[김용범의 세계유산] 102. 이탈리아_베네치아, 두칼레 궁전( Venezia Palazzo Ducale) 세계에서 가장 큰 그림, 두칼레 궁전의 ‘천국’

Venice is a beautiful city floating on the sea. Millions of piles were driven into 118 small islands on the Adriatic Sea tidal flats, creating a vast water city over centuries. This ancient city continues to preserve its past glory through its beautiful architecture. Why was a city built on the sea? The history of Venice began around the 5th century, when people seeking refuge from the frequent invasions of Germanic tribes built homes in the lagoon. Venice flourished with maritime trade from the 7th century AD, and by the early 13th century, it had monopolized Mediterranean trade. The Doge's Palace is a building that exemplifies the splendor of the former Venetian Republic. The Doge's Palace was first built in the 9th century as the official residence of the Doge, the leader of the Duchy of Venice, and was completed in its present form after several expansions in the 15th century. Doge is an Italian word meaning leader or monarch. This palace is a representative example of Venetian Gothic architecture. The second-floor corridor, decorated with columns and arches, features repeated circular geometric patterns, reflecting the heavy influence of the Byzantine Empire. The largest room in the Palazzo Ducale, the Great Council Hall, houses a remarkable work of art. This painting, Paradise, by Tintoretto, the greatest artist of his time, is the world's largest painting. Tintoretto spent 25 years working on this painting, but died before completing it. Paradise was completed by his son. Over 700 people appear in the painting. On the left wall is the painting Victory at the Battle of Lepanto. This is a historically famous naval battle, and its depiction is realistic. The Battle of Lepanto was a naval battle fought between the allied forces of Spain, Genoa, and Venice and the Ottoman Turks. With this victory, Venice gained a monopoly on Mediterranean maritime trade. They fought three Battles of Lepanto, two of which resulted in crushing defeats, and in the final battle of 1571, Venice emerged victorious. The greatest painters of the Renaissance competed to decorate the ceilings and walls of the Palazzo Ducale.