This
isn't the Italy that Americans think of first. Instead
of showcasing Rome, the country's largest city, the
Italians have chosen to spotlight the lifestyle and
culture of Venice. The dominant feature of this sector
is the 83-foot bell tower The original in Saint Mark's
Square is topped with an angel covered in gold leaf,
and so is this one but most visitors will never notice
it because it's so high. Also duplicated here are
bridges from Venice, and the 14th century Doge's Palace,
also from Venice. The original palace was designed
by Giovanni and Bartolomeo Buon and built from 1309
to 1424. A huge fountain ("Fontana de Nettuno") was
inspired by Bernini's Neptune fountain.
The
following may or may not be true:
- One
of the buildings in the Italian pavilion is surrounded
by columns. One of the kings that adorn the columns
is holding a bowling ball instead of a cannon ball
or a sword.