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:

My favourite (overgrown) lion in Venice

In August 2012, I posted a photo of my favourite lion in Venice (you can read about him here: http://capturingvenice.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/my-favourite-lion.html).

The little guy lives at the Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti at the base of the Accademia bridge (on the Campo Santo Stefano side of the bridge).  When I went back to see him this year (in October 2013), he was overgrown and barely visible.

He is so tantalisingly close:  it always feels like if I was a just a little bit taller or had longer arms, I could lean over the broad railing of the bridge to reach out and touch him.

Here's a shot of a companion lion who lives around the corner on the Campo San Vidal side of the palazzo.

My favourite lion

I have a soft spot for a few lions in Venice, but this little guy is hands-down my favourite. 
He lives on the exterior garden wall of the Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti, at the foot of the Accademia bridge (on the Campo Santo Stefano side of the Grand Canal). 



Photo by Capturing Venice

The Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti was originally built in 1565, and was extensively improved during the 19^th century.  Amongst its 19^th century owners was Archduke Frederick Ferdinand of Austria, who wanted to give it a more prominent Habsburg presence along the Grand Canal.  The archduke died prematurely in 1847 (and was unmarried) and the palazzo was bought by Henri, Comte de Chambord.  In 1878, it changed hands again and its new owner, Baron Raimondo Franchetti commissioned further works by architect Camillo Boito who built the grand staircase. 

Since 1999, the building has housed the Istituto Veneto di Scienze, Lettere e Arti which hosts regular cultural events.