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This Was Venice, the Flattering and Suspect Beauty

This Was Venice, the Flattering and Suspect Beauty

1 2 3 Credits Chris Handley

Acknowledgements The World of Darkness, Changeling: the Lost, Vampire: the Requiem, Werewolf: the Forsaken, Mage: the Awakening and White Wolf are all trademarks of CCP North America. This book is a fan written project that makes no claim to the intellectual property of the trademarks above. All work within this ebook are the work and views of the writer, inspired by the trademarks above, and in no way should be thought of as accurate, credible or real. The supernatural elements of this book are fictional and intended for the purpose of entertainment. Within the book are mature themes. Reader discretion is advised.

4 Table of Contents

Prologue: Acqua Alta

Introduction

Chapter One: The Fairy City

Chapter Two: Behind the Mask

Chapter Three: The Carnival

Chapter Four: The Red Priest

5 Introduction Broken Masks, Splintered Dreams

Venice, La Serenissima, a city of lust, greedy, mystery, magic and dreams. It is the fairy city of man sat up ever rising waters. sits at the gateway of the classical and medieval world, ancient nexus now nothing more than a city sized, water logged, museum of the . However, Venice may no longer be a centre of the mortal world, but it has remained the centre of the world for those that live behind the shadows. Venice has a dynamic, colourful and sordid history since the fall of the Roman Empire and has always been influenced by those other beings that take an interest in human affairs. One particular group is the Lost. Just as the original founders of the city fled the invading Huns, so did the Lost flee from the captivity of Keepers. And Venice is the place to which they flee.

Theme: The Carnival The Carnival is integral to Venice. In the Christian calendar it marked the lead up to Lent. Because the six weeks of Lent would be spent fasting and being pious, and no wine or rich food was to consume in honor of Jesus’ 40 days in the desert, all of this food and wine had to be used up. For this reason there was a long party to do just that. The Carnival. Carnival, like many Christian rites and festivals, has many traditions that predate the . In many ways Carnival is similar to the festivals of Saturnalia and Bacchanalia held by the Romans. There are also a number of pagan rites involving masked figures. Due to the pagan rites traditionally related to Carnival the clergy adopted the celebration rather than prevent it, but introduced more Christian elements. Though the tradition of Carnival took place all around the Christian world, the was one of the most grand and extravagant. Typically the Carnival would start soon after Christmas and end the week before Lent on Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday). The term Carnival has a disputed origin but possibly has its origin in the Greek for meat, carn, or the Latin carne levare, or “to remove meat”. It may also mean “farewell to meat”, carne vale. This of course is a double meaning. Not only do they say goodbye to meat, but also they let go of their everyday self and succumb to the celebrations. The Carnival of Venice was first recorded in 1268, and masks have always been a central feature of the Carnival. Carnival begins the 26th of December on St Stephen’s Day. However masks were also a part of the celebrations during Ascension and from October the 5th. For this people were able to spend a lengthy period of time in masks. For there were many attempts to ban the wearing of masks in for the subversive nature they allowed. The mask makers, or mascareri, were able to take advantage of this and formed guilds and their own laws and had an important position in Venetian society. The Carnival has always had a sordid history, with tales of men dressing as women and entering convents, other wearing masks so to hide from their creditors, or others wearing them to commit acts of murder. The people of Venice loved masks, but the rulers and the church came to loath them, with laws being created to ban the wearing of masks, cloaks and indecent attire. 6 For the Changelings of Venice the Carnival is life, it is death, is revelry, it is survival. The Carnival is all seasons and none, a Court of its own. For the setting of Venice this is the theme of ‘Carnival’. Changelings wear masks in many ways; to hide from their Keepers, to hide from other things that would hunt them, to hide their motives in Court, to hide in the shadows and strike out at others. The mask allows a dual life for the Changelings. On the one hand they may cavort in their Grand Balls, weaving their Glamour, indulging in the emotions of others. But also masks allow for Changelings to hide, to conspire, lurking in the dark. The Carnival really does mean “farewell to the flesh”, for it represents their freedom from the Gentry. But the Carnival also represents that last celebration before giving it all up in order to brave the desert. It is the last deadly dance and at the end all have a price to pay when the masks have to come off.

Mood: The Fairy City of the Heart “The Fairy City of the Heart”, so Lord Byron named Venice. But was does that mean? Venice is both beauty and decay, a dying flower. The modern Venice is not very different to how it was at the height of its power. However, the average tourist misses the breath taking vistas on offer that can simply be seen if they took the time to look up from the windows of gaudy glass jewelry, or took a route off the beaten path. Behind each corner, above each shop, down each canal, Venice, the ‘Fairy City’, awaits to capture the love of another traveler. The city is bittersweet to its roots and is not unlike many of the Gentry. Palazzos and apartments twists and lean over the small waterways, and during the acqua alta the city meets its dark reflection in the high waters. The mood of Venice is simple that, a city that is a true embodiment of all that is Fae. And so for all its beauty creeping dark thinks are not far away. For every precious thing that lies in Venice, it sits nestled with its darker twin, the price of sin that must be paid. Venice is thus a city that does not forget consequences. For every great work there is a fall, a sin. This is Fortuna, the life blood of Venice.

Venice_Masquerade_Speedpaint by ~Kozivara

7 Chapter 1 The Fairy City

“This was Venice, the flattering and suspect beauty - this city, half fairy tale and half tourist trap, in whose insalubrious air the arts once rankly and voluptuously blossomed, where composers have been inspired to lulling tones of somniferous eroticism.” - Lord Byron

History

From the Ashes of an Empire Venice has stood for since the end of rulers of , were then ousted by the the Roman Empire, and was founded by , led by Charlemagne, who assumed the refugees who fled the invading Huns. The title of emperor of the Western Holy Roman people of the north east of Italy fled their lands Empire. Venetians were caught in the middle. and took boats out into the lagoon and settled On the one hand they had their loyalty to in on the marshy islands. These survivors of Byzantium, and on the other they had a new the Western Roman Empire were ruled over Emperor on the border to their duchy. by the Byzantine Emperor of the Eastern The current , Obelario, courted Empire, and in the 8th century the first Doge both parties, and together with the of of the lagoon was elected, Orso, who was they travelled to the Frankish capital recognized by the . Orso and claimed to ignore Byzantine authority successor and son, Diodato, moved the seat of while asking for their lands to be seen as power of the region to the isle of . independent. However, this was seen as an This move to Malamocco was a sign of affront to Byzantium and in return a fleet was Venetian’s wanting to become unimpeded sent from to the Venetian traders while be able to defend themselves lagoon. The Doge surrendered claiming it was from pirates and invaders. Venetians were all the fault of the patriarch of Grado. With looking for autonomy. Not too much but Venice between two rival powers the isles and enough so that they were masters of their own their people were split by internal bickering trade. and conspiracy. In an attempt to once more Venetian control of the lagoon and the dominate the region Charlemagne sent his son, Adriatic continued easily for the next few Pepin, King of Italy, to the Adriatic at the head decades, undisturbed by the fall of Ravenna, of a large fleet. Ravenna and Dalmatia fell, but the seat of Byzantine rule over the ports of the the march of Pepin’s forces was halted at Adriatic. However, the Lombards, the new Malamocco where the Venetian forces were 8 focused. The refugees of the conflict fled to until the church was built that was grand the centre of the lagoon to Castle Olivolo enough. which stood in the Rivoalto ‘high ground’ Venice grew and soon was more than a (later contracted to Rialto) islands. From these simple province. It was now an imperial isles the city of Venice would be born. duchy. It still acknowledged the power of the Of course the Frankish fleet was intent Western Empire but retained its autonomy. on finding and destroying the Venetians, but With the growing population of the isles the legend has it that when the fleet asked for lagoon became properly settled on the largest directions from a woman the fleet was pointed islands. Simple single storey wooden houses in the wrong direction, running aground in the were the standard and they lined the shallow water. It was here the Venetian fleet embankments. Over time the marshes were destroyed the Franks. The network of shallows drained, and crops were grown on the islands. would be the natural Venetian defenses for The city continued to grow and soon all the centuries. homes and streets formed continuous The next Doge to be elected, Agnello settlement. Each part of the city was centered Partecipazio, was the first Doge to have on the local churches, and the foundations of Venetian coinage minted. The Doge’s family the city were strengthened and reinforced. Of was affluent and owned much land. Under the course the main feature of the growing city rule of Agnello the Venetians enjoyed the was the , the main waterway that privileges of both the Eastern and the Western divides Venice in half. empires. Under the command of Doge Orso Parteciapzio the power of Venice increased then and it started to increase the amount of The Arrival of the Lion military action that the duchy was involved in. It was in the mid-ninth century that the The primary aim of Venice was to remove the first Doge’s was erected. As the pirates from the Adriatic in order to ensure the influence, power, and wealth of the Venetians safe passage of trade to Venice. The other grew, so did their territory. They aided the enemy of the duchy was the Saracens of the Byzantine Greeks in their war against the south who held domain in . Muslims. But the most important event was in Venice itself also grew, with more of the 828 when the body of St Mark arrived in marshy islands being settled and built upon. Venice. Venice even maintained its ban on slavery as Legend has it that St Mark had first trade grew. Trade between Byzantium and preached in the lands of Veneti, and that by Venice flourished, and gifts were exchanged right his body should rest there. But at the time between the Doge and the Emperor of the the body of St Mark lay in Alexandria. Two Eastern Empire. Venetian merchants convinced the priest who Trade was the lifeblood of Venice, the cared for the body to hand the body over so reason for its existence. One item key to their that it may be taken to Venice. In order to trade was salt, a substance that was their move the body in secret it was stowed with currency for it could be traded for all the pork. Pork being a vile meat to the Muslim, things that could not be grown or reared on the they who controlled Alexandria, it was islands of Venice. However, trade came at a believed that they would not check the cargo. price. There were Narentine pirates, against Along the journey back to Venice one miracle whom expeditions were sent, and even a Doge said to have happened was the vision of St died at the hands of. To the North there were Mark before a monk, asking for the man to the Hungarian Tartars, against who the warn the merchants that they must lower their Venetians raised a wall to defend their city. sails in order to survive a coming storm. Once In the mid-tenth century Venice in Venice the body was placed in the chapel extended their trade to , but in doing so next to the Doge’s Palace, where it would rest brought upon themselves the resentment of the

9 marquis of Istria. Venetians were jailed, cargo confiscated, merchants killed and ships destroyed. In response the Venetians blockaded the Istria ports leading to the marquis begging for trade to be reopened. Following on from this success the Venetian military crushed Croatians, Slavs and Narentine pirates. Of course power breeds greed and Venice was rife with internal struggles. Families fought one another, and father and son were even at each other’s throats. This was the case of the Pietro III and his son Pietro IV, who after a long struggle and the exile of the younger finally ended with the son returning and taking the mantle of Doge. As time went on and the power and influence of Venice grew the Doge saw no reason why his people should submit to the of the emperors of either the east or west. Sons were made patriarchs of neighboring cities, wives were sent away so new marriages of politics could be made. Such was the way of the Doges of Venice as they made more and more advances for power in the lands of Italy and beyond. Venice of course stood at the gateway between the two great empires. And so in 967 when the Doge renewed their allegiance with the Western , he made the Emperor of the Eastern Empire angry, threatening them, though under the pretext that the Venetians had been trading with the Saracens. But life was not good for all Venetians. And so Pietro IV paid the price for his nature and warmongering at the hands of his own people. The palace of the Doge was burnt down, and with it St Mark’s Basilica and numerous more homes. The broken body of the Doge was then taken for display in the Rivoalto. The next Doge, of the Orseolo family, rebuilt the palace, built a hospital and had the golden screen, the Pala d’Oro made for the Basilica. This new Doge then abdicated and another of the Orseolo family took his place. The new Orseolo Doge had high aspirations than just his own wealth. Under his The Mask by ~zerogenius guidance Venice survived battles with the

10 Holy Roman Emperor Otto II, and followed a the Lido where he stands at the mouth of the political plan of Venetian prosperity. harbor. Standing at the edge of the harbor with Union with the Sea the patriarch, the Doge throws a wedding ring Now Venice claimed lands to the north into the sea and says: ‘We marry you, O sea, in east of Italy and with the pirates and the Slavs a sign of true perpetual dominion, asking God removed, the Adriatic was Venice’s alone. The to protect those who travel by sea.’ Rather Doge laid claim to the lands of Dalmatia, he than throwing the ring into the ocean, in later was the Duke of the Dalmatians, and Venice times the Doge would simply pour holy water was now in a mystic union with the sea, a into the sea. ceremony which was begun back then. It was said that Pope Alexander donated the ring for use in the ritual, while others say that the ring was given to the Doge by a fisherman who was given the ring by St Sposalizio del Mare Mark. The ‘Marriage with the Sea’ is a sign of Venetian dominance over the seas of the Adriatic, the Aegean and the Mediterranean. Venetians had an elected Doge for a Begun by Doge Peitro Orseolo II after reason. They disliked the idea of dynasties to conquering of the Dalmatian coast the ruling over the city, remembering the previous ceremony is a grand affair where the Adriatic tyrants of the Candiano family. And so Otto, is even referred to as the ‘Gulf of Venice’. The son of the previous Doge Pietro was ousted Doge dresses in gold and ermine, and sails in and exiled from the city. an elaborate gilded called the Bucintoro In order to control the power of the Doge two councils, representing factions from

11 either side of the Grand Canal, the Castellani be punished executed. and the Nicolotti. The Castellani wore red caps It was around this time that the to show their allegiance, while the Nicolotti Arsenale, the place where warships were built, wore black caps. The rivalry was seen as a stored, equipped and repaired, was founded. It benefit to the city, ensuring that the people was the lynchpin in Venetian domination of were always well trained for combat against the seas. This domination of the Mediterranean each other, and so war against enemies outside by Venice and other naval caused the of Venice. Byzantine Empire much anger and in envy the In 1081, 15 years after the invasion of Emperor of Byzantium had many quarters held Britain by William the Conqueror, the by foreign destroyed or confiscated. continued to increase their lands, Soon after the failed excursion in 1171 seizing land in the Mediterranean, Italy, and by Doge Vitale Michiel II, the electoral system even go as far as invading the holdings of the for the selection of the Doge was reformed and Byzantine Empire. Venice came to the rescue, the Great Council was formed. This group of after all the Normans were now imposing over four hundred nobles would elect the Doge themselves upon the region of the Adriatic, an in one of the most complicated systems ever area of Venetian domination. In return Venice devised. was rewarded with tax exemptions when It was the alliance of cities with the trading and was even given its own quarter in pope that prevented the then Holy Roman the city of Constantinople. Emperor, Frederick Barbarossa, from invading Venice of course was not the only the lands of Italy. In return Venice, through republic to rule the waves. There was Pisa, politicking and diplomacy, achieved peace and . During the First Crusade with the pope and true independence from the Venetian ships captured a rival fleet from . Pisa, setting it free on the guarantee that Venice alone would sail Byzantine waters. Slowly the Venetians took a more The active role in the in order to take In 1203 Venice was contracted to advantage of the situation so that their rival transport and protect the troops of the Fourth naval republics would not gain the upper hand. Crusade. However, the leaders of the Crusade In return for aiding the King of Jerusalem did not have enough money and so the Doge Venice was rewarded with land and tax diverted the crusade from its exemptions in the city. Even on the journey course to Egypt. Instead they first landed on back from the Holy Lands the Venetians took the Dalmatian coast and sacked Zara. Then the many ports, such as . fleet moved on to Constantinople, seeking It was in 1126 the emperor of Eastern revenge for the treatment of Venetians in Empire, John II, called for peace with Venice recent times. once more, and again Venice was given a seal At first the siege on land failed and the to show their right to tax exemptions, so long Crusade forces were repelled. But then they as Venice aided in the fight against the changed tactics and assaulted the walls of the Saracens and Normans that plagued the waters city from the sea. Lashing together ships they of Byzantium. were able to construct siege towers and so It was during this time of near constant were able to scale the sea walls. warfare in the seas that Venice acquired the Constantinople was sacked, its riches pink granite columns that stand in St Mark’s taken away by the crusading forces. One Square. On top, once they were erected, of importance was the four bronze symbols of Venice were placed. These horses that stand atop of St Mark’s Basilica. symbols were St Theodore, the original patron The lands of the Eastern Empire were of Venice, and the winged lion of St Mark. It then divided up and a new puppet emperor was was at these columns that the criminals would put in place to rule over the empire. In total the

12 lands now under the rule of Venice accounted further, enforcing their dominion over others, for three quarters of the Roman Empire. securing their trading rights and even minting Venice was now indeed mighty and its a coin that would be used beyond the influence was over the entire Mediterranean. boundaries of their empire, such was the Of course this colonial empire of prestige that came with the name Venice. Venice was not left unopposed. The forces of It was also in this century that the Genoa and the revenge thirsty Byzantines explorer returned to his homeland. formed an alliance against the Venetians. He brought with him tales of the distant lands In Syria the Venetians broke the chains of China and , and spoke of the great barring the port and destroyed the Genoese wealth and opportunity that such a trading ships. But soon after the Genoese-Byzantine route could give. alliance retook Constantinople from the The end of the 13th century was not Western Empire. However the Venetians were easy as enemies at home and abroad moved not prevented from trading in Constantinople against the Republic. Doge and Saracen, by the Byzantines. Aggression between the Byzantine and Genoese. All had their eyes set Genoese and the Venetians came to an end on Venice. with a peace treaty that was overseen by the The early 14th century saw more king of . changes to the way Venice was administered, with the Great Council being ‘locked’. This meant that eventually only those houses that Election Day were members would be members for life, and The complex election system of the so membership to the Council became Doge was introduced in 1268 by the Doge hereditary. The Doge was now elected by the . elite and not by the masses. Though such a The system was designed to ensure that change led to stability, the removal of the it could not be influenced by just one family or public’s right to vote on the Doge meant that subject to fraud. they would become disenfranchised and The Great Council, over four hundred rebellious. nobles, would select 30. Those thirty chose Conspiracies against the Doge were not nine of themselves. Those nine selected a40 uncommon, but the Doge had his own allies. from the Great Council, who in turn selected The punishments meted out to those insurgents 12 of their own. These 12 chose another 25 were not light. Exile was a light sentence, the from the council who reduced themselves to 9. worst being torture and execution in front of Those nine chose another 45 from the council, the pillars in St Mark’s Square. who reduced themselves to 11. These 11 chose 41 councilors who then elected the doge. A ship in every port Easy, neh? The influence of Venice extended far and wide. Ships laden with cargo would set sail to Constantinople, the Black Sea, and . Venice even began to make The 13th century saw Venice undergo inroads into land based trade routes to the much social reform. There was the new north, much to the annoyance of the merchants electron system already, but also many public of and . works, including state funded doctors and The mid 1300s were not the easiest for management of the lagoon itself. But of course Venetians as the city was hit by an earthquake all these are nothing compared to the might of and the Plague finally arrived in Venice. No an earthquake, and one such major tectonic surprise in hindsight as Venice had ships event caused much suffering to Venice. This travelling to all ports in the Mediterranean. century also saw Venice extend its hand ever Over a half of Venetians died.

