- you are here: Home
- Hidden Treasures
- The Bridge of Wonders in Venice

The Bridge of Wonders in Venice
If you pass the famous museum of the Academy of Venice, you will more than likely walk over a bridge curiously named ‘of Wonders'. This is probably so called because a heroine of Venice's history: Belisandra Wonder lived in the building opposite.
Belisandra was the wife of Peter Albino, chancellor of Cyprus, during the capture of the island by the Turks in 1570.
The conquerors managed to enter the capital Famagusta and began killing all those they met and plundering churches and palaces. They made a huge booty, which also included the most beautiful girls and women, destined to the harem of the Sultan of Constantinople.
All the loot was loaded on three large ships anchored in the harbour in front of the city including Belisandra. The night after the terrible event, she decided to take revenge on the cruel conquerors and with a lit fuse set fire to the gun powder store, blowing herself up and the boats, along with many other prisoners and objects, thereby avoiding the sad fate of slavery.
- Google+
- tumblr
Search posts
Latest posts
Venice: What happened on May 16 in Venice

Almanac of Venice
According to the Venetian Liturgical Calendar, the Saint of the Day is St. Boldo (St. Ubald Bishop) a church was dedicated to the Sain...
ViewVenice: What happened on May 1 in Venice

Almanac of Venice
According to the Venetian Liturgical Calendar, today’s Saints are Sts. Philip and James, Apostles and Saint Scholastica, of whom ther...
ViewVenice: What happened on April 25 in Venice

Almanac of Venice
According to the Venetian Liturgical Calendar, the Saint of the Day is St. Mark, Evangelist, Patron Saint of Venice It is the First Fea...
ViewVenice: What happened on April 20 in Venice

Almanac of Venice
According to the Venetian Liturgical Calendar, the Saint of the Day is St. Victor. - April 20, 1797: capture of the French friga...
ViewTop posts
Venice: 10 songs that will make you think of Venice

Did you know that...
Sometimes we hear the first few lines of a song and our minds are suddenly transported back to a place, a memory or a dream. We put tog...
ViewPadua: Vò Euganeo: a place to be discovered

Unknown places & works
In the last few months there has been much talking around the small town of Vò, in the province of Padua. It was at the center of ever...
ViewVenice: 10 must-see movies filmed in Venice

Film Locations
Venice is unique amongst world cities and every year it turns into a dream-like experience for scores of tourists thanks to its timeles...
ViewChioggia: The Valley of the Seven Dead Men

Mysteries & Legends
Halloween is just around the corner: have you already got into the fascinating terrifying aura of the scariest party of the year? No ye...
View