The churches of Venice are the mausoleums of the ancient doges and senators, many of whom figure in history. They are also conservatories of the works of her great artists, and now more so than the church of St. Giovanni & Paulo, which forms one side of a square of the same name, or campo as they are called in Venice. For Saint Mark by way of distinction is alone called Piazza - in the Campo Stances the equestrian statue of Colleoni in bronze, which all who have seen the opera of Manno Faliere must have noticed in the scenery.

Under the wall of the church is a tomb with an obliterated inscription, here was deposed the body of the decapitated Doge Falier. The church is full of monuments Mocingo's & other Doges whose naval victories and military achievements in Greece, Syria & Constan are pompously set forth in their epitaphs.

Among the paintings are some lovely things of Bellini, Tintoretti, etc. - but the birth of our Saviour by Paul Veronese, struck my attention the most. Beside the meek & lowly Mary there is a countryman stooping down & resting on one hand, looking at the infant - than which nothing can be more true & natural.

Attached to the church is the chapel of the Rosario - the life the virgin cut in alto basso relievo in white marble - a work of wonder & admiration -