The only functioning church on the island of Mazzorbo is the Chiesa di Santa Caterina. The original structure dates from 783, but the building was rebuilt a few times over the centuries. Most of what we see today dates from the 14th century. Over the entrance portal, there is a relief depicting the marriage of…
Author: rchabala
I am 56 years old. I live in New York City and for the last 11 years, have been traveling to Italy at least twice every year. I love everything Italian. From the art and museums to the people, to the incredible food, my heart skips a beat when I think of Italy, and the many places and things that I've been lucky enough to experience. Now, I want to share my excitement and passion with the world. I will take you to both major Italian cities, and small mountain villages. I will talk about things to do in these places, and places to explore which are off of the beaten path. I will also talk about the restaurants that I've dined in, and the places that I lay my head down in, while staying in each of these locations.
Burano – Day 2 – Part 6 – A Walk to Mazzorbo
A plaque marks the house where the mother and sisters of the Italian General, Cimbro Pettinau, lived, and where he stayed when he visited them. A plaque on a nearby wall pays tribute to Gino Rossi, the painter who settled in Burano, and who drew his inspiration from the Venetian lagoon, and the multi-hued houses…
Burano – Day 2 – Part 5 – Two Towers
From the right side, it is much more obvious that the campanile, or bell tower, of the Church of San Martino is leaning. No longer in use, this brick tower was at one time where the town’s fresh water supply was stored. I guess it takes more than one gas pump to fill up all…
Burano – Day 2 – Part 4 – Casa Bepi and Snow White
A small shop sold glass pieces from the nearby city of Murano, blown into the shape of candy! Anyone visiting the city of Burano should make it a point to seek out Bepi’s House. This house, known to locals as the Casa di Bepi Suà, was the home of Giuseppe Toselli. The house is also…
Burano – Day 2 – Part 3 – Laundry Day
As we walked along the streets of the town, it seemed as if everyone were taking advantage of the beautiful weather, and hanging laundry out to dry. I found myself thinking that other people’s laundry was picturesque, while I would never dream of taking pictures of my own clothes drying! Next up: We continue…
Burano – Day 2 – Part 2 – Sunlight and Colors
Even though Burano is a city without a single car in it, there is a gas station. After all, boats need fuel, too! A plaque above the restaurant, Trattoria da Romano, remembers Giovanni Tomadelli, who was born in the building. Only a few steps away from the old outdoor fish market, you will find the…
Burano – Day 2 – Part 1 – Drawings on A Building
Accepting its reflection, the heart is complete! In my opinion, the city of Burano is at its best in the morning hours, before the first ferry arrives from Venice. At that time of the day, the locals are out, doing their shopping, or preparing for their day, and there is still a sense of calmness…
Burano – Day 1 – Part 4 – Tranquility in Color
It was time to stop and have a bit of refreshment, so we sat down at the small café pictured above, and ordered two drinks. There is nothing like an Aperol Spritz on a warm spring afternoon, in a beautiful place! Alfredo Di Cocco was an Italian captain, who was decorated with a gold medal…
Burano – Day 1 – Part 3 – Charming Houses
I was utterly charmed by the small, ceramic house numbers, and the decorative details that many of the homes were adorned with. Tables for the fishermen to display their catch still fill the square where the old fish market used to be. Today, it is more of a place to sit and relax, as the…
Burano – Day 1 – Part 2 – Exploring the Many Colors of the Venetian Lagoon’s Happy Place
The plaque on the teal-colored building below, above La Perla Gallery, dates from 1911, and pays tribute to Doctor Lorenzo D. Bianchi. This is where the celebrated surgeon lived. Like its much larger neighbor, Venice, Burano is made up of a group of islands, all connected by pedestrian bridges. One could spend hours browsing the…
Burano – Day 1 – Part 1 – We Arrive!
Our next destination was the small town of Burano. Located only seven kilometers from Venice, it is only reachable by boat. The person traveling to Burano has three choices: Either take their own vessel, if they are lucky enough to own one, or have rented one for personal use; take a vaporetto, the equivalent of…
Venice – A City Unlike Any Other – Day 4 – Part 3 – San Rocco and More
The Chiesa di San Rocco dates from 1489, and is the work of Bartolomeo Bon the Younger. The facade, as we see it today, was designed by Bernardino Maccarucci, and dates from 1765. This church is the burial place of San Rocco, or Saint Roch, to whom it is dedicated. The statues on the facade…