The most beautiful palaces in Venice. The best Venetian palazzos Palaces in Venice 7
Along the Grand Canal, you can’t help but pay attention to the wonderful facades of Venetian palaces! Your gaze will fall on beautiful buildings that conceal the secrets and mysteries of the city, as well as reminders of its former greatness. We have selected the five most beautiful, in our opinion, palaces beautiful city on the water.
This marvelous Gothic-style building was built right next to the waters in 1437-1452 and belonged to the Venetian Doge Francesco Foscari, a nobleman who tried to flaunt his wealth and influence. By the way, the palace was amazingly beautiful. Even the most sophisticated critics could not find any flaws in it, calling it the most successful example of Gothic in Venice.
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Francesco also believed that he was building a true family residence, which would be occupied by his heirs and their descendants for many centuries to come. However, his dream was not destined to come true: in the 19th century, the palace served as a barracks for soldiers, whose proximity had an extremely negative impact on the building. And after a long and painstaking restoration, which was completed in 2005, the Foscari Palace turned into the residence of a higher educational institution.
Palazzo Labia
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Some time ago, namely in the 18th century, this stunning palace was considered the family home of the richest Labia family in the city, who invited the most talented architects of the city on the water, Alessandro Treminiona and Andrea Cominelli, to create a building project. However, soon the wealthy family, who thoroughly enjoyed social life and increased attention from the public, went bankrupt and lost the palazzo, which passed into the possession of Prince Lobkovich. But a representative of the nobility quickly sold the palace to the Israeli Koenigsber Foundation. After this, the palace was used for various purposes: it was a sawmill, a textile factory, and a clothes dryer. In the 1960s, it was acquired by the Italian television and radio company RAI, which made its office in the palace.
Palazzo Dario
Selecting the most interesting and beautiful ones from the numerous palaces of Venice is a very difficult task. However, it is simply impossible not to mention Palazzo Dario. Its facade, like many other palaces, faces the Grand Canal, showing off its unusually bright marble color to everyone.
It was built in 1487 in classical style by order of Giovanni Dario, a member of the Venetian nobility who served as Secretary of Venice. By the way, city residents call this building the “cursed palace”, due to the numerous failures and tragedies that befell the Dario family, as well as other owners and guests of the palace. The Venetians find it difficult to even count the number of inhabitants who died here due to the absurd death of the inhabitants, diligently avoiding this place.
Palazzo Dandolo
Palazzo Dandolo is widely known outside magnificent city on the water, which he has been decorating since the 1400s. This beautiful building once belonged to the Dandolo family, which is where it got its name. But very soon, family members decided to sell the palace to another eminent family - Gritti, thereby starting a long history of sales and purchases of this place from one hand to another. It seemed that the rich and nobles who purchased the palazzo were simply not ready to pay for its maintenance, and therefore sold it to their friends and acquaintances.
This continued until the 1630s, when the palace was acquired by people who made it the most popular gambling house in the city, introducing the rule of playing in masks, so as not to feel shame in front of those present during major losses.
However, after some time, the casino had to be closed at the insistence of the authorities, and its owner had to flee. Nowadays Palazzo Dandolo houses the luxurious Hotel Danieli.
Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace, Palazzo Ducale)
Palazzo Ducale, also known as, is perhaps one of the " business cards» Venice. The permanent residence of the Doges was built back in 1424 according to the design of Filippo Calendario in the style of exquisite Italian Gothic. For many centuries, the Doge's Palace was the very heart and symbol of political life.
However, when it fell in 1797, the purpose of this magnificent building also changed. From that moment on, it served different purposes and was home to different administrative divisions. By the end of the 19th century, the palace gradually began to decline, and the city administration allocated an impressive amount of funds for its restoration and restoration.
Almost all government services that occupied premises here were moved to other buildings. All that remains is the State Committee for the Protection of Cultural Heritage Objects. In 1923, the Italian government, to which this architectural monument belongs, decided to open a museum inside the Doge's Palace, which is still active today.
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Italian Venice- ancient and majestic European city, a visit to which will be remembered for a lifetime, because it is a unique city on the water, which has become famous throughout the world for its famous, best Venetian palazzos, great works of art. Venice includes more than a hundred large and small islands, almost two hundred canals - they have an irresistible attraction for the several million tourists who come here every year. Today we will talk about the most beautiful palaces in Venice.
