Palladian Influence

“Lost time is never found again.” - Benjamin Franklin

Another thing I cherish about the Venetian experience: getting lost in the maze of ancient buildings and canals. As I am always in a hurry and move rapidly when in New York, strolling in Venice makes me realize that I don’t have to run to destinations. Walking allows me to appreciate the surroundings, and even the scents. On my last trip to Venice, I was reminded of how easily one can become found again.

Naturally, waking up challenges my day when in a different time zone. Once I am fashioned an hour later, my favorite part of the day awakens me: bright sunshine, fresh tea, and a loving traveling companion (this last time, my mother). I cannot help but smirk about how perfect things are while I try to dismiss that cozy bed. As I seat and sip my strong sencha, Giorgio Maggiore greets me, with his accompaniment of Grand Canal sparkles. How prefect is that?

My mother asked, “What are you laughing at?” I answer, “No, I am not laughing. I am just happy to sit here with you.” She agreed then to at least exchange smiles with me.

Immediately behind mom, Giorgio Maggiore reminds me of the great influence and legacy of Andrea Palladio. This church was designed by Palladio, but finished by Vincenzo Scamozzi. As Palladio trained as a stone carver, most of his works were built with bricks and covered in fresco. The strong resilience of lime powders in the fresco makes perfect sense for the location, as it is constantly abused by salt air. The results are beautiful and distinctively Veneto style.

As most of Palladio’s plans and facades are timeless and modern, I say that he is the Godfather of minimalism: form follows function. Often visitors to Venice skip the stopover to see Giorgio Maggiore without knowing how easy it is to arrive there: hop onto ACTV #2, public water taxi service in Venice. From there one can admire the perfect views of Main Venice, and if lost, it provides a perfect place to sit and glance over a map and reference the city. It is also provides a nice picnic space behind the church where there is a lovely cemetery and a simple modest place to take a quick break in between being lost.