In the Piazza San Marco, the twin 12th century columns stolen from Constantinople greet visitors since the 15th century. St. Theodore's battle with a crocodile stands to the right and St. Mark's winged lion flanks the left. The lion is more impressive so St. Mark took over as patron saint and dethroned St. Theodore. Back in the day, criminals would be publicly executed between these two towers to make people think twice about a life of crime.

View of the buildings in St. Mark's Square. A lot of Venice has a Byzantine flair due to their middle eastern influence.

Displaying what you could have for dinner if you entered. The waiter picked up the lobster for us and he is still alive. The boys liked the swordfish in the corner.

St. Mark's Square is the only square to qualify for the title Piazza in Venice. It is twp football fields long and is surrounded by offices of the republic. On the right are offices of the 16th century Renaissance and the left boasts the newer offices of the 17th century High Renaissance. Napoleon called this Piazza "the most beautiful drawing room in Europe" and built his own set of offices in one corner in the early 1800's. He kicked out the doges, or kings, and the Venetian Republic fell.

Twenty-five years ago, the Venetians tried to control the pigeon population Todd said; but it looks like they are just letting things go now. The birds are everywhere.

Along with climbing bell towers, this is a highlight for the boys trip.

Just a typical sight you see all around Venice. I love the window box flowers. Can't get enough of them.

Venice is the home of Vivaldi. Four Seasons can be heard every night when you pass a concert hall. A museum for Vivaldi's benefit shows a violin workshop.

Cello's from different eras, dating as far back as 700 A.D.

Flutes, and piccolos which were cut off. Kylie was amazed at how large the piccolos were.