Venice, shrouded in a light haze rising from the water, the bright turquoise waters of local canals, unique palaces and bridges - enigmatic and mysterious, what could be more attractive to travelers? But this city is also loved by romantics and newlyweds, as well as art connoisseurs who dream of getting acquainted with the rich cultural heritage of this Italian city. The most attractive Venetian palaces in the eyes of tourists are located with graceful facades along the Grand Canal, they demonstrate to all visitors the power of Venice and its living history, embodied in these architectural wonders in Gothic, Baroque, and Classical styles. These famous Venetian palaces are beautiful not only on the outside, they are lush and luxurious inside: many have preserved ancient decoration, furniture and household items from the Middle Ages. Some Venetian palazzo they were given over to government institutions of the city, and museums were located somewhere. So, what are the most beautiful palaces?
1. "Doge's Palace" or "Palazzo Ducale"- a beautiful ancient palace, built in the Gothic style, as the main residence for the Doges of Venice. Construction of the palazzo began in 1309 and was completed in 1424. The “Doge's Palace” was used in the Middle Ages as the main political, judicial and maritime control center of Venice. Today, within the walls of this palazzo there is a wonderful museum. The building itself is a bright and memorable element of the Venetian architectural ensemble. The palace is open to tourists from April to October: from half past eight in the morning to half past eight in the evening, and from November to March: until half past five in the evening. Getting to know the palace will cost you twenty euros.
2. “Palace Ca’ d’Oro” or “Palazzo Ca’ D’Oro”- This elegant building was built in the fifteenth century for the Bona family. Palazzo Ca' d'Oro was built in the beautiful Venetian Gothic style. Second common name of this palace, is the “Golden House”, the fact is that after construction the building was covered with gold leaf. This remarkable structure is located on the Grand Canal, in the Venetian district of Cannaregio. It contains art Gallery Giorgio Franchetti. Gallery opening hours: from eight fifteen in the morning to seven fifteen in the evening, from Tuesday to Sunday, and from eight fifteen in the morning until two in the afternoon, on Monday. The box office closes half an hour before the gallery closes. Official holidays: January 1st, May 1st, December 25th. Ticket price is six euros.
3. “Palazzo Barbarigo” or “Palazzo Barbarigo”- this austere building was erected in the fifteenth century for the ancient and noble Italian family of Barbarigo - a family that gave the city great commanders, smartest politicians and wise religious leaders, and belonged to it until its sale in the nineteenth century. The architectural appearance of the building belongs to the Venetian-Byzantine style, it is distinguished by the severity of its forms, the absence of excessive pretentiousness and pomp. It was only with the change of owners that occurred in the nineteenth century that the façade of the building was decorated with beautiful mosaics made of the famous Murano glass. Today, this palazzo is open to tourists, there are showrooms, as well as trading areas where you can see interesting works of art from Murano glassblowers and buy those you like.
4. “Palace Fondaco dei Tedeschi” or “Palazzo Fondaco dei Tedeschi”- the name of the palace is translated as “German Compound”. The building actually arose as a result of close commercial relations between the Venetians and the Germans. It was built in 1228, but the original version of the building burned down in a fire in 1505. Today we see a rebuilt building from the sixteenth century, designed by the architect Hieronymo Tedesco, whose nickname was “The German”, and who supervised the work of Antonio Abbondi Scarpagnino. This beautiful building was built in the Renaissance style: it has a wide courtyard, a beautiful portico located at canal level, framed by an interesting crenellated cornice.
Previously, the walls of the palazzo, restored after the fire, were covered with frescoes by Giorgione and Titian; today the surviving remains of this painting are in the Franchetti Gallery, in the Accademia Palace and the “Palace of Rains”. In the nineteenth century, the palace was given over to house customs, and throughout the twentieth century there was a post office here. In our twenty-first century, the building was bought by the fashion brand “Benetton”, they wanted to place it there shopping mall, but their idea failed due to protests from defenders of the cultural heritage of Venice.
