The first floors of over 90%of the apartments in Venice are flooded with sea water and are slowly decaying. When I asked our gondolier what people do to prevent decay, he responded with a slight shrug as though it was a concern that no one ever considers along with a nonchalant they do nothing. Which is sad, because the corrosive affect of the sea water is visible on every building. And it floods over 100 times per year. Plaster cracks and peels, wooden doors are left stringy and sponge-like, the mortar is eaten deep from between bricks; everywhere you look, decay is staring back. The once bright white arcade of the Piazza San Marco is covered in soot, the tarring effect of air pollution. Brightly colored facades, shutters, and archways are dulled and peeling from a combination of neglect and the elements. Contrary to these effects on more recent structures, the decay and corrosion only adds to the charm of this ancient city. Wandering the maze of tall, slim streets, windows decorated in Romantic-era Carnivalesque masks peek out from every direction. Street vendors hawk roses and trinkets. And cafés, pizzerias and gelaterias entice the throngs of tourists crowding the streets. In Venice, its easy to feel lost in time. Especially once inside the Basilica, where brightly colored mosaics sit animated in time upon a glistening gold leaf background.
Posted on: Tue, 28 Oct 2014 06:23:30 +0000
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