13 War once more hit the Venetian celebration, with jousting contests held in traders. Again it was from Genoa. However, honor of the new Doge. But soon enough war for once the Byzantine forces were the came to Venice again. And once more it was Venetian allies. With a shortage of troops, Hungarians, Turks and the leader of . Venetian forces depleted by the Plague, the But the lands of the Venetian Empire grew. Venetian galleys were also manned by troops But with this came rivals. The Visconti of from Dalmatia and Byzantium. But as the war , the Carraras of Padua and the Scaligeri came to an end between the two republics a of Verona. new Doge came to power. A great traitor. Doge Francesco came to power Doge Marin Falier. in 1423, but was the first Doge whom was Falier was the model citizen and elected without the blessing of the people. The statesman. He was a Count, a Lord, a knight now was fully in command of and a merchant of high renown. Brought to the the selection of the Doge. But the previous palace on the Doge’s galley, he passed Doge, had warned the between the two pillars in the square. This was Council against Foscari, calling him a considered as a bad omen. Falier had plans to warmonger and a liar. He was not wrong. take Venice and appoint himself as dictator. There was war against Milan, and it cost Whether it was out of revenge for a previous Venice dearly, with Foscari eventually forced slight against his family or just political out of office by the Council of Ten. ambition Falier formed a conspiracy to take The fifteenth century was also an age the throne for his family. But the conspiracy of exploration, with Venetian merchants was uncovered, Falier executed and his co- travelling the world and bringing back new conspirators were either hanged or exiled. goods, and new ideas, making Venice the Falier was executed on the 17th of unique city that it is. Merchants travelled as far April 1355, a day considered unlucky in Italy. as the Atlantic African coastline and beyond. He was decapitated on the grand stair case of This century also saw the end of Venice’s old the palace, his head displayed to the public and rival, Constantinople, at the hands of the his body buried in an unmarked grave. In Turks. thanks to God for stopping this plot against Venice the event was honored by the holding a public Mass in St Mark’s. By decree of the Renaissance of Venice Council of Ten the traces of Falier was In Venice the new trade was the removed from the palace, his portrait painted printed word. A new export that made up for black and inscribed upon with the following: the lack of trade due to the fall of ‘This would have been the place of Marin Constantinople to the Turks. Trade routes had Falier, beheaded for the crime of treason.’ to be shifted for safety of the merchant fleet War with Genoa was followed by and the loss of trade would have hit the purses battles against the Padua, , and of the Venetian merchant I not for new forms Hungarians, any who laid their sights on the of trade. Venice was the growing centre of the lands of Dalmatia. The new printed word, publishing hundreds of books was the captain Lorenzo Celsi. He was brought and had hundreds of printing presses. It back to the city as he had been elected while cemented Venice as the intellectual capital of he was out at sea. However, peace with the the world, publishing books on art, war, Genoese was never permanent. Plagues swept religion, history, science. the city at the end of the fourteenth century Meanwhile the war against the Turks and the lagoon of Venice even came under was escalating. Venetian ports in Greece were attack. overrun; the cost of Dalmatia was attacked. The start of the fifteenth century and But peace was eventually made, and Venice’s Venice was a growing power on land and in new sign of prestige, their new export was art. the seas. The start of the century was a time of So as a sign of peace Venice sent the painter

14 Gentile Bellini to paint the Sultan’s portrait. In the Renaissance Venetian artists were more than artists, they were celebrities and ambassadors. One prominent artist was A Maze of Water who studied under Gentile and Giovanni Venice as it looks today has barely Bellini. He studied the classical forms and changed since the end of the 15th century. painted some of the most erotic nudes ever to Venice consists of the canals, streets called be seen. Other paintings depicted scenes from calli, and squares called campi. the Bible, but the painters pushed the Venetian architecture is unlike any in boundaries of accepted art. In particular Europe, fusing Western Gothic with Eastern Veronese was deemed a heretic for including Byzantine styles. (palazzo) were the images of fools, drunks and dwarves in his merchant homes, but also place of trade and painting of the Last Supper. The artists of warehouses. They consisted of a central Venice were incurring the wrath of the Church courtyard that let light in, a main entrance that as they pursued art. opened onto the canals, and the upper stories The Renaissance was not all good for were given over to living space, with further the Venetians. With the discovered levels added in later years to some of the and new trade routes to the Indies the Venetian palaces. In fact the palaces were only able to markets for their goods plummeted. To be be so boastful due to the protection given by rivals of these new markets it meant that the Venetian fleet and the lagoon defenses. Venice had to face the might of powers such th Venice is also the origin of the as France and Spain, and at the start of the 15 Classical , first seen in the construction of century these countries looked to Italy for new the land entrance to the Arsenale. The territory. Old Italian enemies of Venice were Classical style was large and grand, echoing now new allies against the powers of Europe. the Empire of Rome and the times of the Worse still was that rivalries with Milan led to Greek philosophers. It features clean lines and the Turks renewing their attacks against imposing scales compared the more modest Venetian lands in Dalmatia. Venice was being and intricate Venetian Gothic. So while St attacked from all sides, Christian and Muslim Mark’s Basilica is clearly of an eastern style, alike. Venice had to make a choice, and for the the Doge’s palace boasts a merger of styles, time being they had to hand over their with a Venetian Gothic front, but also the dominance of the seas of the Mediterranean. magnificent Giant’s Staircase, a Classical In 1508 war was declared against staircase on which statues of Neptune and Venice once more. This time from the League Mars stand. of Cambrai. The League was formed of all the great powers of Europe. The Pope, the Holy Roman Emperor, the Spanish, French and Hungarians. All wanted a piece of the Serenissima. Though they lost land to the End of Empire Spanish, the Pope, Julius II was convinced that the end of Venice would be worse for At the turn of the 16th century Venice Christendom that if it remained. But soon burned. 24 hours of fire ravaged the Rialto. enough the League fell apart and allies turned Venice was rebuilt, but not as it was. It was upon each other, this time against Spain. These now Classical, and what had begun with the wars had a lasting effect, leaving Italy a Arsenale now was to adorn the Doge’s Palace fractured land and weak, with Venice and the Basilica. But this was all a show of retreating to its old borders. Venice had held power while the Venetian Empire was slowly out against all odds and was revered for its being consumed by the growing powers of resolve. Spain and France. One possibility to regain their might was that Venice was to undergo an

15 overhaul, start the construction of ocean going living. In fact the dead were now filling up the ships and engage in the dangers of travelling canals with those unburied bodies and those through Spanish and Portuguese waters, so who fell sick and sank into the water. Venice that they might journey to the New World. But was at a loss as to what to do or why they were Venice was no longer the naval power it once suffering. Of course Venice was hard hit with was. trading, with ports fearing the Plague being In an alliance with Spain, Genoa, and brought to their lands. Bet Venice was not the Pope, Venice once more went to war with ruled by fools. Ships coming to Venice were the Turks and in finally the march of the Turks subject to health inspections and quarantined. was halted and the powers of Christendom and The Lazzaretti islands were where the ships Islam began a long standing rivalry. But at last would be taken. One island, Lazzaretto Nuovo, the tide of the Turks had been ended. It was was used to observe the ships and fumigate this victory in the waters of Lepanto that them. was where the ill spread around Europe, news that the Sultan were taken and watched for 22 days. If they had been killed by the might of the Christian stayed healthy they were free to leave. But all fleet. the Venetian precautions had failed. All the Venice not only felt the pressure of best investigations could not find the cause of enemies beyond their borders, there were the outbreak. Most saw that it was a traitors ready to see the Republic fall. But punishment from God. In order to maintain amongst all the backstabbing and fear of the order it was decreed that every house in the Inquisitors of the Supreme Tribunal worse was Great Council present at least one person. to come. But it not arrive in the form of not Venice’s population was reduced by a Venetian or foreigner, but disease. quarter. But the skills and lessons learnt during The Plague hit Venice, while often the the epidemic would save the city in the future, lagoon would prevent the spread of illness it and taught other countries how to survive was not the case in 1575. The city was diseases. suffering under the unbearable heat of the Even after the death of some fifty summer, and the canals were swarming. Boats thousand people, Venice once more rose from were now filled with the dead rather than the the ashes. In 1587 the first public bank was

16 formed, and soon followed by a second. These their priests and nuns who engaged in banks were critical to the future of Venice as dangerous activities. Monks would attend they would help fund future wars. These banks parties, and nuns would engage in sexual were revolutionary, allowing for credit, where activities. The lifestyle of the of paper replaced coins and gold, and loans were Venice was no less extravagant. available. These public government run banks were different to the previous private banks as they allowed direct transfer of funds from the The Life of a Young Nobleman books under one name to another name. It was The young nobles of the time wore the also about this time that the was latest fashions of France, though hid built. This bridge was Classical and signified themselves under dark cloaks and a dark cap. mans defiance against the elements. But as But these simple cloaks were embellished with always there were enemies at the gates. The gold thread, silk and lace and many wore wigs. Turks and the Hapsburgs were expanding into On special occasions red robes would be worn, Venetian territory, while the Pope but more outrageous were the rituals of excommunicated the Doge for imprisoning greeting each other. This obsession with priests for common crimes. Venice of course position and titles was not limited to the did not care. th nobles, as all Venetians expected to be referred At the turn of the 17 century Venice to by the correct term. had to act as diplomat to the array of countries However, this was just the surface. The around it. But this unenviable position led to nobles of Venice were far more involved in the confrontations with the Austrians and their day to day affairs of the city and their new allies the . The Spaniards also businesses, fighting on the front lines against tried to lay claim to the Adriatic but met a Turks. They were also admired for their defeat at the hands of Venice’s superior naval intellect, good nature and undaunted by bad might. Within Venice things were not easy as turns of luck. The nobles were also well traitors sought to take advantage of the instructed on matters of the state. situation. One group, known as the Bravi, were rounded up and hanged for their conspiracy. Another traitor was Senator Foscarini, hanged for giving secrets to the Spanish. But after his death it was found that Foscarini was the The nobility of Venice considered victim of a plot, and those that had perpetrated themselves the equal to as technically the lie were executed. they all had a right to be elected as Doge. Plague once more hit Venice in 1630, However there were ranks within the nobility. following a famine. The end of the epidemic The highest rank consisted of the oldest was marked by another church, Santa Maria families, who could trace their titles as far della Salute, was constructed in thanks for the back as 800. Then there were the ‘new’ ending of the disease, joining the church from families who were given titles after this year. the last epidemic, . ‘Very new’ families, the third rank, gained their titles after they helped support the war An Age of Decadence with Chioggia in 1380. The final ranks of families were added to the ranks of the nobles Even after another plague and the during the war of Candia in the 17th century famine Venice was still considered a grand and the later war with Morea in the 18th and beautiful city. But this beauty masked the century. These later nobles did not get their darker side of Venetian life. Venetians were positions for free; instead they had to pay always Catholics went it counted, otherwise 100,000 . they were open happy to act in ways that Nobles were well fed on fish and contradicted their faith and the words of the meats, but laws prohibited both being served Pope. This was true of all Venetians, even

17 during the same meal. The same laws also Royals and nobles from all of Europe prohibited what people could wear. Of course visited Venice, but their presence was not those below the nobles could only be as well enough to halt the decline of the city. New fed on the mainland. ideas from revolutionaries were creeping in Below the nobles were the middle and the Republic was in danger. The nobles of class, made up of the trained skilled craftsmen, Venice were lost in debt and the wealth of doctors and city officials, merchants and ages past was now gone. bankers. Below them were the commoners, the In 1786 Venice’s fleet took to the seas gondoliers, dock workers and fishermen. for the last time, responding to the of In 1638 war with the Turks continued the Pirates. They were able to as the Venetian fleet destroyed pirates from get a truce, but the piece of paper meant Africa, with battles escalating in 1644. The nothing as the pirates continued their attacks in Turks used the capture of the Sultan’s harem the Bey of Tunisia. But worse to come. In as an excuse to invade . Further battles France the Revolution had struck, King Louis took place along the southern coastline of XVI deposed. Venice stood neutral to the Greece, and at the head of the Venetian force growing wars with France as the greater was the dishonored , who powers of Europe turned upon the rebel state. took Athens and returned to Venice a hero. He In 1796 marched on the was elected Doge and continued the fight lands of Italy, sweeping through the north of against the Turks until his death in 1693. Italy, his sights set of the of Venice. The start of the 18th century saw the On the 16th of May 1796 French troops entered Turks take back island south of Greece, but Venice. The Republic was over, and Venice Venice was now taking the stance of was handed over to Austria. In 1802 the last neutrality, and let these islands fall to the Doge, Lodovico Manin died. Sultan. Venice’s naval power was in decline, A few years later Napoleon returned. the Arsenale now silent. However, Venice’s This time Venice was taken back and became shops still had a booming trade. The Rialto part of the new , which he Bridge was lined with shops, and in the area of himself had established. However, soon after the Rialto there were stalls selling fish, silk, the Austrians returned, taking Venice and fruit and vegetables, cloth and gold. Milan. But the delights of Venice were not But Venice had lost all of its trading gone. Venice attracted the eccentric and might, and instead was known for its depravity debauched, such as the incestuous Lord Byron, due to the antics of Giacomo Casanova. who indulged in the women of Venice and the The end of the 18th century brought the Carnival. Poets and artists like Byron still end of mysticism as science changed the face found romance within the city, the decaying of the world. Steam power and electricity islands being at their height of beauty. would pushback the boundaries of the world, In the mid 19th century the bridge from and as the nations of the world expanded, the mainland to Venice was finished and it Venice looked inward, remembering times carried modern steam trains. Gas light now long lost. illuminated the squares of Venice, and for Venice slipped into ever more into its some this progress was too much, ruining the grave while enjoying the feasts and balls of all romantic beauty of the city. Rebellion soon the festivities that the city followed. Gambling followed and Venice once more had the was rife, and the nobles walked the streets chance of being a free republic. But the under the cover of a mask. Theaters showed Austrians retook the area of the , and opera and the improvised shows of the were only halted by the destruction of parts of commedie dell’arte. Music entertained the the lagoon bridge. But starved and bombarded people in these dwindling nights of the the Venetians allowed the Austrians in once Republic, such as the work of Vivaldi, more. Galuppi, and the plays of Goldoni. Over the course of the mid 1800’s wars

18 of independence were fought, and through the chemicals made on the mainland of the lagoon. a series of uprising against their oppressors the But progress had come at a cost, an unseen Italian states were unified after Venice was one. The very nature of the lagoon, its handed to the French by the Austrians, who in chemistry and dynamics, had been ruined by turn handed the territory over to the new industry. Kingdom of Italy. In 1966 rain and wind caused Venice Within this new state Venice continued to be flooded in a way unseen before. to crumble as its coffers were empty and it Underground oil reserves were flooded and great treasures were handed over. But efforts burst, electricity was shorted out. But the flood were made to revive the port, with hotels built, brought another type of flood. Tourists. With expansion of the lagoon bridge and the use of Venice now in the spotlight, the sinking city modern boats along the canals. Electricity and was the place to go. Now major project funded gas now powered the city and slowly the city by the world were in begun to save the city. awoke to the 20th century. But now the population of the city dwindled and homes became hotels. Venice was maybe not dying on the outside, but the people itself From the Ashes were leaving. Venice was becoming home to the arts, with opera premiered in the Teatro La Fenice, and the first moving picture films were shown Venice in Modern Nights in the city. Art was Venice’s new life blood. The Venice of today is a centre of the The regeneration of Venice was arts, films, fashion and a tourist location that brought to a standstill with the start of the First attracts thousands every year. Venice plays World War. At first neutral Italy joined the host a number of events all year round. allies, hoping to settle old scores and regain The city is part of the northern region territories lost years before. Italy set its sights of the Veneto, along with the cities of Padua, on the old rulers, Austria, who in retaliation Verona, , , and the bombed Venice. towns of and Chioggia. To the north After the war Venice continued to the Veneto is bordered by Austria. modernize. A new industrial region was Venice itself has changed little since formed and the port became the center of the end of the 17th century. Venice consists of commerce and production. Fascism swept the a number of islands interconnected by bridges nation and but the regeneration of the country and canals. The natural defenses of the city are came at the price of freedom. Italy pushed into the shallow waters within the lagoon, and the Africa, the League of Nations declaring barriers of the lagoon itself. Rivers were even sanctions against the country. As an ally of diverted to prevent silt building up in the Italy entered World War II and lagoon and thus allowing for attacks from the Italian troops fought French, Greek, Russian mainland. However the islands of Venice are and in North Africa. But Venice was lucky, as low lying and subject to flooding. The ‘aqua the enemies of Italy spared it the destruction in alta’, or high waters are due to a number of favor of hitting the industrial towns of Mestre causes. Firstly there is dredging of the lagoon and Marghera. to allow large ships into the very heart of In 1943 Italy overthrew Mussolini and Venice. These underwater trenches helped the the Allies surged into southern Italy as surging water in the winter months to flow into German forces came from the north to turn Venice. Secondly there is the issue of them back, with Italian guerillas aiding the subsidence. The industries along the coast line Allies against the Germans. Eventually British began to suck water from wells, drawing it out forces liberated the city. from beneath the lagoon itself. This has caused After the war Venice continued to the islands to slowly sink. Of course the final grow, influencing the trade of refined contribution to the aqua alta is global warming

19 and the rising sea levels as the ice caps melt. bridge made in the 19th century. The Ponte dei To tackle this threat a series of barriers have Scalzi is another arched stone bridge made by been planned to that will inflate and prevent the Austrians and joins Cannaregio to Santa the incoming tides from the Adriatic. But Croce near the train station, where the fourth future plans see the city being raised higher by bridge Ponte della Costituzione. pumping material into the earth beneath the city. The Rialto and the Devil Venice consists of 6 main districts, Numerous plans for were made for the called sestieri. Three lie to the western side of new Rialto Bridge. The previous bridge had the Grand Canal. These are San Polo, Santa collapsed under the weight of a crowd Croce and . On the other side are watching foreign ambassadors and nobles. The Castello, San Marco and Cannaregio. The new bridge was designed as part of a largest island is Castello, originally called competition. The winning design was single Olivolo where the Roman fought was grand arch that spanned the canal. This standing. winning design by Contino was subject to a Getting to Venice is of course easier number of problems over the course of its now than it ever was. Venice is connected to construction. Legend has it the problems were the mainland by a bridge along which trains the work of the Devil, who would tear chunks are carried to the station in Cannaregio, and of stone from the bridge in the night. A the main transport hub for cars and buses in foreman did see the being, and heard its vow: San Marco in Piazzale Rome. The Piazzale is ‘No man will ever succeed in building this only a short walk from the fourth and newest stone bridge, but for a price I can help you.’ bridge over the Grand Canal that takes people The devil didn’t want the soul of the foreman. to the train station. Just the soul of the first man to cross the Most tourists arrive in the Veneto at bridge. the airport of Marco Polo, located on the When the bridge was finished the first mainland to the north of Mestre. Of course the person to cross the bridge would be a priest, area can also be reached by air by arriving at except a dog was seen to rush ahead. The act the Treviso Airport, which lies further in land saved the priest and trapped the devil’s soul. from Mestre. Arrivals at Marco Polo can either take a private car or bus to Venice, a journey that is only 20 minutes long. But those who wish to arrive in style may hire a water taxi and travel to the city. From the train station it The fastest way to travel between is easy for travelers to reach other cities and places in Venice is by foot, but for those who towns in the Veneto, with Verona only an hour wish to travel from one end of the Grand or so away. Canal to another, and then onwards to the Travel about the city is primarily by outer edges of the city and to the other islands foot, with four bridges crossing the Grand of the lagoon, is there are the water buses Canal. These four bridges are the Rialto bridge called vaporetto. Travel by motorized boats up that crosses the canal at the very heart of the and down the canals is limited in speed to city. The Accademia bridge crosses from the prevent damage to the canals. Only the Peggy Guggenheim museum of modern art in emergency services can break this limit. Of Dorsoduro, and leads into San Marco. The course most produce and waste is transported bridge is wooden, and replaced a dreadful iron from the islands by boat, with goods being taken to the morning markets.

