Jessica's Architecture Review
I chose the Spanish Steps as the first architectural image because of my love for Spanish. The Spanish Steps were built in 1723 by Francesco de Sanctis. He was not very well known for his work. These are 135 steep steps to breathtaking beauty! The Spanish Steps are the passage connector between Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinitàdei Monti. At the end of the steps, you will find the Fontana della Barcaccia, which is often referred to as the “ugly boat”.
It was so surreal to see St. Peter’s Basilica at night! The Basilica has very tall ceilings and is very spacious inside. St. Peter’s Basilica is home to many interesting sculptures and holds its namesake for being the burial grounds of the one and only Saint Peter himself, one of Jesus’ disciples. This is truly a remarkable place to visit.
Doge’s Palace, located in St. Mark’s Square, Venice, has very rustic and gothic-like architectural shaping. This palace is one of the most notable landmarks of Venice. Between St. Mark’s Basilica and the Palace is the Doge’s Chapel, another breathtaking sight! Our group learned that the “womanizer” Casanova was imprisoned in the top floor of Doge’s Palace the day after his thirtieth birthday (1755). Many of the buildings in Venice are built in Venetian Gothic styles. The Arena di Verona is famous for opera performances. Many singers/musical artists dream of making a debut here. It is said to be one of the most preserved structures of its time.
The Medieval or Bra Gates have a significant role in Shakespeare’s Romeo &Juliet, being that they are the gates that Romeo went through on his voyage away from the fair city of Verona. I selected photos of these structures for my journal because they seemed to beckon my eyes to gaze at them. Verona was very beautiful, and I could sense the romanticism in the air. Verona was one of the only cities that had fairly warm and beautiful weather, thus provoking my interest and tying connections to this city and Romeo & Juliet.