TIT-BITS ABOUT VENICE.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 113, 26 November 1915, Page 1 (Supplement)

TIT-BITS ABOUT VENICE.

The "Queen of the Adriatic,"' is Venice has been called, is. built on seventy or eighty islets.

Its Grand Canal is two miles long, and is connected with 110 lesser canals, a railway viaduct, just over two miles long, connecting Venice with the mainland.

The gondolas by> which Venetians travel are known as "the hansom urns of the Adriatic."

Chief among the many monuments of Venice is the famous winged Lion of St. Mark, standing on the top of a column in the Square of St. Mark. It is one of the most magnificent monuments in existence. The monument is of bronze with eyes of white agates — and is believed to have ornamented some ancient Assyrian palace before ft came to Venice.

No less interesting is the Doge's. Palace, which dates back to the tenth centurv.

Among the architectural and historical features of Venice are the Campanile (clock tower), 323 feet high, dating back to 902. Its museums, picture galleries, palaces, and churches are worldfamous.

Venice also boasts the finest equestrian statue in the world, that of Bernando Colleoni, the celebrated leader of mercenaries.

Its famous glass manufacture is still one of the principal industries of Venice. Its population is about 60,0U0.

There is a big torpedo station i.t Venice. Also an extensive arsenal and dockyard, employing 3,000 workmen.