“A cloister, here in Venice? I thought those were for countryside monasteries.” The whispers of surprised tourists always seemed to follow her around this place. The Cloister of Sant’Apollonia stood in stark contrast to the bustling piazzas and grand canals of Venice. The ex Benedictine Monastery of Sant’Appollonia, built between the 12th and 13th centuries, once housed the primicerio, the head of the clergy of Saint Marks Cathedral. For a time, this tranquil space even served as a courthouse under Austrian rule. As you stand in the peaceful heart of the cloister, imagine the footsteps of lawyers and the murmur of legal discussions replacing the gentle chants of Benedictine monks. Look closely, and you’ll see evidence of its varied past: the Romanesque arches whisper of the monks’ devotion, while the later facade facing the canal speaks of Lorenzo Santi’s architectural intervention in the 19th century. Today, the cloister stands as a testament to Venice’s rich and layered history. It’s a hidden gem, tucked away from the crowds, where you can almost hear the echoes of centuries past.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to