE to see videos of the gondola ride.
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#33 - 6/6/26 - Joe A. and Amanda on a gondola ride in the canals of Venice with an enthusiastic seasoned gondolier. Check out the VIDEOS PAGE to see videos of the gondola ride.
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#34 - 6/7/26 - From the gondola ride, a view of the Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge spanning the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. It connects the districts of San Marco and San Polo.Architecture: Built between 1588 and 1591, it is a single-span stone arch bridge featuring shops along its covered ramps. The structure was designed by architect Antonio da Ponte (how apropos!). Check out the VIDEOS PAGE to see videos of the gondola ride.
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#35 - 6/6/26 - Holt, Amanda and Joe A. at the top of the bell tower looking down into St. Mark's Square.
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#36 - 6/6/26 - Holt, Amanda and Joe A. on the top of the bell tower in St. Mark's Square looking down into the city of Venice.
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#37 - 6/6/26 - Looking down from the top of the bell tower in St. Mark's Square at the expansive Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy. The main buildings bordering the square are the historic Procuratie buildings, which include the Procuratie Nuove housing the Museo Correr. The square is characterized by its signature trapezoidal shape and distinctive pattern paving. Visible below are the numerous white umbrellas of outdoor cafes and tourists milling about the historic plaza.
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#38 - 6/6/26 - Looking down from the top of the bell tower in St. Mark's Square to the Torre dell'Orologio (St. Mark's Clocktower) located in Venice's Piazza San Marco. It is an early Renaissance building featuring a distinctive blue-and-gold clock face that displays time, moon phases, and zodiac signs. The tower was inaugurated on February 1, 1499, and is topped by two bronze figures, known as "Moors," that strike a bell. The lion of St. Mark, a symbol of Venice, is prominently featured on the facade above the main clock face.
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#39 - 6/6/26 - This is a large bronze bell located in the belfry of St. Mark's Campanile in Venice, Italy. The bell has ornate gold-colored designs and inscriptions visible on its exterior surface. It is supported by a large metal and wooden framework within the tower.
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#40 - 6/6/26 - Again, looking down from the top of the bell tower in St. Mark's Square at a view of the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, a famous Baroque church located in Venice, Italy. The basilica is situated at the Punta della Dogana, where the Grand Canal meets the Giudecca Canal. It is a minor basilica known for its distinctive dome and triangular location. The church was designed by architect Baldassare Longhena and completed in 1687.
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#41 - 6/6/26 - Looking down from the bell tower in St. Mark's Square at the domes of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy. The Basilica is known for its Byzantine architecture and golden mosaics. The view also includes the rooftops of the city and the Venetian Lagoon in the background.
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#42 - 6/6/26 - Looking down from the top of the bell tower in St. Mark's Square at the Porta della Carta, the ceremonial entrance to the Doge's Palace in Venice, Italy. It is a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture designed by Giovanni and Bartolomeo Bon and completed around 1442. The structure features detailed sculptures, including a 19th-century copy of Doge Francesco Foscari kneeling before the Lion of Saint Mark. The archway is decorated in a flamboyant style, crowned by a trifora (three-light window) above the main entrance.
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#43 - 6/6/26 - Looking down from the bell tower in St. Mark's Square at the Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale), a masterpiece of Gothic art and a symbol of Venice's political history. It formerly served as the residence of the Doge and the seat of the Venetian government. The architecture features iconic loggias of closely spaced small columns and ogee arches. The structure is located in Piazza San Marco, directly next to St. Mark's Basilica.
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#44 - 6/6/26 - The infamous Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) in Venice, Italy, an enclosed arch bridge made of white Istrian stone. Designed by Antonio Contin and built between 1600 and 1603, it connects the Doge's Palace to the New Prison (Prigioni Nuove). The bridge spans the Rio di Palazzo canal and was named for the sighs of prisoners catching their last glimpse of Venice before being taken to their cells.
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#45 - 6/6/26 - Amanda, Holt and Joe A. with the Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) in Venice, Italy in the background.
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