followed by the Santa Maria della Salute. The Dogana was the customs office. On top is Atlas holding the world with Fortuna as weathervane.
The Santa Maria was built by Baldassare Longhena for the people of Venice. The plague hit Venice particularly hard, as we might expect of a merchant shipping city. When it was clear that the city would survive, Venicians had the Santa Maria built in gratitude to the Virgin for saving them. 
The palace of the Doge is stratigically positioned to be seen when entering the city from the sea. Dignitaries could sail right up in former times. These days, yachts park just up the way. 
We'll get to San Marco on foot later.
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