20 The Six Sestieri

San Polo San Polo lies at the heart of Venice and starts at the western end of the Rialto and extends as far as the . To its north is the the sestieri of Santa Croce, and to the south is the region of Dorsoduro. The main focus of the San Polo district is the market area of the Rialto, with two main routes winding through San Polo leading to the Rialto bridge, Campo di San Polo, and the church of Frari. The Rialto is a garish and cluttered collection of shops and stalls. The tables and windows are filled with Murano glass, lace, models of gondola, paper and writing journals, masks and hats. The shops are pressed together in the narrow streets, and even line the bridge itself. Near to the Grand Canal, just off the Rialto bridge, is the more traditional market of fresh produce that is brought into Venice daily. Here there is fish brought in from the lagoon and the Adriatic that morning, vegetables and fruit from the mainland, meats and spices. By midday the stalls close down bar a few of their number, but about the area are a number of cafes and bars, these osetria staying open late into the evening. Over looking the Rialto is the church of San Giacomo di Rialto, apparently the oldest church in Venice. The church was rebuilt in 1071, and now as an under used church it is often the location for music concerts.

The Gobbo di Rialto Opposite the church of San Giacomo is a stone figure of a hunchback. Carved in the 16th century the figure supports a platform from which messages of the state were read aloud. In the past criminals would be forced to run the gauntlet from St Mark’s square to the Gobbo, naked. Other rumors and legends abound as to the nature of the statue. Some claim that the

21 statue is an Ogre that broke a pledge to a lover, others say that the changeling was turned to Santa Croce stone so that the Rialto islands would forever Starting at the Rialto and the markets stand above the seas, and some say that the Santa Croce sits to the north of San Polo, statue is the remains of one of the Gentry. following the curve of the Grand Canal. The Either way it has been ritual for the area was apparently settled by people fleeing changelings of Venice to touch the statue on the Lombard invasion, or was land taken from its nose when passing by. Benedictine monks. The area just adjacent to the fish market is a winding pack of workshops. The Moving south from the Rialto we push nearby Campo San Cassiano was where the deeper into San Polo and to Campo di San first public opera house stood. Packed in Polo. The square is the second largest in amongst the streets is the Ca’ Pésaro. Given to Venice. The square is overlooked by the the city by Felicità Bevilacqua La Masa. She church of San Polo, Palazzo Soranzo, Palazzo was a patron of the arts and left her home to be Corner Mocenigo and Palazzo Bernardo. San a studio for artists. But instead the palazzo Polo church is a stark church that houses a became the home of the Galleria painting by of the Last Supper. Internazionale d’Arte Moderna. This museum More unusual is the campanile which has at its of modern art houses many pieces by Klimt, base two lions, one toying with a snake, the Kandinsky, Matisse and Ernst. On the top other with a severed human head. floors of the Ca’ Pésaro is the Museo Continuing west is the Frari, a Orientale. Now refurbished the museum boasts collection of buildings holding the great many many cases of ceremonial samurai armour, paintings. The Frari is dominated by the clothing, paintings, silks, swords and many church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. weapons. Constructed by the Franciscan monks, they Heading further west from the Ca’ th had first built one church and then planned an Pésaro is the 17 century Palazzo Mocenigo, a even grander one to replace it. Over a hundred museum to period clothing and furnishings, years of work the church is visible from the where the delicate fabrics are protected by the Campanile in St Mark’s square. Within the curtains being closed at all times. Nearby to church are a number of works of art by Titian, the Palazzo is the deconsecrated church of San and even the tomb of the artist, one of the few Giovanni Descollato. The church is closed at people to ever be entombed within a church all times and the name means ‘St John the th during a plague. Beheaded’. This church dates back to the 11 Next to the Frari is the Archivio di century and claims some of the of the oldest Stato, the state archive that houses all of the examples of Venetian frescoes. documents of the , packed Further along towards the Piazzale into just 300 rooms. The church of San Rocco, Roma is the Museo di Storia Naturale. The and the adjacent Sucola Grande di San Rocco museum contains examples of local marine life contain many more of Tintoretto’s work, and and many dinosaurs, including a huge example the Scuola acted as a mission which was an ancient crocodile. concerned with the treatment of the sick, just Continuing west from the museum as its patron, Saint Roch, was concerned with. there is the church of San Giacomo dell’Orio, At the far western end of the sestieri is and then the church of San Simeone Profeta. the public gardens of Papadopoli and finally Nearby to the last of these churches is the Riva the church of Santa Maria Maggiore which di Biasio. Between the columns that lead from forms part of the city prison. the stretch of street to the Piazzeatte a butcher by the name of Biasio was decapitated for selling human flesh as pork.

22 Following the Grand Canal west leads Dorsoduro to the church of San Gregorio where the skin Dorsoduro lies to the south of San Polo of one of Venice’s heroes was kept. The hero, and follows the curve of the southern section Marcantonio Bragadin, was skinned by the of the Grand Canal. Dorsoduro stretches from Turks in 1571 and first laid to rest here. Piazzale Roma in the west to Santa Maria della Next along is the Ca’ Dario, or the Salute. ‘Cursed Palace’. The story of the palace is that The church of Salute, meaning the Giovanni Dario had an illegitimate ‘salvation’, was built in 1630 in thanks to the daughter. She married into the . Virgin Mary who the Venetians think saved The Barbaro then inherited the house. them from the Plague. The Salute is huge Giovanni Dario was then was expelled from structure of white stone, the central chamber the grand council. Dario’s son-in-law lost all illuminated by a circle of windows high in the their money, and Dario’s daughter died of a th . This circle of eight windows, a Marian broken heart. In the 17 century Giacomo star, signifies the crown of the Virgin Mary. Barbaro was assassinated in Candia and the Meanwhile the mosaic floor has a coded house was bought by an Armenian merchant. reference to Mary’s feast day coinciding with The Armenian lost all his money and died. the date of Venice’s foundation. The enormous Over an over owners died. Even the manager structure of the Salute required 100,000 of ‘The Who’ died. The house is cursed and wooden piles to support it and over 50 years to haunted by the ghosts of the dead owners. complete it. Still celebrated to this day is the feast of the Presentation of the Virgin. On the 21 of November the salvation of the city is Casanova and Cagliostro remembered. Legend has is that the lover and fiend, Next to the Salute are the museum of Casanova was cured at the age of eight of a Seminario Patriarcale and the old customs strange disease by a sorceress who closed him house Dogana di Mare. On top of the Dogana a trunk and he emerged cured, a form of di Mare is the figure of Fortune, standing upon magical rebirth. a gold ball and acts as a weather vane. Another story says that he met the magician, the Count of Cagliostro, in the Squero of San Trovaso in order to exchange The Beast of Dogana secrets. Apparently the Count knew the secret In the water right beneath the Punta of the philosopher’s stone and the elixir of della Dogana. Is a hole from which a sea beast youth. Cagliostro was also a founder of a is said to emerge on moonless nights. The group under the title of Egyptian Freemasons. beast is said to have a head of a horse, and It was said the members were taught how to be eight meters long, and almost a meter thick. returned to the state of being before the loss of Last seen in 1933 by fishermen who said that their original sin, and live for 5557 years. the beast rose up out of the water and Casanova, armed with this knowledge swallowed a seagull. may have succeeded in making the formula. th As for the nature of the beast none are He officially died the 4 of June 1798, but his sure. Some may think it is similar to Loch tomb disappeared, and now lives in Venice. Ness monster, or the Kraken. However a number of changeling who have seen it think it is one of a number of beasts, a water-based Nearby to the Ca’ Dario is the Peggy hobgoblin, that works for the True Fae Guggenheim Collection of modern art held in Commodore Fathom. the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni. Then there is the Gallerie dell’Accademia, located in an old school of art, one of Venice’s most renowned.

23 It is outside the gallery that one of the bridges Santa Margherita to Rio di Cármini we come that crosses over the Grand Canal. to the Palazzo Zenobio. Further west is the church of San Trovaso, and the Squero di San Trovaso. The squero is named after the people that The Shrieking Skull manufactured the gondola. On the other side of the canal is the Heading north from the Squero and Fondamenta Gheradini, behind the Carmini across the Fondamenta di Borgio is the church a 18th century merchant called Grimano Ognissanti, a former Benedictine convent that Grimani called the area home. He had spent is now a hospital. some time in and returned with a Following the Fondementa north and servant from the island. crossing back over towards the Grand Canal Both fell ill and the servant was the Palazzo which overlooks the promised to be buried in his home land by the canal. Together with the Palazzo Farsetti they his master. But of course this never happened. now house the town hall. The servant was buried in next to the Carmini Across the Rio Malpaga is the Ca’ church, and on that night there was screams Rezzonico and the church of San Barnaba. The from the servant’s grave. The skull was parish about the church was where the noble quickly dug up and the skull was placed in the families would live if they had lost their Grimani house. The removal of the skull wealth. As they were prevented by law to run causes it to scream and no one has ever shops the nobles would sell their votes to the removed it since, with it still hidden in the other families. The Ca’ Rezzonico is a house. museum of the work from the 18th century. Just of the square outside the church of San Barnaba is the Ponte dei Pugni, a location where the rival factions of the Nicolotti and The Palazzo Zenobio was built by the Castellani would fight. Zenobio family who were one of the Following the Grand Canal from the wealthiest. Now it is the Armenian college, Ca’ Rezzonico is the Ca’ Fóscari. It was here and boasts a ballroom which is a hall of that Henry the III stayed once, and now is mirrors. The hall is often used as a venue for home to the university. Across the Rio Fóscari showcasing modern art. Next door to the is the Palazzo Balbi. West from the Palazzo is Palazzo is the chapel of Santa Maria del the church of San Panteleone, a placed Soccorso. This is where the courtesan renowned for it’s healing abilities. The area Veronica Franco founded a house to help about it is filled with cafes and bars due to the prostitutes who wanted to end their life as a presence of the university nearby. whore. Crossing back over the canal and south is the large square of Campo di Santa Margherita. A true centre of Venetian life this A Personal Note square is also filled with bars and cafes due to Venice to me is not just an amazing the number of students that study nearby. The city to visit, with some of the most gorgeous church in the square is adorned with dragons architecture and absorbing history. No, Venice which relate to the story that the church’s is also a place of romance for me as I have had patron, Saint Margaret, was swallowed by a the joy of visiting twice. The first time was dragon but emerged unscathed when the with my girlfriend and we got engaged there (a dragon exploded. mutual engagement, I didn’t get on one knee, Off the south west corner of the square but instead a ritual of engagement to each is the Scuola dei Carmini and the church of other). The second time was for my wedding Santa Maria del Carmelo, also known simply the following year, which myself and my wife as the Carmini church. Following the Rio di dressed in period clothing for and had

24 performed in the Palazzo Zenobio hall of fear and headed to the church. The woman mirrors. from the days before was in the same place as So if reading this book you want to before on the street and told Dorina to be visit then please do so. If you want to be all quiet, but Dorina saw that the woman had the romantic when you go then go for it! feet of a goat. Dorina exclaimed and called out to the Virgin, and the fairy faded away. The statue is in thanks for this act.

Following the canal of Rio di San Cannaregio Nicolo from Zenobio is the Palazza Arian, the church of Angelo Raffaele and the nearby Located to the north of the city on the church of San Sebastiano and finally the other side of the Grand Canal from Santa church of San Nicolo dei Mendicoli. Croce and stretches from the train station in Dating from the 7th century the church the west to church of San Giovanni is one of the oldest. The church is well known Crisostomo and the Rialto bridge. as being a location used in the film Don’t Look Cannaregio is one of the quietest Now. Near to the church is a statue of the districts of Venice, and remains more like a Virgin that is crushing a serpent under foot. collection of parishes. It is here that most The statue also has an inscription that people will find something like authentic translates to ‘you are very beautiful, my Venetian life. friend). The story linked to this inscription is Starting at the train station there is the that a young 16 year old woman called Dorina church known as the Scalzi. The outside is Lotti, having only just had her birthday the adorned with angles and white stone, while the other day, was met by a woman dressed in interior is dark and brooding. Within the white while returning home. The woman just chapel there lie the tomb of the last Doge of stood and stared at Dorina. The same thing Venice, Lodovico Manin. happened for three days. The fourth day was The main street from the Scalzi is the different. The woman spoke and said, “Little Lista di Spagna, a street overrun with tourist Dorina, wouldn’t you like to be as beautiful as shops, sweet shops and stalls selling cheap I am?”. The girl was shocked that the woman goods. Pressing onwards away from the station knew her name. She asked if she was a witch is the church of San Geremia and the Palazzo but the woman said no. She said her name was Labia. The Palazzo gets its name from the Laura, and was impressed by the young girls Lasbias family who lived there and had bought faith and wanted to reward her with the secret their way into nobility, a family that was of beauty. To do this the girl was told that she notorious for its expenditure of wealth. had to cover all the furniture in white sheets. Crossing over the canal from the Then she had to undress and anoint herself Palazzo we enter an area that is dominated by with the contents of a vial that the woman the Ghetto. The Ghetto, getting its name from gave her, and then light some candles. The the word for forge, was where all the woman went on to tell her that she was to were to live in Venice. Jews fled to Venice in leave the window open and three women fear during the war against the League of would appear dressed in white. Most Cambrai. In return for being given a place to importantly the woman told Dorina not to live, the Jews helped fund Venice’s defenses. invoke the Virgin Mary or God, nor leave At night the Jews were forced to stay in the mirrors in sight or knives. Ghetto, but were protected by soldiers they That night Dornia did as she was told had paid for. but left a mirror uncovered. The women The Jews of the city were not allowed arrived and asked her what she wanted. But as to have professions such as being an architect, Dorina answered Dorina looked at the mirror and so this led to the Jews having to employ and saw the backs of the women, covered in Christian architects to design and build their hair and like that of an animal. Dorina fled in homes and synagogues. For this reason the

25 scole, their synagogues, have a Christian church after she had a vision of the saint. flavor, free of marble as this as not allowed, The church of Madonna dell’Orto was and decorated inside with stucco and gold. originally a church dedicated Saint Christopher as the area was once the main port for ferrymen who traveled to the northern Plague Children isles. The name was changed after a statue of In 1575 the plague struck Venice, and the Madonna was found in a garden of while it ravage the city in the Ghetto it killed vegetables nearby, a statue that began to only the children. Confused by this selective perform miracles. The church, redecorated by nature of the disease the rabbis gathered to Tintoretto after insulting the doge, holds the conduct fasting and prayers in ore to ask for ashes of the painter and also those of his son God’s forgiveness. However this was in vain. and one of his daughters. While the leader of the rabbis, Rabbi The outside of the Madonna dell’Orto Sterchel, searched the books and tomes for a is a series of twelve niches that contain statues solution he was visited by the prophet Elijah. of the Apostles. Legend has it that the statues The prophet led the rabbi to the Jewish were cursed. The statues were sculpted by the cemetery where they watched the ghostly Delle Masegne. The youngest, Paolo was children playing. devoted to the Devil, and had been given one The next day, Sterchel ordered a of the coins of Judas which was to be disciple to go to the cemetery at night, and inserted into the statue of the Apostle which while there to take the death shroud from the had been carved to look like Judas. The statue ghost of one of the children. Obeying the only needed to be consecrated, but on the day disciple did as he as told and returned to the it was do be blessed the young woman leading rabbi. Later that night the ghost of the child the procession on Holy Week pointed out came to the rabbi, asking for his death shroud Paolo and declared him a Satanist. The boy to be returned. But the rabbi refused, and was doused in holy water and the Devil left his demanded to know why the children were body. As for the statue is said that on the night dying. The ghostly boy told Sterchel that the of Good Friday it moves and flies to Jerusalem reason why the children were dying of the and goes to Akeldamà, the field that Judas plague was that a mother had killed her bought with the silver. newborn son. Across from the church is the Campo The next day the rabbi ordered the dei Mori, a place that possibly is named after woman and her husband to come before the the Greek brothers who lived there that came rabbis to be judged for their crime. And so from Morea. Nearby is the Palazzo Mastelli, with justice served the children no longer died which in 1757 was the centre of mysterious of the plague. spiritual events. On Campo dei Mori there are four statues, one of which sits just around the corner from the others. The statues are said to be of the Mastelli brothers, while legends say North of the Ghetto is one of the most that they are in fact the actual borthers modern parts of the city and the district, where themselves, turned to stone as punishment for continual land reclamation has led to the their dishonesty and greed. canals of the area being very angular and less natural. To the Northwest is the more attractive area near the church of the Madonna Tintoretto and the Witch dell’Orto and the church of Sant’Alvise. The Tintoretto lived at 3399 on fondamenta church of Sant’ Alvise was founded by dei Mori. It was here as a young father he and Antonia Venier, the daughter of the Doge his daughter came into contact with a witch. . She was moved to create this His eldest daughter was to have her

