View of the Canal Grande

The building with the red curtains is the "Pescheria" where there was a fish market for more than 600 years. The market is now located right next to it.

A view of the Palazzo Ducale or Doges' Palace, right next to the church.It was the residence of the doges and the chief magistrates. The building dates from the 14th century.

For about 1,000 years Venice was governed by doges ("dukes") - they were more symbolic than powerful. But hey, they got to live in a palace ;)!

The Campanile - the bell tower of the basilica. The original was raised in the 10th century but it collapsed in 1902. Interestingly enough, the only one injured was the caretakers' cat!

It was rebuilt brick by brick and the bells still ring... I can attest to that as I was up in the tower at noon and almost lost my hearing for good... the bells are right over your head!

On to part 3