 |
| Entrance to the Doge's Prison |
DECENT INTO THE DOGE'S PRISONS - Below the palace, once convicted in the Hall of the 10 (see previous blog), prisoners could be brought downstairs to the prisons.
Known as I Pozzi (the wells), the dank and barren prison cells of the Doge's Palace were located on the ground floor. When it was determined, in the late 16th century, that more prison cells were needed, the Venetian government began construction on a new building called the Prigioni Nuove (New Prisons).
 |
| Looking into a prison cell. |
A LOT OF ENERGY THERE - Since I (Rob) was sick with a bad sinus infection, my senses for the paranormal weren't working 98% percent of the time. However, I did feel light-headed at the entrance to the prison - feeling the fear, dread and anxiety of people who were being brought in to be imprisoned there. Tom mentioned that he felt a particularly strong heaviness in one cell.
 |
| Looking out from the Bridge of Sighs |
THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS - The famous Bridge of Sighs was built as an walkway between the palace and the prison, and is accessed via the Sala del Maggior Consiglio on the second floor. The enclosed bridge is made of white limestone and has windows with stone bars
The view from the Bridge of Sighs was the last view of Venice that convicts saw before their imprisonment. Tom took a picture from inside the bridge, looking out over a canal.
LEGEND OF THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS - A local legend says that lovers will be granted eternal love and bliss if they kiss on a gondola at sunset under the Bridge of Sighs as the bells of St Mark's Campanile toll.
NEXT: Torre dell'Orologio (Clock Tower)
