It is fun to wander the backstreets of Venice finding canals crossed by tiny bridges. The streets are called calli and they can be very narrow. Sometimes the bridges don’t line up perfectly with the street across from them. The bridges were an afterthought.
I have been reading a book called “Venice is a Fish” by Tiziano Scarpa. He tells that up until 800 years ago there were hardly any bridges. Moveable gangways were used. The houses were built with their front doors opening onto the canal where they would have a private mooring. The streets in many cases were not aligned to meet a bridge, they were outlets to the water.
The private moorings are still there and still used even though residents get about on foot much more than they used to.
Here are a few canals that caught my eye.
Of course the most famous canal is the perfectly named Grand Canal and the most well known bridge is the Rialto. Right now the bridge is almost empty. The shops are closed and few people cross.
The views from the bridge are as wonderful as they always have been…at any time of the day.
I crossed it early one morning to see the fish market. I have heard it might close. I hope not.
Here is a post I wrote a few years ago on the fish market. The Venice fish market
The fruit and vegetable markets were beginning to set up nearby. I spotted these wonderful artichoke flowers. I hope mine grow at Casa Debbio.
I watched this boat one morning. Old wooden pylons were removed and replaced by new ones.
I enjoyed my few days in Venice. I feel very lucky to be able to go often. I find new treasures every time.