Il Trionfale Quadriga - Cavalli della Basilica di San Marco a Venezia
"The Triumphal Quadriga - Horses of Saint Mark's Basilica in Venice"...
St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) is the most famous of the many churches of Venice, and the world, and a fine example of Byzantine architecture. Located just off the Grand Canal, the majestic Basilica overlooks the Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) and adjoins the Doge's Palace. St. Mark’s Square and the Basilica are the central tourist focal points, and most crowded of Venice. The relics of the Biblical Gospel author, Saint Mark, has resided in the Basilica since 828 AD. After a long wait in line to enter the Basilica (with no photos allowed), the interior was quite unique. As I headed for the exit, I noticed a very steep staircase and followed it upward. I was met at the top by a security guard charging to see the small Museum and visit the rooftop of the Basilica. At the museum, I did take a few secret photos of the very famous original four horses which are duplicated in front of the Basilica. The horses date to Greece in the 4th century BC, and were eventually displayed at the Hippodrome in Constantinople until Venice sacked them in 1204 AD; also, Napoleon forcibly took them to Paris. In 1815, the now almost 2500 year old horses made it safely back to Venice. They are very much worth viewing, and if you stare for a moment…they come to life. I eventually made my way for a prominent view atop the tiny rooftop terrace in the front of the Basilica, which mesmerized with commanding views of St. Mark’s Square and adjacent Doge’s Palace. I often view this image of the most famous and well-traveled horses in the world and ponder all they have witnessed over the last 2000 years.
- Copyright
- Dino Carbetta
- Image Size
- 5759x4289 / 141.4MB
- Keywords
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- Contained in galleries
- Portfolio Parte II