Examining the facade of the Scuola Grande di San Marco

Even partially covered in scaffolding, the Renaissance marble facade of Venice's hospital, in the former Scuola di San Marco, is extraordinary.

Taking in the facade of the Scuola Grande di San Marco in Castello

It was harder to see the imperious lions carved in the alcoves on the lower portion of the building, as they were barricaded off during the construction works:

Detail of the facade of the Scuola Grande di San Marco

And it wasn't until I came home to Australia, and was properly reviewing my photos from the trip, that I fully appreciated the sumptuousness, the richness of the carving, decoration and coloured marbling of this gorgeous building.

I noticed how smaller lion heads are carved into the top portions of the facade:

The small lion heads adorning the Scuola Grande di San Marco

And then I enjoyed the triumphant lion that crowns the facade.  

I also really like that angel with her hands held together in prayer, looking up to the sky, on the top right hand side of the photo:

Top of the facade of the Scuola di San Marco, Castello

And then I let my eyes roam south, to enjoy the colour of the marble, the statuary and rich carving in the main part of the facade: