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| Basilica di San Marco |
If seen - it - all modern visitors gasp to discover bright - eyed apostles and luminous angels staring down from San Marco`s golden domes, just imagine visitors` reactions in the Middle Ages. At the time, most medieval buildings in the region were low wooden structures, indoor lighting was dim and colour pigments were rere imported luxuries - and here was a soaring stone structure with sunlight bouncing off millions of tiny tesserae made from gold and crushed semiprecious stones. Since San Marco was officially the chapel of the doge (Venice`s leader), the dogi took to displaying stolen treasures in the basilica, including the gilded bronze horses from Constantinople that high - stepped over the central portal. (These were later stolen by Napoleon, but are now on display inside; the ones over the portal on the Loggia dei Cavalli are copies.). ALISON BING
literature: Bing Alison. Venice Encounter: Sestieri - San Marco. ISBN 9781741049978. London: Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd ABN36005607983, 2009., 41.pg.
literature: Bing Alison. Venice Encounter: Sestieri - San Marco. ISBN 9781741049978. London: Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd ABN36005607983, 2009., 41.pg.