26 first communion and for ten days she and other it was here that in 1947 a smuggler, a woman girls of her age would receive the eucharist called Linda Cimetta, was stuffed in a trunk each morning. However, on the first day the and drowned. It is said that the squid here now girl met an old woman who convinced the girl have the eyes of a woman. that if she kept the wafer at communion and It is from the Fondamenta Nuova hid it, and did so for ten days, she would be Theatre is the Venetian island of the dead, the shown how to be like the Madonna. island of San Michele, the cemetery of the Tintoretto’s daughter did so, and kept city. The island, once a monastery and a prison the wafers in a metal box hidden in the manger is surrounded by high red brick walls. In times in the barn where Tintoretto kept pigs and a past the island acted as shelter to those boats donkey. But after 6 days the animals would that where making their way out to the not move from the barn, kneeling in front of northern islands. The island is the location of the manger. His daughter confessed what had the church of San Michele in Isola, a been happening. Tintoretto was no fool. revolutionary example of Renaissance Through his work and studies he had come architecture. The island was made a cemetery into contact with the occult and knew of the by Napoleon after it was forbidden for burials methods employed to recruit followers. on the main Venetian islands. Bodies lie there Tintoretto took the wafers and returned for ten years, after which their bones are them to the church and then awaited the witch moved to the ossuary. However Jewish burials on the tenth day, a stick of the linden tree take place on the Lido and so San Michele is ready to beat the crone. He asked his daughter where all others are buried. to invite the witch in if she appeared. The One denizen of the island was fra witch did, and when she was in the house Mauro, the most renowned cartographer of the Tintoretto struck her with the stick, but she Medieval age. If legend is correct the soon fled, changing into a cat and then into cartographer was able to draw such maps by smoke before leaving the house through a hole capturing the dreams of the Devil, seeing them in a wall. in the clouds over Venice. In order to stop the witch returning by The island is also filled with ghosts and the same means Tintoretto placed a statue of spirits, and the waters about San Michele are Hercules on the outside of the wall, the hero no different. At night in the November it is standing with club in hand. said that the candle light from a casket floating on the water can be seen. This is the ghost light of a young girl who was never buried. South of the Ghetto is the church of Past the Palazzo Mastelli are the San Leonardo and the Rio Terrà San Palazzo Minelli Spada and the Palazzo Leonardo, a former canal that was filled in by dal Zaffo. Further east is the Scuole the Austrians in 1870s. This street is filled della Misericordia and the Casino degli Spiriti. with more shops that cater for the visiting The Scuola Vecchia della Misericordia tourists and day trippers. Nearby is the church is known for the story of the old money lender of San Marcuola, where once a priest while at who if seen and offered help turns into a the pulpit claimed to not believe in ghosts. In burning skeleton. This ghost of Bartolomio response that night the dead rose from their Zenni is cursed to exist this way as punishment graves and dragged the priest out to beat him. for not helping children flee a fire, instead Continuing east is the Maddalena choosing to save his own belongings. The district, and here is the Palazzo Vendramin- nearby Casino degli Spiriti gains its name as it Calgeri, the place where Richard Wagner died is a rumoured gathering place for restless in 1883 and is now home to the city casino. spirits. Further along is the Palazzo Diedo where in Across the waters of the Sacca de la 1606 an astrologer claimed to have seen a Misericordia is the Fondamenta Nuove vision of gun-powder under the Sala del Theatre. This area is avoided by fishermen as

27 Maggior Consiglio. The Council of Ten found world to be with her family. this but suspected the astrologer, having him shaved and tortured to death, even as the man claimed the stars had shown him everything. North of Santi Apostoli is the Gesuit Past the Palazzo Giovanelli is the region of the city, and the church of Santa the Strada Nova, a street that cuts through Maria Assunta. The outside of the church is towards the Rialto, and along the way the most enormous, disproportionate, while the interior famous of palazzos, the Ca’ d’Oro. is more beautiful and extravagant, the entire Meaning House of Gold, the Ca’ d’Oro interior decked in green and white marble. For is a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic this reason the building is a huge weight and is architecture and now is home to a gallery and slowly sinking. once boasted a façade that was covered in gold leaf. These days the Ca’ d’Oro is now home to Castello the Galleria Giogrio Franchetti. Across the Strada Nova is the church We will first discuss the section of the of Santa Sofia, and further down the street is city known as Central Castello. It is denoted the church of Santi Apostoli. It is over the by the church of San Lazzaro dei Mendicanti campo from Santi Apostoli that the Ca’ da to the north, Campo di Santa Maria Formosa Mosto sits on the Grand Canal. Heading south in the centre, and San Zaccaria to the south. towards the Rialto bridge is the church of San The church of San Lazzaro now sits Giovanni Crisostomo and the nearby the within the city hospital. Attached to the Teatro Malibran. Between these two buildings hospital is the Scuola Grande di San Marco are two squares named after Marco Polo, well which acts as the façade and foyer to the at least his nickname, Milione, for Marco Polo hospital, a grand display and the hospital itself would always talk about the millions of men is home to a number of pieces of art by and ships and forts held by the Emperor of Tintoretto and Veronese. To the east of the China, Kubli Khan. The Teatro Malibran Scuola is the church of the Ospedaletto which contains the remains of the Polo house. features giants’ heads looking down and decoration that English art critic, Ruskin, took a great dislike to. The Princess of Marco Polo Next to the Scuola is the church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo. This gothic brick Marco Polo returned from China with a church is known in Venetian dialect as the wife, Hao Dong, once of the daughters of church of San Zanipolo. The church was home Kublai Khan. Though beautiful and an to a mendicant order of Dominican priests that enchanting singer she was despised by Marco aquired wealth through begging, working to Polo’s family, and as a foreigner and non- help the poor of the city. Chritian, watched intensely by the Church. For The church it self is was first built in these reasons she remained in the family home 1246, the Doge Giacomo Tiepolo handing the so that she did not draw attention. land to the priests after having a vision of When Marco was captured by the white doves marked on the head with the Genoanese she was informed by her sister-in- cross, the flock flying over the area where the law that Marco had died. Distraught with grief church was to stand. Later in 1333 the church the Chinese princess set herself on fire and was replaced and consecrated much later in flung herself to her death from the windows of 1430. The church itself is huge inside, and the Polo palace. filled with many tombs, many of the Tiepolo Now, at sunset on summer evenings family and the Mocenigo family. the princess can be heard singing, or even seen floating from the windows of the Polo house, her hands holding a blue flame, as she begins her nightly journey to the other end of the

28 to wards the Rialto is the church San Lio and Santa Maria dell Fava. Heading towards these The Three Doges churches are many sweet shops, selling typical On calle della Cavallerizza, behind San Venetian sweets and pastries. Zanipolo, every night a ghost of a doge is South of campo Santa Maria Formosa seen. Here in 1355 the doge Marin Falier are a number of the most opulent houses in gathered his men to plot the takeover of the Venice. The massive palazzo Grimani, the State, throwing down democracy. However, palazzo Trevisan-Cappello, the crumbling the plot had been discovered and the doge was deconsecrated church of San Giovanni in executed, beheaded on the scala dei Giganti at Oleo, the gothic palazzo Zorzi-Bon and the the Ducal Palace. Now a ghost of a headless palazzo Zorzi, and the palazzo Querini- corpse wanders the streets about San Zanipolo Stampalia which houses a eclectic collection in search of it’s head. of art. Another ghostly doge, the blind Enrico To the south west corner of Central Dandolo, the same doge who led the Fourth Castello are the churches of San Zaccaria and Crusade to Constantinople, also walks the San Giorgio dei Greci. The convent attached to streets here. His eyes are burning coals, a San Zaccaria was infamous for the sexual sword held by the blade in his hands so that he relations of the nuns, many of whom had been may atone for the brutal sacking of sent there for being troublesome or their Constantinople. He is said to wail as he fathers were unable to pay the dowry. In fact searches for the ghost of Falier, his task to the convent became one of the most important punish the ghost for his attempt at usurping salons of the city. power. Over time they have not met, but they From the Ducal Palace, running along get closer and who knows what will happen the lagoon edge to the entrance to the canal when they meet? before the Arsenale is the Riva degli Some distance away another doge’s Schiavoni. A promenade that is heaving with spirit walks the streets. The prophetic doge, tourists and souvanier merchants the Riva Tommaso Mocenigo, so-called because on his gives a view of the southern lagoon. Along death-bed he foretold the ruin that the next this route is the Hotel Danieli, a favourite doge would bring to the city place to stay for the movie actors that arrive in if elected. The ghostly Tommaso walks the Venice for the film festival. Along the Riva, streets, silent, with a roll of paper pouring marking the end of Central Castello is the from his mouth, every word printed upon it Pietà. It is here at the orphanage that Vivaldi saying ‘Veritas’. He chokes as this happens, worked on many pieces and worked as stumbling as his feet are caught up in the ever choirmaster. Many parents of the time growing length of paper. Tommaso is a kind attempted to get their children into the ghost to those who take the time to free his orphanage, such was their need for their legs. children to be trained in this prestigious school. Eastern Castello is dominated by the ship yards called the Arsenale. Between South of San Zanipolo is campo Santa central Castello and the Arsenale is the church Maria Formosa. The square hosts a food of San Francesco della Vigna. Though the area market, and is overlooked by the church’s about it is rather run down this is the spot, if grand campanile which at the base has an ugly, legend is to believed, that Saint Mark was grotesque mask, a face that grimly leers down visited by an angel who told him that these on pedestrians. The critic, Ruskin, found it islands would be his final resting place. The disgusting, while the historian, Molmenti, area remained a vine yard until 1253 until the stated that the head is a talisman against evil. were given the land to build a new From the campo Santa Maria Formosa church upon.

29 South of San Francesco della Vigna is The Arsenale was created in the early the Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni. 12th century as the area of the city was turned This sculoa was built for the Slavic population to the task of ship fabrication and repair. The of Venice. By the mid-fifteenth century the Arsenale grew over the years and was the one Slavs were no longer slaves of the city but location in all the state where ships were citizens so the scuola was to represent their made. At its height the Arsenale employed people. 16,000 men. After the rounding of the Cape of Further south is the church of San Good Hope the number of ships registered at Giovanni in Brágora. The church is renowned the Arsenale was halved. The arrival of for being the location of the baptism of Napoleon marked the end of the Arsenale, the Vivaldi. Dating from 1475 the building is docks were burned to the ground the gothic and shows no sign of the Renaissance remainder of the Venetian fleet was architecture that had begun at about the same confiscated. The Arsenale was reconstructed time. by Napoleon and was used up to the end of Near to the campo where San Giovanni WWI when it was finally closed. in Brágora sits is the infamous dark alley, the In modern times the Arsenale is open calle della Morte, the Street of Death. It is here during the Biennale only. It also now acts as a that the Council of Ten had their unofficial marine research centre funded by the EU, with executions carried out. The typically recipient further plans to modernize the buildings and of their judgment were those who were docks. considered dangerous to the state. A Heart of Stone After 2 nights of bad weather in A Lover’s Good Luck Charm November 1719, mangled bodies began Behind the church of San Giovanni in turning up. There were the bodies of two Brágora is the street called sotoportego dei sailors, one Greek and a Maltese, their bodies Pretti. Here as you walk along look up and you found outside the entrance of the Arsenale. will find a arch with a brick heart at the top. If There was no apparent reason for their deaths touched by two lovers they are destined to be or connection between the men. Even stranger together forever. was that the sailors appeared to have been If alone, the person can make a wish killed by wild animals. After much speculation and if made with a true heart they will find blame was laid upon the lions of the Arsenale, love within the year. the four statues that sat proud outside the entrance to the docks. It had to be magic. Another bad spell of weather happened six nights later and another body was found in East from the San Giovanni in Brágora a crumpled mess. This sailor shared a home is the church of San Martino. Founded by nearby with his young wife, both local Paduan refugees in 593 the church is one of Venetians. A young captain was assigned to the oldest in Venice. Of course one the of the the case. A couple of days later the young grandest sights from the church are the walls widow of the recently deceased sailor, a of the Arsenale. known prostitute, stood outside a tall house The Arsenale was one of the first yelling “Murderer!” to a man, an old factories of the world, producing numerous merchant, called Fosco. The widow was livid, ships a week. The Arsenale dominates Eastern and was soon dragged away. Fosco came to Castello, the huge red brick walls looming the window and replied to her cries. “We’ll over the houses of the islands. The Arsenal is see, woman, where your boldness will take most famously seen in paintings and is the you, just wait till the next stormy night!”. The inspiration for a passage of the Inferno by the captain took note of this. The captain knew poet Dante. that the old man never left his home so he

30 instead followed the widow. The woman, now rarely used. hard up having lost her husband, now took to Past the Arsenale is the main street of the streets more often with a friend, selling her Eastern Castello, Via Garibaldi, a former body. Another storm hit 10 days later and the canal. This street is lined with shops, bars, young captain hid in a boat near the Arsenale cafes and restaurants. Following the street to entrance. In the dead of night under torrential the end and keeping right takes you the island rain a stream of fire rose from the houses of San Pietro. nearby and from it the old man appeared The church, formerly known as before the lions. First he cast a spell, freezing Castello after the castle that once stood in the the guards in place, and then Fosco read the same spot, the island is the least densely inscriptions on the lion, running his bony occupied. The church was the home of the first finger over their forms. At the apex of the gate and the church remained to the Arsenale a globe of energy formed and as the cathedral of the city until 1807. from it lighting sprung out and touched the The island is the site of the Festival of first lion. The statue was transmogrified into a Marys. Slave pirates interrupted a multiple bloodthirsty animal and attacked the widow marriage and stole away the brides. Venetian and her friend. men succeeded in bringing back the brides and The captain, overcoming his fear, the festival celebrates this with weddings of attacked the merchant, this wizard, but now two women from each district of Venice. the second lion was alive and moving to attack A strange relic of the church is the the widow. The captain struck Fosco, his Throne of St Peter. This marble seat is 13th sword plunged into the old man’s chest. With century and inscribed with in Arabic with text a flash the lions were immobile and the from the Koran. captains sword was blackened. The wizard Along the Via Garibaldi is are the was gone, but there was a stone heart on the public gardens, in particular the Giardini ground. The guards awoke and rushed to the Pubblici and the adjoining gardens that are aid of the women and the captain, while the used for the Biennale arts festival. third lion was half alive, the captain taking it upon himself to decapitate the beast. The head San Marco did not simply fall away, but rose into the air On the eastern side of the Grand Canal, and exploded. sitting to the south of Cannaregio and the east The reason for this death was put down of Castello is sestiere of San Marco. The to the widows dead husband swindling the region is the centre of Venice. The district is merchant. The other men were just decoys. dominated by the where the The head of the third lion was replaced, of Palazzo Ducale and the Basilica di San Marco course it is easy to check which of the lions is stand. the third one. To this day the inscription on the The Piazza lies to the south east corner lions is still visible, if not worn, and is of the district. It is bordered by the Palazzo, supposedly the runic graffiti of a Norse the Basilica, the Procuratie Vecchie, mercenary. Procuratie Nuove and the Libreria Sansoviniana. The first Palazzo Ducale was built in th th Nearby to the Arsenale are the Museo the 9 century, and in the 12 century the rest Storico Navale and the church of San Biagio. of the land was made available as a public The museum is located in an old granary and space, with canals redirected and removed. houses the numerous documents that detail the The piazza in general hasn’t changed since the th history of the Venetian . One curious item 12 century save for the buildings that now here is a manned torpedo. stand on square. The piazza is a nexus for the The church of San Biagio served the tourist trade of Venice. In the past the area was local Greeks, and serves as a naval chapel and used for markets, moneylenders, the slave

31 trade, and a variety of stalls. These days things Syrian monograms. Deciphered, two read “A are not much different. The large open space is God supreme, ultimate, maximum, often filled with tourist groups taking photos, benefactor”, “To God advocate and saviour”. purchasing gifts from the shops that look out Another is still legible while another is lost to onto the square, coffee shops, and feeding the time. thousands of pigeons whose presence is seen Within the Basilica there are a as more of a problem as their droppings numerous points of interest, including a damage the fine buildings that make up the number of tombs of dead doges, the many piazza. Notable places to drink while in the mosaics that decorate the interior of the piazza are the Florian, a 18th century tea house and ceilings, and the collection of artefacts that once used to be a salon, the art in the taken from around the world. The inside of house still reflecting this past trade, the Quadri this cathedral is unlike any , and the Lavena. Thus even in modern times and is more like an eastern mosque. The the Piazza San Marco is a focal point of remains of Saint Mark are more than likely Venetian trade, life and festivities. destroyed, immolated during the fire of 976, The Basilica di San Marco looms over but there is the golden altar screen, the Pala the piazza, the domes of the Basilica d’Oro, a dramatic piece that has grown and dominating skyline. The Basilica is been added to over the years, especially to representative of the Venetian goal of having include the jewels taken during the 4th crusade. their city blessed by God. Their actions to If the altar screen is a mass of jewels bring about an ancient prophecy, to make the then the treasury is just as eclectic, hosting a words of an angel come to pass. large collection of chalices, icons, works of The Basilica was consecrated in 832 silver and gold. Most was taken from and reflects a mixture of western and Constantinople during the 4th crusade, but then Byzantine design. However the current a lot has been lost when the French invaded Basilica is the third to have been built on this during the 18th century. spot. These reconstructions have allowed for numerous different styles and pieces of art to be incorporated into the building, items that Too Much to List have been stolen from across the world. If you really want to know the Basilica Initially the Basilica was just the Doge’s and the Palazzo inside out it is suggested that personal chapel, but now it serves as the you go online or pick up a reference book or cathedral of Venice. guide book. There is just far too much to list The outside of the Basilica is here, but every piece of art, every item, every characterized by the Byzantine domes and sculpture could be a story hook just waiting to arches. However, these eastern features are happen. accompanied with 17th-19th mosaics, gothic arches, and the Tetrarchs, the four giant bronze horses of San Marco. Legend has it that these horses once had rubies for eyes, but these were The Palazzo Ducale, just like the lost when the horses were taken to France. As Basilica, is not the first building to stand in its th a result these horses now are said to move, spot. The first was built in the 9 century and searching the piazza for their lost eyes, and destroyed by fire in 976. The second was also now, with electric lighting, the horses no ruined by a fire in 1106. The third was finished longer move. But, the original horses now sit in 10 years and underwent further extensions within Museo Marciano, while those on top of and alteration over the following centuries. the Basilica are fakes. The Palazzo Ducale is a mixture of eastern and Other notable items that adorn the gothic styles, bearing striking geometrically Basilica are the two square columns from . pattern stonework on the exterior, with a more These columns are covered in Egyptian and Classical styled central courtyard. The central

