Il Cortile del Palazzo Ducale, Venezia

Speranza



The courtyard of the Doges's Palace in Venice was repaired after a fire burned down the east wing of the palace.

The facciate was reconstructed from designs by Antonio Rizzi and Pietro Lombardo.

A magnificent stairway was built onto it, called later the "Giant's' Stairway" becasuse of the two enormous statues of Mercurio and Nettuno, carved by Sansovino.

Then the less ornate east front was built.

Then, at the back, and with typical Venetian contempt for symmetry -- the clock house.

Next to this, the Doge's elegant private oratory.

This ensemble harmonised with the outside of teh building because of the use of ogival arches throughout.