If you have been to Piazza San Marco, in Italy you know the delight when you emerge from Venice’s cramped streets to an enormous square with views of sea and sky, guarded by lions, and bejeweled with the Byzantine architecture of the basilica. Luisella Romeo was our eyes and ears, as we toured the square like never before hosted by Jana Platina Phipps, aka Trim Queen. We heard her adventurous and mysterious stories about the Doge’s palace, the Bridge of Sighs, the iconic Campanile, the Renaissance Clock Tower, the ancient Mint and the Napoleonic wing.
In our virtual travel, Luisella took us to one of her personal favorites up the Grand Canal to the Palazzo Ca’Rezzonico, a former residence of extreme wealth and luxury. Luisella notes:
“As you tour the ballroom and the alcove, you delight in the rococo furniture and the beautiful art of the 18th century: the sensual frescoes by Tiepolo, the delicate pastels by Rosalba Carriera, the theatrical representation of Venice by Canaletto, the whimsical scenes of daily life by Guardi and Pietro Longhi, and the sarcasm of the Pulcinellas by Giandomenico Tiepolo.”
This museum tells the story of a colorful history of riches to rags to riches again, and notably hosted poet Robert Browning and composer Cole Porter. Embellished to the gills, we experienced the regalia and fascinating history of Carnevale celebrated by the aristocracy of Venice and the nouveau riche of Europe.
I cant wait to go there in person in 2022 with Jana’s luxury, in person Maker Tourism Italy tour! See you there…
