Close-up view of the Palazzo Ducale, Venice.

 The great elaborateness of the Doge's Palace is evident from close quarters.
It reminded me somewhat of a giant wedding cake. Highly visible is the balcony
on which the Doge would make his public appearances, and just above it is the
famous winged Lion of St. Mark, holding an open book on which is written the
words: "Pax tibi, Marce. mea envangelista".

 (Chris Owen - tr95006sable.ox.ac.uk)