32 courtyard is dominated by the Scala dei 14th the Campanile collapsed. The collapse Giganti. This enormous staircase is watched was expected and so only a cat died. More over by the Classical figures of Neptune and miraculous was that the Campanile fell in a Mars. controlled manner and the nearby buildings The Palazzo itself is was the centre of escaped with only minor damage. Ten years the Venetian Empire. It served as palace, later the Campanile was reopened, rebuilt administration centre and prison. Like the exactly as it was. To the north end of the Basilica the Palazzo is filled with art and Piazza, next to the Basilica is the Torre artefacts and today is open to the public as a dell’Orologio, a clock tower built at the end of museum displaying the art and weapons of the the 15th century. Legend has it that the Venetian Empire. The most notable room designers had their eyes taken out to prevent within the entire palace is the Sala del Senato, them from making another such clock. where the painting on the ceiling by Tintoretto The Procuratie Vecchie sits to the left show Venice, depicted by a woman, sat as an of the west of the clock tower. This building equal amongst the gods and angels. Within the was once home to part of the Venice armory are curious items like a pronged administration, with the upper levels being chastity belt, a guns that were also swords or given over as apartments to the nobles of the maces, armor and swords taken from around city. New buildings were established for the the world, and even a twenty-barrelled gun. administration, the Procuratie Nuove, now The prisons lie across from the palace home to the . These new offices, on the other side of a canal. Going through the first built by Scamozzi, but then under the appeal court the prisons are reached crossing leadership of Longhena. The two buildings the Ponte dei Sospiri, the ‘’. were then connected when Napoleon’s stepson The name comes from the sighs made by the demolished the church that sat in the west prisoners as they cross the bridge from the wing of the square, just so that a ballroom palace to the prison. could be built to connect the two. The Piazzetta lies between the Palazzo The Museuo Correr has existed since and the Libreria Sansoviniana. It runs from the 1923 and is not the most popular of museums, Basilica and the Campanile and leads down but contains numerous paintings and examples onto the water front overlooking the lagoon. It of Venetian life. Maybe one of the more curios was here that councilors of the Republic would items on display is a key that was capable of meet, and it was also where public executions firing poison darts. took place. The typical location was between The attached Museo Archeologico the two granite pillars on the stretch of water collection is predominantly made up of statues front called the Molo. There were supposed to of Greek and Roman origin. The collection be two of these columns but the first fell from also consists of coins, gems, statue fragments the boat that carried them. Atop one of the and pieces from other ancient civilizations. columns is a statue of St Theodore, the patron The rest of the Correr consists of more saint of Venice during Byzantine rule, and the paintings of Venetian life, ceramics, and the other column carries a statue of a winged lion. Museo del Risorgimento, a collection detailing The Campanile bell tower was the fall of Venice to Napoleon and the originally a lighthouse and bell tower occupation by the Austrians. combined, constructed in the 10th century. It is Adjacent to the Molo, looking out onto the tallest building in Venice and from it the the lagoon, is the Zecca and the Giardinetti Dolomite mountains can be seen. The bells of Reali. The Zecca once served as the mint for the tower each had a specific function, rung to the Venetian Republic. This building was denote the start of a particular part of the day. constructed in the mid 16th century and was The Campanile also played a part in the penal designed to be fireproof. The funds for the system, with prisoners hung from the south construction were gathered by selling the face in a crate. However, in 1902 on July the Cypriot slaves their freedom. It is from the

33 word Zecca, that the other name for the Benedetto is the Museo Fortuny, another Venetian coin, the , was derived, the former palazzo. The Palazzo Mocenigo is the zecchino. The gardens next door, the location where Byron stayed and indulged in a Giardinetti Reali, which was once the site of number of affairs, and it is also rumored to be the state granaries and now is one of the most haunted by the alchemist Giordano Bruno. popular spots during the height of summer. From the Piazza San Marco and Heading north under the Torre heading west to the canal to the Pazzo dell’Orologio is the area known as the Mocenigo we pass another large shopping Mercerie, a section of the city that is crammed district and a number of exclusive bars and with shops and in essence the shopping mall of hotels. There are also the churches of San Venice, and is also the most busy part of the Moise and Santa Maria del Giglio. San Moise city, and also the part that is so commercial is known as the most ugly church in Venice. In that the very essence of Venice is missing. comparison the church of Santa Maria del But, if you follow your way north to the Rialto Giglio is far more beautiful and features a bridge past the shops and busy stalls square of number of pieces of art and religious artifacts. Campo San Bartolomeo can be found, a North of Santa Maria Giglio is campo popular spot for the locals of the city to spent San Fantin, the church of San Fantin, and the the evening after work. Nearby, past the theatre La Fenice, and the eclectic museum the church of San Salvador, is Campo San Luca Ateneo Veneto. The main site of importance is and the bar, Al Volto. The Al Volto is one of the theatre, which lives up to its name of the most popular and well stocked bars in ‘Phoenix’. Over the centuries it has been Venice and hosts some 1300 wines from all rebuilt after being consumed by fires, the most over Italy. recent taking place in 1996. These days the Heading north and right from the theatre is the location of major musical events. church of San Salvador is the Campo San Further westward is the large campo Bartolomeo. The church has been recently Santo Stefano. The church sits at the north end renovated, and now the church plays host to of the square. As a large space it often plays musicians for their recitals. host to festivals and events, and often held bull Rather than heading north from the fights until 1802. Also facing onto this large Rialto bridge, heading south, following the space is the Palazzo Loredan. At the other side Grand Canal, there is the Teatro Goldoni, and of campo is the campiello Pisani which is further on the Palazzo Loredan, the Palazzo encompassed by the Palazzo Pisani, which is Farsetti, both of which now are home to the one of the largest houses and now acts as the town hall of the city. Behind these buildings is city Conservatory of Music. the church of San Luca and the Campo San Finally if we follow the Grand Canal Luca. The square is a frequent open air spot from the Palazzo Mocenigo are the Palazzo for locals, as well as market traders. Grassi, the Ca’del Duca, the Palazzo Heading back towards San Marco is Franchetti and the Palazzo della Ca’Grande. Campo Manin and the Frezzeria. The Campo The Grassi is host to a large collection of Manin is modern and was where a printing modern art, owned by the French collector press once stood, and has a monument to Pinault. Possibly one of the most impressive , a lawyer who in 1848 led a sights is the Ponte dell’ Accademia. This revolt against the Austrians. A notable piece of wooden bridge was to be just a temporary architecture is the Scala del Bovolo. This replacement for the grim iron bridge that was spiral staircase, named after the Italian for built by the Austrians. snail shell. Continuing south down the Grand The Northern Isles Canal from the town hall are the Palazzos Grimani, Corner Spinelli, Mocengio and the Venice is predominantly known for the church of San Benedetto. Near to San main island and it’s network of canals. However, about Venice are a number of

34 smaller islands that are also important sites of larger open spaces. It was also home to a historical interest, and also play a major part in renowned accademie, and here the sciences, modern Venetian society. arts, philosophy, religion, the occult and literature were discussed. San Michele The glass from Murano was famous all San Michele lies a short distance from over the world, and even today tourist flock to Venice to the north, and is the city cemetery. the islands to watch the manufacturing Originally just the island of San Christoforo process. In 1291 all glass blowing was moved della Pace the island was chosen as the from central Venice to the island in order to location of the city cemetery by Napoleonic prevent fires from consuming the city. Such edict. The reason was sanitation, in order to was the importance of Murano glass the prevent the spread of disease which can occur Venetian government attempted to prevent the if bodies are kept on the main island. The secrets of the art from leaving the island, with island is in fact two islands that have been those glass blowers that left being called connected together, the other being the island traitors. of San Michele, which was formerly known as The island is home to a number of Cavana de Muran, the name referencing the attractions; churches and palazzos which boast fact that the island offered shelter to those their own pieces of art and historical boatmen who were travelling to and from collections. Murano. The island is a surrounded on all sides by high walls, and within is the church of San Burano sits next the quite island of Michele in Isola. The cemetery itself is home . Once Mazzorbo was the location to the Catholic dead of Venice, packed where disgraced nobles would be sent. together. After ten years the graves are dug up Mazzorbo can be reached from Burano by a and the bones moved to the ossuary and the long foot bridge. plot is then available to more recent dead. Burano on the other hand has a small settlement of brightly coloured houses. The colours, if it is to be believed, allowed sailors The Cosmographer to spot his home from the sea. One of the residents of the island was Burano is also well known for it’s lace. Fra Mauro. The priest was a skilled map Lace is what the sailor’s wives made while maker, and people did not know how it was their husbands were at sea. possible for him to draw maps of lands that he had not visited himself. Legend has it that the priest was able to read the dreams of the Devil. Torcello was one of the first islands to His skill, if legend is to believed, was to be be settled, and as a result boasts some of the able to project the Devil’s dreams onto the oldest buildings and the oldest church in the skies above the island, the maps forming in the lagoon. Now, compared to the other islands, it clouds. is practically deserted save for the tourists that come in the summer months. One strange feature in Torcello is the chair of Attila, a seat which the town judges sat in and that legend Murano says that if you sit in it you will be wed within the year. Murano, further north of Venice, just beyond San Michele, is well known for the Lazzaretto Nuovo fine glass that is blown there. In the past the This island served the purpose of noble elite of Venice would retreat to the controlling those travelers arriving in Venice, island in the summer, taking advantage of the in particular to route out the plague infected.

35 While the sick and their belonging were sent hotels line the Lido. south of Venice to Lazzaretto Vecchi, the One important site and event that takes healthy crew of a ship were held in place on the Lido in modern times is the on Nuovo. These days the island is quiet, Venice Film Festival which takes place at the empty save for a warehouse which lies Palazzo del Cinema. The Lido is also the abandoned, and the island still is surrounded location of the Jewish cemetery, and nearby by the fortifications erected during the the Lido airstrip. Napoleonic period. Onwards to Chioggia The Southern Isles , a small island south of Venice once was where plague victims were taken by the Romans, and was routinely used This small island just a few hundred by the Venetians as hospital island and plague meters south from the Piazza San Marco is the pit. It is estimated that 160,000 people died on site of the church of San Giogio Maggiore. the island. More disturbing is that in 1922 the The church is enormous, taking 45 years to island was a mental hospital and rumor states build, and has it’s own towering campanile that a doctor there began to kill patients and which gives a grander view of the city died after being thrown from the bell tower. compared to the San Marco Campanile. The But the same legend states that he survived the church boasts a number of paintings, a few fall and only to be strangled by a mist that examples by Titian, and the island also is came up from the ground. Today the island is a home to a monastry, with the area also being vineyard, and of course is said to be haunted. used as an open air theatre. Chioggia, sitting to the south of the . A Roman port and a salt La producing town, the town was of strategic importance, and today is the second largest Running from San Giorgio Maggiore settlement in the lagoon and an important and sweeping west, just south Dorsoduro, the fishing port. Chioggia claims as good beaches collection of islands, La Giudecca, once was and food as the Lido, but only at a fraction of home to the Jewish population until their the cost, making it an ideal choice for those removal to the Ghetto. The islands were once a that want the feel of the Lido without being place were the nobles of the city spent their moviestars. summer. For this reason La Giudecca has a Another curious island is San Lazzaro number of fine gardens. The islands also were degli Armeni, which lies just to the north of once a industrial centre of the city, but in the Lido, and near to Lazzaretto Vecchio. This modern times these workshops and factories island was used as a leper colony in th late 12th lie abandoned. However, the area is being century, and so is named Lazzaro after slowly regenerated as old mills and warhouses Lazarus, the patron saint of lepers. The island are turned into modern homes. has a library which has a collection of strange The Lido items, such as a mummy from Egypt, a throne of ivory an teak from Dehli, a Sanskrit The lido is a long stretch of land that is Buddhist manuscript and many more items one of the barriers between the Adriatic and from around the world. the Venetian Lagoon. It is here that the Doge would have performed his ritual marriage to The Veneto the sea (see page XXX). The Lido was undeveloped until the 19th century, with the Venice sits in the region of Italy known land becoming a bathing resort, and now is as the Veneto. This area is bordered to the one of the most luxurious and expensive north by Austria and the Dolomite mountain resorts in the world. Now numerous flashy range. It is here that many wealthy Italians go

36 skiing during the winter month. To the south Padua lies the city of , and to the west is Padua is a medieval university city that Mantova and Milan. The other key towns and lies south-west of Venice, just near the river cities of the Veneto are the industrial Brenta, a river along which many Venetians in nightmare of Mestre, the university town of centuries past would have had villas as their Padua, the modern and wealthy city of summer retreats. Vicenza, the historic and Shakespearian Padua was restored after WWII and is Verona, and the medieval city of Treviso. one of the key focal points of culture in northern Italy. The city dates back to 1185 BC, Marghera and Mestre and is said to have been founded by Antenor Mestre sits at the other end of the of Troy. It survived the invasion of the bridge connecting Venice to the mainland. barbarians after the fall of Rome. The Because of cost of living in Venice is so university was founded in 1221, and in 1405 expensive, Mestre, and it’s neighbouring town the city was taken over by the Venetian of Marghera, boast far larger populations. Republic, and was in turn given to the After WWI both towns became important Austrians after Napoleon’s invasion. industrial centres, these towns growing in Padua renown for culture can be importance under the command of Mussolini’s attributed to such artists and scholars such as government. Of course this meant that during Dante, Petrarch, Donatello and Galileo. WWII both towns were of strategic importance There are many points of interest in and targets for the Allied forces. Padua. The university itself, situated in the The presence of these two industrial Palazzo del Bò. The university also boasts the centres meant that the younger population of first permanent anatomy theatre, and that it the Venice lagoon moved to the towns and the once enjoyed the prestige of having Galileo average age of the islands increased, further lecturing physics. There are many fine town propagating Venice’s slow decline and houses and villas centered around the two decrease in numbers of native Venetians. But main squares, the Piazza della Frutta and the more drastic has been the pollution and Piazza della Erbe. Both of these market ecological problems that these towns have squares are busy and are lined with cafes, created in the lagoon. The large chemical shops and bars. Of course Padua also has refineries, that create the labyrinthine maze of many historic churches and museum filled pipes and lights seen from above when flying with art, in particular the Basilica del Santo. to Marco Polo airport, have pumped out Just south of Padua are two other untreated waste into the lagoon, damaging the medieval sites. The first is Monsélice, a ecosystem and thus the livelihoods of the local fortress which only retains its towers, the five fishermen. This pollution came to the attention concentric walls having been demolished in of the world when people in gondolers were the 19th century for their stone. The second is forced to wear face masks. Since 1988 the Montagnana, another medieval fortress and Italian government has implemented a number was once the first line of defense for the Da of initiatives to undo the damage done. Carra family against the Scaligeri family. Another consequence of the intense Between these two medieval forts is industrialization of the two towns has been the town of Este, which is well known for it’s subsidence. Water was drawn from beneath ceramics and claims to be the oldest town in the lagoon causing subsidence, and the the Veneto. This claim of age is backed up by catastrophe was averted when in 1973 water large numbers of pre-Roman artefacts. was pumped back in beneath the lagoon. What cannot be stressed is that these Vicenza two towns are modern and urban nightmares, West of Padua is Vicenza, a very crisscrossed with piplines, motorways, rail modern city, the centre of Italian textile lines, and are bleak and depressing. production and is also the Italian “Silicon

37 Valley”. encircled by medieval walls, of which the Vicenza has many buildings that mirror grand Portoni dell Brà. Beyond these arches is the design of those found in Venice. Before it the main city square and the Roman arena. The was taken by the Venetian Republic Vicenza’s Arena dates to the first century AD and has main rival was Verona. Vicenza is surrounded survived even earthquakes. These days the by industrial estates, but at the heart is the arena is used for open air concerts and shows. remains of a ancient town, still partly circled West of the arena is Castelvecchio, a by Gothic medieval walls. fortress that was built during the 14th century Vicenza is one of the wealthiest cities before the rule of Venice. The fort now is the in Italy, and this is reflected in the culture and city museum and holds a collection of art, the people themselves, the population being weapons and sculptures. some of the most stylish outside of Milan. The cultural centre of Verona is the In the heart of Vicenza is one of the Piazza delle Erbe, a square filled with shops oldest clock towers in Italy, the Torre di and bars, bordered by medieval and Piazza. Nearby to this tower, over looking the Renaissance palazzo. The Casa Mazzanti looks Piazza dell’Erbe is the Torre del Tormento, upon the square, and to this day still bears the which was what is was named, a prison. What 16th century murals. Nearby to the square are is most striking is the style of many of the the towers of Torre del Gardello and the Torre cities buildings, most of which were designed dei Lamberti. Leading from the Piazza delle by Pallido, who followed classical designs Erbe is the Arco della Costa. The ‘arch of the instead of following Venetians trends. Notable rib’, from which a whales rib hangs, has a works are the Basilica, the , superstition attached which says that if an and the Palazzo dei Signori. adult virgin walks beneath the arch the rib will fall. Verona Beyond the arch is the Piazza dei Verona is ancient, and obviously. At Signori, also known as Piazza Dante for the it’s centre is the massive Roman arena, the statue of the poet that stands in the square. The amphitheatre and the large number of square was the location where city decrees medieval buildings that still stand. Verona is were read out but these days now stands quiet. obviously famous in it’s own right, in Verona has impressive churches and particular it is the location where cathedrals. The largest are the church of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet takes place. Sant’Anastasia, a tall and imposing Gothic But Verona can also be seen as an example of building, and the Duomo. The Duomo, how Venice could have looked if the city was destroyed by the Nazis in 1945, was rebuilt not left to rot. from the original stones. The building has been Verona sits further west of Vicenza and in a state of constant construction and so was an important Roman site as it sat between changes in style as you move up the building. the west and east of northern Italy and Europe. The northern end of the city centre is After the fall of Rome Verona was controlled marked by the curve of the River Adige. by Ostrogoths, then Franks, and it grew into a Across the river to the north of Sant’Anastasia powerful independent state before it became is the Teatro Romano, a Roman amphiteatre part of the Venetian Republic in 1405. Before which is still used today for concerts. Up the then Verona had taken control of Vicenza, steep steps to the side of the amphitheatre is Padua and Treviso, dominating the mainland. the Castel San Pietro. The castle is an Austrian Following the invasion of Napoleon Verona addition. The building is grim and a was given over to the Austrians and Verona replacement for the old Visconti castle, the eclipsed Venice in importance. castle offers a panoramic view of the city. Unlike many of the other cities, Verona Of course we have to mention Romeo is far calmer and the centre of the city is and Juliet. Near to the Piazza delle Erbe is the pedestrianized. The centre of the city is Casa di Giulietta, a courtyard where it is

