Riva degli Shiavone, Castello and the Biennale

It was a beautiful day so we walked a long Riva degli Schiavone, did a bit of a wander around Castello and then went to the Biennale.  Castello is looking even more tired and there are many many closed shops and places to rent and buy.  It was sad to see so many closed shops and run down places in Via Garibaldi. While there were people around it doesn't have the same vibrancy as other places. 

Palazzo Ducale

Palazzo Ducale

Palazzo Ducale

Ponte dei sospiri

The last time that Rob went up this bridge he was running in the marathon -it was a little easier today :)

A canal in Castello

This palazzo is in a fantastic position with views across the Laguna and a pretty canal

The Australian pavillion is still awful, if money was needed for a sporting pavillion it would be found immediately.  Unfortunately we will be stuck with the shed in the Giardini for a while.  Unless a mining magnate donates funds to the Arts  -highly unlikely in Australia.

The arsenale clock is beautiful

The Venice lion at Arsenale

The entrance to the Arsenale

The Arsenale was the centre of the Venetian ship building industry from 1104.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venetian_Arsenal
http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arsenale_di_Venezia
http://www.arsenaledivenezia.it/main/Default.aspx?page=128

Part of the Biennale exhibition was held at the Arsenale - it is usually closed to the public and it was the first time that we have been able to wander around

The sea entrace to the Arsenale