Venice is probably best known for its waterways and canals, as well as being the artistic center of the Renaissance Era. Today it is also known as the home to some of the most interesting and spectacular architecture in the world. Over the years many of these old structures have undergone reconstruction so the modern visitor can experience the same sites that previous Venetians have enjoyed.

One structure to visit is the Marco Polo Arch, located in Corte Seconde del Milion Cannaregio. This Byzantine Arch stands in a charming courtyard near the Teatro Malibran in the neighborhood where explorer Marco Polo is said to have lived. This broad arch, which gives entry to the courtyard, features bas-reliefs in the Veneto-Byzantine style of the 11th & 12th centuries. Lined with interlocking medallions framing carved images of flora and fauna and various geometric patterns, it is the most interesting of the few public architectural works from this period.

Another grand structure to view is the Scuola Grande di San Marco. Today it is the civic hospital of Venice. The Scuola Grande di San Marco was one of the six grand scoule or confraternities that had an important presence in Venetian religious and cultural life. Founded in 1260 for religious and humanitarian purposes, it was favored by the Signorina and included in its membership men of great importance and wealth. In 1488, the confraternity commissioned Pietro Lombardo to design a façade to replace the old gothic building. The façade is divided into two parts, each with its own entrance. Flanking the right entrance are two beautiful sculpted reliefs, attributed to Tullio Lombardo, of scenes from the life of St. Mark. This façade has held true throughout the years and its beauty can be enjoyed today.

Don't miss the Chioggia Crucifix, located in the city of Chioggia on the southern tip of the Venetian lagoon. It is the most sacred and revered object in the city of Chioggia. Fishermen often paint its image on the hulls and sails of their boats. The piece of work is extraordinarily large, with the sculpture of Christ standing 9-feet tall and the cross measures more than 15 feet high and the cross piece is 11 feet wide. A truly remarkable piece.

The Bernabo' Chapel and Relief of the Coronation of the Virgin is located in the Church of San Giovanni Crisostomo and was built in 1499. In Renaissance Venice, marble was generally considered too expensive a medium for altarpieces. Thus, Tullio Lombaro's Coronation of the Virgin (1500-02) in the Bernabo Chapel stands as a particularly ambitious altarpiece, as well as a masterpiece in stone carving. The piece is comprised of two marble slabs, with the upper slab showing God the Father and the Holy Spirit surrounded by angels. The lower slab depicts Christ, surrounded by the Twelve Apostles, crowning the Virgin Mary. In three of the cupola's spandrels, there are fresco's depicting St. Mark, St. Matthew and St. John. The artist is unknown but the use of costly materials such as gold leaf and lapis lazuli show that it was an important commission. The Bernabo' Chapel is a spectacular and unforgettable work