38 claimed that the story took place. Of course Other important towns to the north of this is all unfounded and the walls of the Venice are Bassano del Grappa, renowned for courtyard are covered in graffiti from lovers. it grappa distilleries and mushrooms, and the The courtyard is also host to a bronze statue of grand Monte Grappa, and the curious town of Juliet. The right breast of the statue is highly Maróstica where the central town square is a polished, smoothed by the constant grip of giant chess board where every other hands upon it, holding the breast giving the September the Partita a Scacchi, a chess game person good luck in seeking love. using human pieces, is played. Treviso and the North Venetian Life and North of Mestre is the city of Treviso, Culture and onwards the mountains of the . The northern Veneto is also dotted with A Day in the Life of a impressive forts and villas. Before Treviso was Venetian taken over the Venetian Republic, the city was already important, minting it’s own coins and Venice is the fifth most expensive city attracting poets and artists. But in 1389 to rent an apartment in Italy. Compared to Treviso fell under Venetian control. other cities in the region Venice is far busier The centre of Treviso is characterized and this causes more stress on those who live by the network of canals that cut through the in Venice. 12 million tourists visit the city city, and the fresco adorned buildings, with each year, and so the economy of the city is long porticoes that cover the sidewalks. The focused upon taking advantage of this tourism. city centre is then surrounded by canals and Of course is not surprising why those that live the city walls, and the River . The city in the city feel oppressed and invaded. This centre is also a compromise of modern and has an influence on the cost of living, making Gothic architecture, the city having suffered Venice the fourth most expensive city to live terrible bombardment during WWII. Many of in. The cost of living makes life difficult for the impressive buildings about the city social the youth of Venice. It is almost impossible to centre, the Piazza dei Signori, had to be buy a first home in Venice. Most housing is reconstructed. Many of the frescos and occupied in Venice, but almost a third is used paintings in the churches and palazzi of the by short term residents who are seeking to stay city are the work of Tomaso da who in the city for a less than a month. This has lived during the 14th century. The fish market pushed the price of housing up to prices far out of the city, the Pescheria, is located on a island of reach of natives to the city. In an effort to in the middle of the widest canal, it being the curb this trend the government has introduced law to have the market near to a waterway. housing zone where rent is capped and The lies to the residents are provided tax breaks so long as west of Treviso. Five towers of the moated certain regulations are followed. The job fortress still stand, with one tower, known as market is not much better. Most young the Torrione, housing a clock. The fortress Venetians leave the city and seek better houses the work of the artist , the opportunities elsewhere. It is due to this that piece being the Castelfranco Madonna. The Venice has an aging population. painting is curious, using unusual techniques. A typical Venetian family is a large Another historical site is Cittadella, group, where the grandparents are looked after which lies next to Castelfranco Veneto. by their children who have moved back to live Cittadella remains untouched, a fortified town in the traditional family home. Children with four gates at the cardinal points. The one remain with their parents until they are gate, the Porta Padova, sits next to the married, and so a Venetian home can be very ominous tower the Torre di , a former tightly packed. prison and dungeon. The main focus of family life is the

39 Sunday meal, where the family and relatives being a positive influence on their health. gather together. It is also very common for a Those elderly Venetians that require more family to remain in the same district of intensive care are looked after by Batandi. Venice, and so the local communities are These individuals are nurses who are often of tightly knit. Eastern European descent. One of the defining features of Venice is the need to walk to get to somewhere. The Venice Social Life lack of transport, especially cars, creates a Venice is geared towards offering unique Venetian lifestyle. Walking around everything it can to the tourist that pour into means that you are more than likely to bump the city. But this means that true Venetian life into someone you know. It is this lifestyle of must be located off the main street. random encounters that makes Venice so The Venetian social life is relaxed for the residents. If you meet someone distinguished by the bácaro. These bars open along the way you can pause for a few out onto the streets, allowing patrons to stand moments and have a chat before continuing and chat on the streets while they drink wine on. This also means that you are more than and Campari, and serving a selection of likely to meet new people as you chance upon snacks. Osterie are larger establishments you friends and their own friends. This makes which have a dining area of a few tables. Of Venice a very social city. It also means that the course larger places are restaurants, which in entire lack of cars makes Venice laid back. No Venice have two menus. Typically there is a one is rushing about, stuck in a car and getting menu that is focused on serving the tourists, frustrated in a traffic jam. Your pace is and so lacks quality. Most of the best determined on how quick you want to walk. restaurants of course lie far from the main Venice is a quiet city, and has no real attractions of the city. Of course pizza is a night life to speak of. If seeking such readily available meal, while seafood caught in distractions it is typical for young Venetians to the Adriatic is the specialty of Venice. go to Mestre and the mainland. This lack of If sweet snacks are in order Venice is night life makes Venice ideal for young in no short supply of such vendors. Numerous families who seek to raise their children in a cafés and pasticcerie line the streets, and often pleasant and calm city. In fact Venice is a city these vendors also serve alcohol. These pastry of opposites for it’s youth. It has the excellent shops are filled in the early mornings as university, but no jobs for those who leave. It Venetians stop of for a quick bite and coffee has a unique and exciting environment that before continuing on to work. Of course the nurtures a social community, but of course not other main feature Venice is the large number the exciting night life that young professionals of places to buy ice cream. and students enjoy. Venice is a place to learn The Venetian nightlife has died out as and then leave. A sign of this disharmony is the city has become more overrun with the amount of graffiti that covers the back tourists. But even though it is quiet there are a alley walls of Venice. number of places to go beyond the theatres and The community life is a strong feature concert halls. of the lifestyle of the older Venetians. Most One of the busiest locations is the older Venetians have lived in Venice all their Fondamenta della Misericordia in Cannaregio, life while some have returned after following a and Dorsoduro. Here bars are busy affairs with career elsewhere in Italy or the world. Of plenty of music playing. There are just two course one of the major challenges for the nightclubs in Venice, the best being a elderly of Venice is mobility. Venice is all members only venue called Club Malvasia about walking, bridges and boats, all of which Vecchia which is near to the Fenice. The other become difficult for the elderly and infirm. club is a student favourite called Round However, a good proportion of the elderly Midnight. Otherwise for a decent night out population is attribute this need to walk as there are just the clubs in Mestre, Marghera,

40 and Jesolo. Jesolo sits north of Venice on the edge of the lagoon, and it a difficult place to get back from in the early hours. The route from Jesolo to Venice is a stretch of road that has the highest death toll in Italy, mainly due to the intoxicated youth that drive back from Jesolo to Venice. One other option is the casino. Situated in Palazzo Vendramin-Calergi on the Grand Canal. Those who go there to gamble must dress accordingly and must be over the age of 18. Most of the gamblers are those affluent youth from the mainland.

Venetian Festivals Venice is of course famous for its carnival, something that we have explained in detail in the introduction of this book. But there are other important festivals in Venice that take place over the course of the year. The Biennale is an arts festival, taking place every two years (on odd numbered years). The focus of the event is contemporary art, but is also tied to architecture, dance and film. The festival takes place in the Giardini where a number of pavilions are set up for a number of countries. There is also a larger hall which is managed by the curator of the event. Making up part of the Biennale, but also running every year, is the Venice Film Festival. The festival is the oldest of its kind and plays host to famous directors and screen icons. Held in late August to early September the festival is located on the Lido, with screenings of upcoming films being held in the Palazzo del Cinema. Other key festivals are All Saints Day, and the Feast of . The latter festival celebrates the end of the plague and the salvation of Venice, for which the church was built. On the 21st of November a floating bridge is laid out that connects the church to the main islands of Venice.

41 Chapter Two Behind the Mask

“All great things must first wear terrifying and monstrous masks in order to inscribe themselves on the hearts of humanity.” - Friedrich Nietzsche

The Changelings and Denizens of Venice

tall, tearing vines, and were interconnected by The City of a Thousand a next work of trods that wound their way Faces through the Hedge, only accessible by water. Venice since the beginning has been a For whatever reason changelings were refuge for people of all cultures, beginning drawn to Venice due to protection the city with Veneti who fled the invasion of the Huns. offered. A true freehold defended against the Venice, the collection of marshy islands Fae by the Hedge itself. But as the reputation defended by sand banks and the lagoon of the city grew the defences in the Hedge barriers themselves offered the perfect were worn away and soon the largest trod ever protection from the invaders, and would do for known was formed. The Lion’s Tail Trod as it the next sixteen centuries. Even in the early came to be known, was formed in 828. With days of Venice changelings have coexisted the arrival of the body of St Mark to the city with the ragtag collection of colonists and an influx of escaping changelings arrived in fishermen. The earliest legends that the the city. The large number of changelings changelings keep recall that a changeling of marched out of the Hedge and into the city. the Elemental Seeming, simply known as For some reason Venice was a beacon to the Mother of Pearl. She called out to the sea and Lost and attracted fleeing changelings made a pact with it. In return for her soul and regardless of where they had been stolen from. herself the sea would provide the changelings The initial changeling court of Venice of the island all the protection they needed. was ruled by the Court of Water, in honour of Mother of Pearl then walked out into the sea the pact made by Mother of Pearl. Water was and vanished, and the changelings of the city both the element that gave Venice life and also were safe from the True Fae. The Hedge about allowed it to kill. Water was sustaining and Venice took on a new form. The marshy vines unforgiving, and in these early days the and stagnant pools shifted and were reshaped changelings of the city engaged in ceremonies by the sea into a maze of tall arching vines, and Pledges with the sea to ensure that the almost as if the Hedge itself had hidden the Hedge was maintained. However, as islands from the Gentry. The marshy islands in changelings arrived from other places within the Hedge were surrounded on all sides by the Europe the Court of Water was replaced with

42 the seasonal courts. No matter which court climate many were taking the chance to settle ruled the position of King or Queen of the old scores. It was only when a number of seasonal court was referred to as Doge, and changelings of the allied to the seas made a was elected by members of their own court. gruesome discovering did the true But even these elected Doges were not foolish ramifications of the Pledge hit home. enough to forget the Pledge made by Mother The rebels, through disguise or magic of Pearl. had sought out and kidnapped 37 children, all As the population of changelings in the of whom who had been born at sea. These city grew the courts became more elaborate, treasured ones that the sea loved most were their rites and practices becoming long and then ritually slain, their throats cut and bled at dependent upon the acknowledgement of each points about the islands of Venice, forming a others rank. The changelings were nobles in large fairy circle. These children would act as their own right, merchants of dreams, traders candles to direct the Gentry to the city. When of wishes, curses and enchantments were their the courts learnt of this it was too late. On the coin. But as the wealth and security of the last day of Carnival the following year a great changelings became greater, so did their number of True Fae invaded the city, dragging apathy and complacency. Unknown to the off changeling and mortal to their citadels in courts the changelings had traitors amongst Arcadia. themselves and they had been hard at work Over the course of 40 nights the now for some time. changeling population of Venice was halved The Pledge made by Mother of Pearl to and the Hedge defences were torn to shreds, the sea was powerful indeed, and its catch was now the trods led out of Venice and allowed shrouded in mystery. A group of rebels, the Fae in. One particular Gentry who struck seeking to bring down the city and its court fear and awe in the hearts of the courts was searched the city for the catch, the loophole, Commodore Fathom, Master of the Leviathan, and after much searching found it. It was well His Eyes of Blackest Pearl. Arriving in a bank known that when a person dies in the sea their of fog Commodore Fathom unleashed a horde soul must float along the waters, holding a of hobgolins, his crew of his baroque ship, the candle hoping that the Ferryman will pluck Fathom. The hobgoblins, a Wyrd shaping of them from the waves and take them onto the crustaceans and sharks and cephalopods other side. But the Pledge of Mother of Pearl stalked the streets of Venice and captured with the sea relied on the sea being treated numerous humans and changelings who would with respect by the changelings of Venice. be forced to man the Leviathan for the crab That it should not be soiled or else the sea like Commodore. would be angry at the changelings and their With the hunt over and the remaining vices. Through careful observation the rebels changelings of the city now living in fear of noted that the trods through the Hedge became further attacks, many went into hiding. Others more open when a child died in the waters of took on a more martial stance, rooting out the the lagoon. But worse was when men had and rebels who had led the True Fae killed them and thrown them into the waters to to the city that they had thought was safe. For remove the evidence. the next few years the Seasonal Courts took Over the course of a year at the end of hold in Venice and the changelings, looking the 13th century the traitors stole away children for someone to blame turned upon each other from every district and from every level of with the Courts constantly bickering. Some society. Rumours of that the True Fae had could see that this could not last forever and somehow found a way to the city started to be there was a need for stability and a leader that spread, and the control of the city by the courts transcended the Courts and the old pledges and was crumbling. Venice was bursting at the contracts with the sea. seams with changelings and now in this bitter

43 The Pact of the Broken Mask In 1427 the changelings of Venice were once more under siege from the predatory Gentry. Children were stolen, women went missing, and some people were found murdered, victims of the foul tastes of the Keepers. Once more the Leviathan was docked in the Venetian lagoon, its hold filled with fresh slaves. For one changeling enough was enough. Though his name is lost to time and the pledge that he forged his legacy still lives on. It was early February and the festival of Carnival had been in full swing since the end of Christmas. The people of the city were decorated in masks and gaudy attire, and none could tell the difference between servant and master. The revelry and disguises and costumes would be the very tool to protect the changelings of the city. The ancient ritual of the Carnival embodied the needs of the changelings of Venice. It allowed for the indulgence of the Spring Court, the displays of martial prowess of the Summer Court, the mystic rites of the Autumn Court, and the ability to hide in the open of the Winter Court. On the night of the full moon, on the last day of Carnival the changeling, using a knife of glass cut his own face from his skull. He collected the blood that fell from his ragged visage, an offering to Bacchus, and incinerated the tattered remains of his face in honour of Saturn. In the final act the changeling, their gender is even a mystery now as it was then, donned an all concealing mask of many colours, reciting a Latin verse to the god Janus. The new Doge of the changelings was born, and so was the Pact of the Carnival and the new Court of the Carnival. His first act as Doge was dramatic and terrifying to the other Lost of the city. During a gathering of the changelings before the Winter Queen, Francesca Blue Lips, the Frozen Tears of a Hundred Lovers, the Doge marched in, adorned in gold and silver and red. His mask shifted with each step and a smile would become a frown with every whisper in his presence. All of the freehold looked on in awe and fear as he stepped forward brandishing in one hand a mighty sword made

44 of a narwhal’s horn, and in the other he held could operate so easily and the Lost were now high the head of a twisted serpent like being. open to express their opinions before the Doge Blood dripped from its severed neck and the without fear of repercussions. The masks tongue dangled slack from the cruel smile. ensured that the members of the Freehold had One of the Lost present immediately to work together. But there were also other recognised the harrowing visage upon the head benefits. Balls and parties increased as the as her Keeper and wept knowing at last she no Lost found that the Gentry were now longer had to fear being taken back to their hampered by power of the Doge, and no bestial realm in Arcadia. longer could they identify their old slaves. The Winter Queen was rightly shocked by this interruption and demanded to know The Court of Carnival who this new arrival was. In response the The Court of Carnival, also known as changeling strode forward, threw the head of the Court of a Thousand Masks, the Harlequin the Keeper to the base of her throne and Court, the Court of Ecstasy, the Violet Court. proclaim aloud, ‘I am Doge, if you like it! I The Court of the Carnival grew and prospered. come to you now to claim Venice as the Every year new Lost poured in from the Lion’s domain of the Court of the Carnival. You, my Tail trod, and in Venice they found refuge and subjects, can now live without fear, in plain security. The Gentry themselves also came sight, free to enjoy life as you once did, and into Venice, but masked by the power of protected from those who would otherwise Carnival the changelings of the city were able take freedom from you!’ to drag the True Fae into a world of madness All about the Lost bowed in respect, and ecstasy from which that they could not seeing that the very aspect of Winter was even escape. It is in these parties of wine and banished from the court, the Winter Queen meat and music that the unfortunate True Fae herself shrinking in stature and finding that lost all sense of themselves, finding human upon their faces were now masks of all emotions and worst of all, human weakness. varieties and their mien now banished. Music Prone and drunk on the human condition the could be heard in the wake of the new Doge, Lost would strike upon their ‘Guests’ dragging wine and sweets could be tasted on the air. The them before the Doge before either Winter Queen, acknowledging her new ruler incarceration or execution. asked what was to become of herself and her For a time peace and tranquillity cousins within the other courts. The Doge said, reigned in Venice. That was until the Doge that if they liked, they would become his was assassinated. advisors and leaders of the Seasonal Houses The identity of the Doge is always an that would comprise the court of the Carnival, unknown. The power of Carnival means that and that so long as the Carnival was respected whenever someone assumes the mantle of then so would the seasons. The Queen bowed Doge all history and knowledge of that person and looked for similar gestures from members becomes masked by the Wyrd. Others may of the other courts and at once their masks remember the person but assume they left for shifted and their regalia of power evaporated some other city, or that they died or were taken away, for only the Doge would be allowed to back by the True Fae. Either way all memory see past all masks within his Court. of the identity of the Doge is clouded, while Over the coming year the nature of this the old Doge reassumes their old life as if they new Court was fully understood. The presence had always been there, whilst forgetting of of masks and the shrouding of the mien within their time as Doge. It is for this reason that the the presence of the Doge ensured that all first ever assassination of the Doge came as appeared equal before the Doge. But it also quite a surprise to the Lost of Venice. meant that no changeling could be certain of One of the Gentry, a self made master the identity of who they were talking to within of mirrors and masks found their entire notion court, meaning that conspiracies no longer of Venice to his dislike. He was insulted that

