Hidden in plain view

How many times had I walked past the entry to this place, not knowing what wonders it held? It is right near Florian’s and the signs at the door indicate it is home to Police offices. I surely would never have gone in there, if it were not for the kind guidance of Fausto and “The Lord of the Wells.”

So, walk past Florian’s, find the door leading to various police offices, and walk into this place of wonders. It belongs to the Correr museum. You’ll find many objects stored there, waiting for restoration work or perhaps just because there is no other place for them right now. This is where I saw many of the ammonites in the red marble. If you look closely, or enlarge this photo, you’ll spot some of them.

This is a plan of the various rooms, full of treasures to look at, and to wonder about. It’s huge!

The Lord of the Wells showed us this vera da pozzo with due reverence. It is very ancient, very beautiful. Who else has admired this, so many centuries ago? Who made it? Who used it?

Hidden behind sheets of plastic, fragments of mosaics.

There were statues:

At first glance, a winged female, with an elephant.

But, look! The elephant has rather strange feet. And, just look at the detail of the sandals on the feet of that female.

A Venetian lion of San Marco, with the open book.

And, a very time-worn lion.

Where has this come from?

And, this.

I have so many more photos from the short time we spent there. But, it really warrants a visit in person, if you can, and if you are interested.

A lifetime is simply not enough to explore what Venice has to show us.