21 Sixth Form members of the HATA Society had four days in Venice. We flew there immediately after the end of the Michaelmas Term and landed in thick fog; when we walked into the Piazza of Saint Mark we couldn’t even see the basilica, and the city was lugubrious indeed and very quiet.
The fog dispersed late the next morning as we explored the Rialto fish market, and thereafter we were treated to the most brilliant light throughout. The pupils made the most of this – several rose to see dawn each morning (viewed from the Piazzetta, close to our excellent hotel, the Montecarlo), and we all saw spectacular sunsets, whether from the Dogana or the Riva degli Schiavoni. A few of us watched a dolphin follow our boat at dawn.
Venice is very quiet in mid-December, and one evening we were able to explore the chilly halls of the Doge’s Palace by ourselves. Pupils had ample opportunity to lose themselves in the labyrinth of calli, fondamente, and salizadi – and late in the trip we all enjoyed gondola rides.
We explored the treasures of about 19 churches, including the peerless San Marco, four of the scuole as well as the palace and prison. Our walking took us from the dense brick chasms of San Marco and San Polo to the genial broad canal sides of Cannareggio, and from the elegance of Dorsoduro’s curving waterfronts to the fortresses of the far port districts of Castello, beyond the Arsenal.
All pupils were immersed in Venetian history, art, architecture and music, as well as the poetry and mythology attendant on this most mysterious and beautiful city.
Christopher Moule
Head of History. Head of Academic Scholars