45 these wayward slaves, even some of his own, skull as his new face. Carnival had been acted as if they were lords and ladies because appeased, and a new Doge had risen from the they had the immunity granted them by the ashes. Pact of Carnival. This True Fae, a jealous fiend, Her Body of Cackling Wine, sort to Charnel House, Ebon show the Lost of Venice the error of their Palace ways. She would find the Doge and pluck out The mid 16th century saw Venice hit his eyes to show all of the fouls creatures that with plague and the city dwindled in power. nothing comes without some sort of price. The Lost, once the dominant force of Venice, Through intrigue and dark pacts Cackling now had to tackle the strange vampires and Wine duped and seduced a number of the Lost ghosts snuck into the city, taking advantage of of Venice, bending them to her will so that the the chaos. Fingers were pointed at these Pat of Carnival could be uncovered. This cat entities for bringing disease to the city, but and mouse game continued for many nights these were only suspicions. With Venice and years as Cackling Wine discovered more reduced by death and destruction the House of about the Carnival, more about this ancient Winter, the Ca’ d’Ghiaccio, flourished. The festival. And it was by understanding it that swell of mourners and feelings of loss brought this True Fae discovered the secret to the much power to the House of Ice, and many Doge. th more changelings joined their House, seeking During the great fire of the early 16 to find shelter and safety. Winter cast a long century Her Body of Cackling Wine destroyed shadow over Carnival and so the balls and a number of her entitlements, banishing her revelry was replaced by secret decadence and Arcadian powers given by these names. Her hidden orgies. It was also at this time that the hair fell to the ground and pooled like oil, her House of Winter, the Ca’ d’Crani, the House eyes wept smoke and she found herself of Skulls, organized a new group of dedicated diminished. But with the ritual came the Doge, changelings who could deal with the threat of summoned by her sacrifice, by the very Pact of the restless dead. The isles of are Carnival. The Doge, their mask now shattered cursed places where things that should remain and their true self now open to all that looked dead lurk in the dark and only those upon him, confronted the True Fae, his rage changelings that seek goblin fruits tainted by visible as his elemental mien of fire ignited death dare to tread these shores. and burned bright. All over the city the Hedge As the years past and more and more opened into the city and the Hobgoblins and foreigners arrived in the city, and so the Gentry that had lain in waiting poured into the changelings of the city feasted on their city to take back their wayward slaves. emotions. The Carnival still took place and Meanwhile the Doge fell upon Cackling Wine, and lords from all around came to flame and fire setting the surroundings and oil indulge. This decadence was all the Lost of a blaze. And then together, burning and Venice had to stave off the effects of the fighting, the Doge and Cackling Wine fell into decline of the city and it’s Empire. The House the waters and were lost forever. of Spring, the Ca’ d’Consacrazione, fed off the After the city had burned and ash now dark desires of the visiting nobles. The Ca’ di fell from the skies, the Lost gathered together Sun, the House of Summer, feasted off the for safety, their grand ball over. They had paid anger and rage that seethed within the the price of their decadence. Carnival had Venetian sailors and lords as their lands were come to take the flesh it was owed. But one of stolen from them. Those changelings of the the Lost went out looking for the missing Ca’ d’Crani sipped at the fear of all Venetians, Doge, and discovered floating in the water the the fear that Venice would fall, the fear of skull of the dead duke. Compelled to repay plague, of death, of the end of the Empire. And Carnival, this changeling used the teeth of the the Ca’ d’Ghiaccio just hid themselves away, skull to pluck out his eyes and then donned the storing away what things they could while

46 gnawing on the constant feeling of sorrow that waters that flooded the city, and into these had fallen on the city. Venice was falling and waters the Gentry dragged mortals to Arcadia. the changelings carried on their Great Flooding became a frequent event and Carnival, ignoring the inevitable end. people were lost to the waters as the mirror Debauchery and revelry hit it’s height like flood allow the Gentry to hunt far and in the 18th century , and as the city found new wide within the city. The very defenses of the depths of sin the magic of the city was seas had been turned against them, another banished as science and industry altered the cost of their debauchery. face of the city. Imagination, the savage However, Carnival returned. A new garden of emotion, was gone, and the city was pact was made with the great festival, and this devoid of feeling. Glamour of all kinds ran time the price was even higher. In return for thin within the city, the harvest was over and Carnival’s protection, for returning the city to now was the cities winter of discontent. The it’s former glory, the Doge and his court Court of Carnival withered and the Houses would have to pay the ultimate price, their warred with one another for the little glamour souls, when Carnival comes looking from it’s that flowed into the city. payment of flesh. The came Napoleon, and with him corrupt mortal sorcerers and vampires. The The Last Dance city, sick and empty of any form of emotion or Ever since the re-emergence of the passion, fell to the warlord and the Court of Carnival in the early 80’s the Lost of Venice Carnival was broken. But not before the price have grown in strength. The freehold is once of flesh was paid. The last Doge of the old more stable and the dream of Venice now Court hung himself from the Campanile in St draws tourists in from all over the world and Mark’s Piazza, the pact with Carnival with them they bring their passions, their maintained. Their years of revelry were over emotions, their imaginations, and their hope. and now their sins were to be weighed and Venice was once more a place where people counted. could indulge in their desires, sorrow, fear, During the darker years of Napoleonic rage. rule, and under the rule of Austria and Of course there were those who still Mussolini the Lost dwindled, hunted down by opposed the Court of the Carnival and the mystics and Fae hunters. The magic of the city Doge, but they could not deny that Carnival was gone, but those who remained, the had caused a resurgence of emotion and remains of the Houses and the Court, kept the energy with the city. Vampires were driven embers of Carnival alive. Secret balls, private from their havens and terrible wizards were parties, all these things helped keep the dream banished from their sanctums. Dreams of alive. In this desert of emotion the mask of the Venice’s salvation were planted in the minds Doge was protected. But then there were those of those mortals that could save the city and of the Houses who sought to destroy the mask, the trods of the city were once more patrolled. the crown of the Doge, and so replace the But despite these things Venice was still Court with the Seasonal rule. Changeling terribly damaged. Floods still ravaged the city killed changeling and a shadow war ground in Winter and the waters still threatened to rise the Houses down, and all the while mages and and consume the city forever. And of course vampires stole their ancient artifacts and the Gentry still came into the city, now more magical devices. aware than ever of the high price of Carnival. But worse was to come. Magical war, the loss of the great dream of Venice, the end of the Serenissima, had damaged the very The Freehold of Venice essence of Venice. Like Atlantis and the The Freehold of Venice has been held Minoans, Venice was to be consumed by by the Court of Carnival for many centuries. water. The city reflected darkly in the oil All that time countless Doges have held office.

47 Some were granted the position by the of which mask that they each wear. For others departing Doge, others were simply bestowed that arrive at the court changelings must ask the seat upon the death of the last Doge. The for their identity. Thus it is completely identity of the Doge has always been one of possible for changelings to remain anonymous the greatest mysteries of the city. Every time a in court, free to speak their mind to all others. new Doge is appointed he is bound to keep Such a state of affairs means that concerns can that identity secret or he will die and the title is be openly expressed without fear of then past on. Meanwhile the old Doge slips repercussions. But it also means that rumour back into his old life as if he was never gone. and conspiracy is rife, and paranoia reigns as Gaps in details are filled in, and all memory of changelings try to ensure that they are not his time as Doge is removed. The only tie identified and singled out for their views and between the Doges of the Court of Carnival is actions. But this maddening court of intrigue, the Book of the Long Masquerade, a journal backstabbing and whispers is the price paid for detailing the history and lore of the Freehold. their freedom. The Pact of Carnival gives the The role of the Doge is that of arbiter Lost of the city shelter from the Gentry. and chairman. He is the head of the freehold Carnival works its Glamour upon all members but not a despot, his rule must first pass the of the freehold, hiding their mien from the approval of the of the Seasonal Houses. Gentry so that they appear as just mortals. This Only in times of great need can the Doge rule does not stop the True Fae however, it is just without question, but even that must be agreed another mask and like all masks they can be upon by the heads of the Seasonal Houses of looked past. Venice. The Doge authorizes new laws for the The most notable Hollow of the Court Freehold, acts as the final judge of tribunals, of Carnival is associated with the Ca’ Pésaro, and acts as the commander of arms when war the museum for oriental and modern arts. This is declared. stone-clad gothic building is covered in The Doge also plays a major role in the gruesome heads. The social aspect of the freehold, holding court and listening to the needs of his subjects. Thus the Doge performs an important part in the The Mantle of Carnival freehold, acting as counsellor and master of The Court of Carnival, the Thousand rites. Masks, the Quicksilver Court, the court of The Glamour that acts upon the Doge revelry and laughter. ensures that in the identity of the Doge is a Some wish to hide, some wish to loses secret and his human face is concealed when themselves to their desires, others give into in court. Outside of his duties as Doge, the their rage, and others wish to cause fear. But Doge is cannot reveal his title and the magic the court of Carnival is something else. It is associated with the title is not revealed. For all farewell to the flesh, to let go of themselves intents and purposes the Doge is just like any and be lost within the festival of Carnival. If other changeling. they are willing to make the sacrifice the The Glamour associated with the title Carnival offers safety, pleasure, mystery, of Doge is not just limited to the Doge magic, secrecy and power. The ultimate themselves, but extends to all of those within message of Carnival is one of festival, and court. When entering the official court of the showing that the Lost can turn the tables on Doge all other changelings have their mien the Gentry. Of course the question is when banished and their image is concealed by a Carnival will come seeking to collect their mask. The Pact of Carnival allows for all debts. changelings to associate with each others as For the above reasons the Court of equals at the price of not knowing whom they Carnival is eclectic, maddening, and colourful, are with. This curious effect means that only attracting changeling from all walks of life. changelings that enter court together are aware But typically the court attracts those

48 changelings that have a taste for politics, contract laughter may be heard or a cold wind intrigue, revelry and magic, all at once. They blows. At Mantle ●●●●+ the mien of a are all self styled princes of Faerie. But of Carnival courtier is even more intense as course this intense mix is difficult for many dimensions are confused, directions twisted, changeling to accommodate, and often spices can be smelled in the air and laughter courtiers can be driven to insanity but the assaults the ears of the observer. pressures of Carnival. But this is the cost of At Mantle ●+ a Carnival courtier the power that comes from the court. become harder to spot and so those actively Of course the most important rituals of seeking the changeling have a -1 die penalty to the court focus on the period of Carnival. their appropriate search skill (Wits + Starting on the 26th of December the Doge, Composure or Wits + Skill) roll. At Mantle along with a representative of the House of ●●●+ the changeling becomes even more Winter, lead the celebration of the start of masked by Carnival, their mien is diminished Carnival. Masks are ritually burnt, signifying and they gain a +1 dice bonus to all the start of the period of renewal. But first they ssubterfuge. At Mantle ●●●●● the previous must give up their past year and confide to penalties and bonus at previous levels increase Carnival their sins. The real celebrations do by one. Thus their stealth/subterfuge rolls are not begin until two weeks before Fat Tuesday, increased by +2, and a -2 penalty to those and on the Sunday at the start of this period the seeking the changeling. Doge elects the Carnival Prince and Princess. The emotion tied to the Court of These two lead the balls and parties and act as Carnival is Carnival itself. Changeling harvest a focus for the Freeholds celebrations, the Glamour associated with festivity, culminating in their ceremonial marriage on celebrations, grand balls, drunken parties. This Fat Tuesday. This marriage sees a grand ball emotion is brought to the fore in others as a and Lost from other Freeholds beyond Venice way of once more feeling what was stolen are invited to join in the celebration. from them by the Gentry. Only by seeking out The following day, Ash Wednesday, Carnival can the Court feel as though it has marks the start of Lent, and so the changelings turned the tables on their debauched Keepers, of the Court of Carnival focus intently on their stealing back their old lives and the magic of purpose and duties for the following year. Faerie. But also Carnival means For the remainder of the year the Court acknowledging that all great things come at a is then devoted to secrecy and study, great price, that their freedom and powers defending, the Freehold and rooting out come with strings attached. It is only when this dangers within the city. is acknowledged that a changeling is free to The heraldry of the Court is a strange celebrate his freedom, knowing what it cost to mix. It is the clear blue skies over the Adriatic regain it. in February, the bracing sea breeze, the smell The Court holds certain stereotypical of mulled wine, the sparkle of light of the views of the other courts. crests of waves, the taste of hot chocolate, the Spring Court: The may indulge in sound laughter, the ringing of church bells, their passions, but they lose themselves to masks, tricorn hats, cats, lions, violins, easily to their desire and forget to celebrate all gondola, mercury, salt, a sense of other aspects of life. disorientation and loss of direction. Summer Court: They may win the The mantle of Carnival is somewhat a war but they never take the time to rejoice in mix of all others. The Mantle gives a sense of the achievements. No instead they just seek Carnival as an overload of the sense as a out more war, more bloodshed. means to hide the changeling. At Mantle ● to Autumn Court: They may try to steal ●●● the mien of the changeling is confusing the magic of Faerie, and use such things for and sensual as the observer is assaulted by the their own war, to make the Gentry fear their smells and tastes of Carnival. When invoking a own tools, but they do not take the time to

49 enjoy the pleasures that it can bring. Celebrate with the Dukes of the Seasonal Houses to the world that it reveals. But always know that distribute titles and duties, maintaining the all gifts come with a price. location of Freehold commons, safe houses Winter Court: You can hide but and hollows. Carnival will always come, always seeking to Of all the members of the Court of take what is owed, that debt. But also, no Carnival the seneschal is possibly the most matter how the Winter Court act, they cannot important role but also once of the most deny that they have succeeded in escaping the disrespected positions within the Freehold. Gentry, and not celebrating such an Many of the House of Autumn feel that the achievement is a terrible thing as then you seneschal is intruding on their responsibilities, have no drive to achieve greater things. while the House of Summer and Spring see the seneschal as a puppet of the Doge. The Bauta appears in court in robes almost opulent as the Doge, and his mask is The current Doge is theorized to have the Bauta mask. The Bauta mask is a full face been in power for the last decade at least. His mask but with an angular pronounced jaw that rule has been characterized by his balance disguises the mouth. The mask is covered in between tough justice and light handed rule. gilding and ornate. Balls and parties are allowed at all times but in The role of Volto is the official the shadows his agents are constantly on the peacekeeper of the city. Dressed in the Volto look out for loyalist, privateers, Gentry and mask, similar to the Bauta but in pure black, militia. Within court the Doge has been but worn with a tricorn and a cloak. The Volto attacked openly for not being more proactive, acts as both investigator and executioner, and and has gained the hatred and distrust of those works in unison with those defenders of the within the Summer and Spring house. This Freehold from the Seasonal Houses. Thus the revulsion has been born out of the disgust at Volto acts as leader and commander of these the Court of the Carnival preventing seasonal militant changelings, but this an uneasy rule, but also the Doge clamping down on alliance that leads to conflicts of interest. Of those parties and gatherings that have gotten all the positions with the city the identity of out of hand, or the more militant Summer the Volto is well known to all changelings in courtiers who think the Doge is not doing the Freehold. enough to actively hunt those who would bring The Larva appears similar to the Volto, down the freehold. however with a mask of pure white. The Larva The Doge appears in court as dressed is the official ghost hunter of the Freehold. much like a prince or lord would during the th Such a position is required when the city has 18 century. His attire is white and gold, with such a deep and troubled history. Thus the an opulent coat, buckled shoes and powdered Larva is normally associated with the Autumn wig. His mask fully conceals his face and is a and Winter Seasonal Houses. The other main shifting mask of emotions. duty of the Larva is that of assassin. Whenever The Doge does not work in a vacuum, things must be done quietly then the Larva is and has a number of aides that are known the one that is called upon by the Doge. This within Court. The Pact of Carnival allows for means, unlike the Volto, the Larva operates in the changeling of the city to come to court and complete secrecy. act anonymously, but there are those Servetta Muta is always a female changelings of the court who are identifiable, changeling and dressed in opulent robes and a at least within court. Outside of court their it is black oval mask that has only slits for eyes. up to these changelings to reveal their title. The wearer must bite down onto a bit so that The seneschal of the Doge is the Bauta. the mask is held against the face. Thus the role This changeling is keeping track of the details of the Servetta Muta is that of a confessor, the of the city, the funds that are kept by the Doge, Lost of the Freehold can reveal their sins and files on the threats to the Freehold, working

50 troubles to her without the fear that she will Glamour. This chaotic court extends to the reveal these secrets to others, such is the Pact Seasonal Courts. Because there is no rotation with Carnival that is made by the Servetta of the Seasonal Courts in Venice, something Muta. Over the centuries others have tried to not require with Carnival’s inherent concept of pervert this position, but before long there is a revelry and sacrifice, the Seasonal Courts have new Servetta Muta, a changeling is missing formed Houses. These houses function in and the Larva is cleaning his blades. much the same way as they would normally, The Columbine and Columbina are two except that instead of the rotation of leadership changelings who are considered the most the heads of each House, the Councillors. beautiful within the Freehold. The Columbino These four, along with the Doge form a ruling masks are the classic half masks, concealing elite. The Doge has final say in matters, in just the eyes and nose leaving the lower laws and pledges and oaths, but not without portion of the face exposed. The masks are the support and advice of the Councillors. very ornate and so are the costumes that the courtiers wear. These two changelings are in The Ca’ d’Consacrazione - charge of organizing the balls and parties of The House of Spring the Freehold, gifted in the performing arts, and The House of Spring shares much in also are notorious for their numerous and common with the Court of Carnival. Both frequent sexual encounters at these parties. promote parties, following desire and revelry The final official position within the and indulgence. But the House of Spring takes Court of Carnival is the Medico della Peste, or these things a step further without a thought Plague Doctor. This changeling is dressed in for the cost of such indulgence. Their house, the traditional black robes and wide brimmed, sitting on the edge of the Grand Canal, is the with a mask that covers the entire face. The dilapidated Ca’ da Mosto. The Mosto family mask features small eye slits covered in clear was an influential family in Venice but then stones, and is completely white. The main with the fall of the Venetian Empire the house feature is the grim looking curved wide beak. was sold on. The name Mosto comes from the This beak, during the Venetian plagues, was word for grapes or the name for the priest of designed so that it could be stuffed with herbs Bacchus, the Mustes. This house appears to be and spices that would prevent the doctor from empty, but within the upper stories the House breathing in the plague. of Spring often holds their decadent parties. The Medico della Peste is the Freehold The real House of Spring lies within the physician, but also acts as intermediatory Hedge, where the Ca’ da Mosto has been between the Freehold and the Vampire and extended and replicated. The building is sorcerers that live within the bounds of Venice opulent, decorated in frescoes and mirrors, and the Venetian mainland. Other than the murals and statues, curtains of plum and lime. Larva and Volto, the Medico della Peste is one This building is both the party house, with of the most feared and respected changelings many rooms containing large beds, and seat of in the Freehold, and on rare occasions power of the head of the House of Spring. changelings that have been brought in for The head of the House of Spring is the minor aliments have disappeared without Vernal Duke. The selection of the Duke is a trace. simple popularity contest. Of course popularity is a fickle thing. You can be popular for being The Savage Garden fun and promoting the desires of the House, or What is obvious from above is that the for being scathing, or for causing fear in those Court of Carnival is a court of extremes. It you dislike. Thus the Duke gains the title allows for excessive revelry, but also harsh through their strength of will. punishments and complex Byzantine politics. The Duke sits at the centre of a spider No surprise when the within the court of the web of intrigue, listening to every piece of Doge all changelings are disguised by gossip and news that is brought to his court. A

51 well placed observation or insult by the Duke of Summer could make or break a changeling in the city, Carnival means ‘farewell to the flesh’. and these views can be spread about the The Carnival is about sacrifice, and what Freehold quickly by the Dukes agents. greater sacrifice is there but giving yourself in The Duke is served by a number of his defense of others. This is how the House of own household. The first of these is the Summer, the House of the Sun, relates to the Claviger. This Spring courtier is the official Court of Carnival. Carnival also promotes body guard of the Duke, but is also in charge saying farewell to the Lost’s former life as of organising security for the House of Spring, mortals and accept what they are. But also to which often brings his into competition with recognise that they are no longer slaves but the Doge’s Volto. Typically the Claviger has a free. But this freedom comes at a price; blood passion for weaponary and the martial arts, and flesh, and the House of Summer pays this and in the history of the Venetian Freehold, is price everyday. one of the most skilled sword masters of the The House of Summer operates out of city, equal to even the most skilled Summer the Arsenale. The changelings make use of the courtier. In fact the Claviger is often most dilapidated sections of the former war recognised for bearing the Flowering Steel, a factory, appearing to either work for the symbol of his office and also a powerful token museum or local homeless people. The in the hands of a skilled warrior. On rare Arsenale extends into the Hedge, and this occasions the Claviger has also been called Hollow of the House of Summer is a store upon to fight in a duel for the honor of the house of weaponry and tokens that can be used House of Spring. against the Gentry. It is a grim fortress within If the Columbino of the Court of the Hedge, similar to the Arsenale at it’s Carnival are the club kids of Venice then the height of production, or the Ducal Palace House of Spring’s Sage Escort is the cities prison. The Arsenale Hollow consists of matron of whores. She is one of the most barracks, a war room, numerous training passionate of the house and is renowned for rooms and armouries, and a jail. having harems that consist of lost from all The House of Summer is modelled on Houses and genders. In fact the Sage Escort, or the Venetian Empire’s military, in particular simply Veronica (a title based upon the name their navy. So like the sailors of old the House of the famous courtesan of Venice), is the best of Summer is ready to take the fight to foreign intelligence officer for the House. Pillow talk lands, regardless if it is the territory of rival being the source of some of the best secrets Freeholds or the Hedge. This structuring and damming information. Her position is seen means that almost all members of the House as competition by the Columbino, and the hold titles derived from the navy. Servetta Muta has a distaste for the Veronica’s The head of the House is the Admiral. actions, often hearing confessions from those The Admiral expects discipline within his Lost who have disclosed their deepest sins to house and punishes those who not give him his this Spring courtier. due respect. The position of Admiral must be The other prominent role with the earned, it is not bestowed, and typically this House of Spring is the Joyeux. This muse of occurs when the previous Admiral dies or joy is holds a position of respect, helping other steps down and the Doge formally promotes courtiers, not just those of Spring, in the the Summer courtier to the rank of Admiral. pursuit of their work so that they may achieve This can at times mean that the next highest hapiness. Of course the Joyeux is a skilled ranked Summer courtier isn’t promoted to listener and counselor, but can at times been Doge. Such a thing is rare but as expected can seen as a meddler, sticking their nose into the cause political strife within the House as the business of others when they are unwanted. Doge snubs those who may think they have the right to the position of Admiral. The Ca d Sun - The House ’ ’ Below the Admiral are the

52 Commodores. Serving in the same role as Iron differing to the Larva when matters concern Adjutant, thus they act as the Admiral within vampires, the dead and magi. the field when he himself is otherwise in engaged in other matters of the Freehold. The Ca’ d’Crani - The House There are always at least two of these of Autumn changelings, to ensure that neither oversteps Behind every mask is a mystery, and so their position, but there have been the rare there is fear, paranoia, horror. But also magic. occasions where the Admiral has been usurped Carnival is a festival of revelry, but also a by an alliance of these officers. Commodores chance to indulge in the magic of illusion, to often speak directly to the captains of the enjoy the quick frights that it brings. Carnival House of Summer and organise these groups allows for the reversal of roles, the begger to act together in unison. becomes the lord, the nun becomes the whore. Below the Commodores are the For the Lost of Venice Carnival allows for the Crimson Captains. Their number is at most reversal of power, and turning the tools of half a dozen and these are the most obvious their enslavement on their Keepers. For these agents of Summer in the Freehold, executing reasons Autumn and Carnival can be allied in the orders of the Commodores and Admiral. their fight against the Gentry. They are not expected to be mindless servants, The House of Autumn operates in the and so captains are often skilled soldiers and Teatro Fenice. Here the courtiers of Autumn quick witted. These captains are never just the masquerade as actors and theatre hands. leader of motleys that consist purely of Within the Hedge the theatre is a dark and Summer changelings. Some captains are the brooding and it is here that they perform their only member of the House of Summer within commedie dell’arte. These improvised plays other motleys. At times these captains are are designed for amusement, to invoke the called upon to lead gatherings of soldiers of magic of Venice, but also to teach. Often these the Summer court, these soldiers being drawn plays are tales of morality, humility and from all motleys within the Freehold. mystery. For their changeling audience these The soldiers of the Summer House are a means to teach. For the mortals that see come in two ranks, lieutenants and corporal. these plays they allow the Autumn House to The difference is simple. The more skilled harvest fear. This gothic theatre is also a a lieutenants are better armed and command store house for all of the Autumn House more respect from their commanders, while artifacts, tomes and tokens. corporals are expected to follow orders The leader of the House of Autumn is without question. often never seen by his subjects, instead Some captains have other duties than cultivating a society of fear and mystery just commanding the grunts of the House of within his own House. His existence is only Summer. The House of Summer has taken it confirmed by their meeting with the Doge, but upon itself to police the Freehold, and in again this figure may well just be a puppet. charge of these operations is the Constable of The leader of the House of Autumn is known Calefaction, and so this has often led to the as the Silent Skull. This name is suggestive of House to being at odds with the Volto of the the role of Lord of Autumn, a being that may Court of Carnival. However at most times well be watching the dark and cause events these two positions act together. The other that terrorise the unwary so that they will be position held by a captain of Summer is the ready for when the Gentry come a calling. It is Jager. This captain is a skilled hunter, also in reference to the means of especially within the Hedge, and is often communication that the Lord of Autumn uses; called upon by the Admiral to lead hunting messages magical sealed with a snarling skull. parties into the Hedge. The Jager and the The hierarchy of the House is often just Larva share similar expertise, but also know as secretive, with changelings only knowing their respective specialities, the Jager often which changelings are their direct superiors or

53 their students, with changelings referring to darkness and camouflage. Winter is also about each other as mentor and ward. This means sacrificing comforts. Winter is also about self that the House of Autumn is like a university sacrifice, that a changeling can only rely on of fear and secrets, and only a few know all their own skills when the chips are down. The the connections between all members of the Pact of Carnival meshes well with the concept House. This means that it is possible for of Winter. members of the House to pass each other in The location of where the House of the halls of the theatre but not speak or Winter meets is not well known to the other acknowledge each other as neither is aware of Seasons, and in fact the House is only a House each others respective rank. in name, the House tends not to hold frequent Some Autumn courtiers are bestowed large gatherings. One location where the titles, but again these are secret titles that are House of Winter does gather, and is only only revealed when there is a requirement to known to the members of the House of Ice and do so. their allies, is the Hotel Danieli. Once the most The Ranger of the Thorns is entrusted expensive hotel in Venice, the Danieli is a with the duties of harvesting goblin fruits from gothic palazzo which is favoured by the Hedge, hunting Hedge beasts and celebrities. The members of the House fo hobgoblins, mapping the trods and Hollows, Winter masquerade as hotel staff and make use and also acting as guides to others. Such a role of the store rooms for their meetings. Within is easy to conceal but does lead to competition the Hedge the Hollow located here is a dark with other hunters and those harvesting. brooding building that is a maze of hotel Locating Hollows already taken by rooms, all surprisingly empty. This is because changelings of other Houses. the Hollow is a decoy. No one really knows Venice Carnival would not be the same where the head of the House of Winter rests without fools and jesters, and the Fool of First his head, or where else the House keeps their Frost is a very visible role within the House of safe houses. Autumn, but also within the Court of Carnival. The head of the House of Winter is the The dark comedy of the Fool nestles neatly known as the Nameless One. This Lord is a with the philosophy of Carnival, the jester master of Winter and sits at the heart of a web poking fun, making satirical jokes, creating of mystery and is only seen in person in the distractions and promoting the House of presence of the Doge if he is called upon. Autumn’s commedie dell’arte. The fool’s tales Otherwise the Nameless one is exactly that, also act as warnings, designed to terrify and and unknown. His word and orders are only amuse. heard through his Onyx Thanes, who in turn The other most prominent role for issue orders to the Iceclad Amigers, who in Autumn courtiers is the Ashen Notary. It is turn speak to the Squires of Frost, who then known that one exists in the Freehold, but no use the Flowing Pages as their messengers. one knows the identity of this changeling, only This web of intrigue and minions is held that there is an Autumn courtier who together by the code and seals of Winter and investigates all Pledges and records their the Morning Cant. nature and their participants. Such information Other than these titles that are is used by the Silent Skull to root out those determined by the Mantle of a changeling of Pledges that have been used to orchestrate the House, there are more specific titles that conspiracies. are not specifically tied to their Mantle. The Sun Banisher is a well known The Ca’ d’Ghiaccio - The position within the Freehold, even if the House of Winter changeling is not known directly. Word simply Winter is the season of sorrow. It is must reach the Banisher that evidence of some also the time of quiet, punishment, hibernation form must be removed and that his services are and hiding. Winter seeks the shadows, the required and then in return the Banisher sets

54 his price. This communication then continues the former Doge left the city, their memory of facilitated by the Flowing Pages. their time as Doge struck from their mind. The Lord of Inhospitable Chamber is The Doge for the last 4 years has another title that is rumoured to exist and the battled with a number of problems. The first identity of the Winter Courtier is unknown. has been the slow increase in sightings of What is known comes from the whispers of the hobgoblins and reports of disturbing dreams victims of this changeling. He is an amongst the population of the city. The second interrogator, jailer, torturer and master of has been the disappearance of a few members information extraction, setting up situations of the Freehold. Apparently this has been the where the subject divulges secrets when is work of those Loyalists hidden within the city unaware that such actions are being taken limits, or worst the Gentry. It has been these against him. In many cases the subject has no issues that have led to the loss of confidence in idea that he has been watched or that events the Court of Carnival, especially from the have been orchestrated to reveal these details Spring and Summer Houses who expect more until they are used against him and the foot direct action. soldiers of Summer come calling. The most prominent opponents of the Doge have been the Spring Courtier Count Maggior Consiglio - The Aronne Innamorato, and the Summer Courtier Great Council Commodore Marco Dante. Within court The Maggior Consiglio is what the Aronne, a Draconic Fairest who holds as much Freehold of Venice would like outsiders to respect as the Verdant Duke, and is known to think of them; a group of Lost who together speak out against the Doge within the halls of think of themselves as nobles and lords and the House of Spring, his words and gossip ladies. The pretend that their court operates directing others to stand against the Doge and with the Doge overseeing their great balls and his puppets. Of course this is seen as grand parties, and that the Doge listens to the distasteful by the Verdant Duke who only issue of the Freehold presented to him in court wishes for the status quo to remain due to the that his rule is fair and just. But this is far from privilege that House has with the organization the truth. In recent years the Freehold has of balls and masquerades. But of course there become more and more unstable as members are those who want to rise above their station of the House of Spring have come to resent and see the Court of Carnival brought down so Carnival’s continuing reign which that they are no longer lorded over by those overshadows the commencement of Spring. Carnival courtiers. What follows is an overview of the current The Commodore Marco Dante, a political climate of the Freehold of Venice. Fireheart Elemental, has always been known The current Doge of the city, unknown to be something of a trouble maker and to their subjects, is the air touched elemental outspoken against the moderate, festive, Court Arachula. This Lost, stolen as a child to blow of Carnival. Of course this warmongering cooling breezes for her Keeper, returned to the Summer soldier has always been under the sea town of Chioggia, finding that for herself 7 leash of the his Admiral, the Cyclopean Ogre, years had past while for her family 27 years . Of course this does not stop the had gone by. Blessed with the ability to sing Commodore from voicing his concerns as the enchanting songs Arachula made her way Admiral becomes increasingly seen as within the Freehold of Venice, and after 37 blundering and obsessed with orders and red years of acting as a court entertainer within the tape. In comparison the second Commodore, House of Spring, and also a well respected the Gravewight Darkling, Speculare, accepts manipulator of Glamour. It was then 12 years his commanders habits and tries to take up the ago she was given the title of Doge, the former slack instead of trying to bring down the Doge in secret bestowed the mask upon her regime. Of course this means the soldiers of and with that act the roles were reversed and the House are caught between their own

55 opinions and following orders. wishes to remain unseen so that those traitors The Silent Skull, the Duke of Autumn, can be caught in the act. The Nameless One is is the least vocal on issues pertaining to the fully aware that there are traitors within the rule of Carnival. Some suggest that Autumn Houses of Spring and Summer. But it is also fears the Court, since only they would truly the rule of the Icelaw to not interfere with the respect the climate of fear that the Doge has practices of the Houses. Thus the Nameless created. In truth the Duke of Autumn is more One is biding his time, letting his messengers aware of the intrigue rife within the Freehold bring him all the information he needs so that but does not divulge all the details to the Doge. when the time comes Winter will be able to Instead what little bits of information are waiting out the storm and not be harmed by revealed are said at times when they would the Pact of Carnival. have the most impact on the Court, to create It is then clear that the Freehold is torn the most amount of fear so that the Court is between secrecy and revelry, magic and driven to achieving greater things. The real muscles, survival and sacrifice, and there those problem for the Doge and the Silent Skull not ready or willing to make a choice. comes from the inevitable shadow war The main focus of Freehold life is the between their respective spies, and the ever unending Carnival. At least one or twice a heightening atmosphere of paranoia within the week a masquerade party of some form is held Freehold. Both know that if these fears are not in the name of Carnival. The location is conquered then they will drive the Lost of the marked on the doors by the symbol of the Pact Freehold to committing terrible actions. But of Carnival, the lions of St Mark and the book. worst is that within this quagmire of rumours Within this marked location, the Pact of and secrets the real truth will be overlooked. It Carnival weaves the Glamour to form the would be easy for this to be solved by masks upon the faces of all changelings within removing the Court of Carnival from power, the building, while dispelling the mien of the but the Silent Skull is more aware than any changelings. The effect is identical to that other that Carnival is integral to the Freehold which occurs in the court of the Doge. The and the city, and that on the horizon the city difference is that this power is an extension of will have pay it’s dues to Carnival. Within the the Doge’s, invoked by his officers only who House of Autumn there are those who see too simply mask draw the symbol in gold or red many secrets, and these individuals now pass paint. secrets to other Houses as they seek to These parties are the perfect reinstate the cycle of Seasons, but they must opportunity for the Lost of the city to indulge work quietly and discreetly as it has been in Carnival and to socialize without the worry known for traitorous Autumn courtiers to of people using their actions and words against vanish without trace. Then there are those who them. However, these parties have the added just feast on the fear within the Freehold and problem of paranoia as people hear rumours just seek to see this blossom into terror and involving themselves but not knowing who harvest it. has said what. It is for this reason that these If the Autumn House is a court of ash, parties often remain focused on more trivial where those in power are unseen, then the matters and enjoyment. Those Lost who can House of Winter is just as well hidden. The perform take the opportunity to do so, Nameless One is even more quiet on matters otherwise entertainment can be provided using concerning the cycle of Seasons. There are ensorcelled mortals. those who can only see the coming sorrow that The larger gatherings of the Freehold will fall upon the Freehold, and those that see take place once a month on a Saturday night. the ensuing chaos as the perfect theatre within These gatherings begin as more sombre affairs which to hide from the Gentry. And so the where Freehold issues are brought up and Nameless One allows the Freehold to continue decrees are made. News such as upcoming as it does. But then that is because Winter tribunals and other Seasonal House events are

56 announced, along with the formal announcement of titles being bestowed. After the more serious business is over the real party can begin. These larger gatherings are often held in the Hollow maintained by the Columbino for the Doge. This Ducal Palace is a building shaped by the Wyrd and stands in the Hedge where the Rialto would be. Access is only granted by the two Carnival changelings, and those with the appropriate tokens simply must pass under the arch facing south on the Rialto bridge. The Ducal Palace, known as the Rialto Palazzo, stands on a bridge that spans the river like trod of the Lion’s Tail. The palazzo is a gleaming construction of white marble and gold, Doric columns and pink stone. Other meeting do take place within the Freehold. One a month the House of Autumn holds it’s commedia delle’arte while the House of Spring holds more decadent parties at it’s Hollow on a twice monthly basis. The House of Summer holds monthly tournaments while the House of Winter remains indifferent and tends to stay quiet and only engage in more open meeting during the Winter months when they hold their markets.

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