5. “Palazzo Fondaco dei Turchi” or “Palazzo Fondaco dei Turchi”- this is a wonderful monument of Veneto-Byzantine architecture and one of the most ancient buildings in the city of Venice, built in the manner of the first palaces of Constantinople. The name can be translated as “Turkish Compound”, the fact is that for a long time it was rented out to Turkish merchants for warehouses and housing. But the palace was built between the tenth and thirteenth centuries for the local wealthy patrician family of Pisaro. And only in the sixteenth century it was transferred to the use of the merchant community of Turkey. When, at the beginning of the nineteenth century, trade with the Ottomans ceased to be vibrant, the number of oriental merchants in the city declined and rental income fell sharply, and the ancient palace began to collapse. He returned again to the Pisaro family, then passed to the Manin family, and they sold it again, and so it changed owners until 1860, until it was bought by the commune, which carried out its restoration and reconstruction. The palace again acquired Veneto-Byzantine features. Today, in the Palazzo Fondaco dei Turchi there is a “Museum of Natural History”, where paleontological collections are located, and their most interesting exhibits are: the skeleton of a prehistoric crocodile, numerous skeletons of dinosaurs, aquariums with very rare inhabitants underwater world.
6. “Palazzo Dolfin-Manin” or “Palazzo Dolfin Manin”- this airy building was erected in the mid-sixteenth century for the Venetian diplomat and merchant Dolphin. The project was created by architect Jakop Sansovino. The basis for the new building was two medieval houses. The facade of the three-story snow-white palace was decorated with magnificent arched colonnades. This Venetian palazzo received its name in the period from 1789 to 1797, when the last Doge of Venice, Lodovico Manin, lived in it. Since 1867, this palace was transferred to house the National Bank, where it operates to this day.
7. “Palazzo Grimani” or “Palazzo Grimani di San Luca”- this beautiful building is located at the intersection of the Rio di San Luca canal with the Grand Canal, not far from the Rialto Bridge. The Grimani Palace was built during the Renaissance for the Doge of Venice, Antonio Grimani, but after his death, it was constantly rebuilt by his heirs, Vittore Grimani, the Procurator General of Venice, and Giovanni Grimani, the Cardinal and Patriarch of Aquileia. The palazzo is divided into three parts and has a miniature backyard. Its elegant white facade is decorated with multi-colored marble. Today this Venetian palace houses the city's appeal court.
8. “Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti” or “Palazzo Cavalli Franchetti”- this architectural monument in the Gothic style is located near the Accademia Bridge, facing the Grand Canal, it has its main entrance from Campo Santo Stefano. This wonderful palace was built in the sixteenth century for the Marcello family. For three centuries, representatives of three related branches lived under the roof of the palazzo: Marcello, Gussoni, Cavalli.
In the first half of the nineteenth century, the residence of the Austrian Archduke Friedrich Ferdinand was located here. And in 1878, the palazzo passed to Baron Raimondo Franchetti, and he began a large-scale reconstruction of the building, hiring the architect Camillo Boito. Today, within the walls of this palace is located the “Institute of Science, Literature and Art of Venice” - “Istituto Veneto di Scienze, Lettere ed Arti”. There are pavilions for various cultural events, exhibition halls occupy four hundred and fifty square meters, conference rooms - nine hundred square meters, a garden - one and a half thousand square meters.
9. “Palazzo Ca’ Foscari” or “Palazzo Foscari”- this majestic building was built in 1452, it is a prominent representative of the houses of the Venetian nobility. Its reddish facade is distinguished by symmetry and delicacy, which attracts the attention of any tourist. At first, the house was owned by the famous Venetian Giustiniani family, and then the mansion passed to the Foscari family, after which it was named. The architecture of the palace is Gothic: arches alternate with columns and windows. For several centuries, trade warehouses were located on the ground floor of the building, and only the upper rooms were residential. The main entrance of the mansion faces the Grand Canal. Royalty often stayed at the Ca' Foscari Palace, for example, the French king Henry III lived here. This palazzo has undergone several major restorations, the largest following a fire in 1979, and the final restoration, aimed at improving safety measures, took place in 2006. Today, there are several departments and institutions of the Ca' Foscari University - "Università Ca" Foscari. And another remarkable feature of Palazzo Ca' Foscari is associated with its location on the bend of the Grand Canal, which provides an excellent overview of the annual "Historical Regatta of Venice ", it is held on the first Sunday of September. For convenience, near the mansion there is a floating platform where jury members sit, monitoring the progress of the regatta, and awards are presented to the winners on it.
10. “Palazzo Dandolo” or “Palazzo Dandolo”- this beautiful mansion was built in 1400 for a Venetian family with a similar surname, but in 1536 they decided to sell this wonderful palace to the Gritti family, and since then the building began an endless change of owners: the Michele family, the Mocenigo family, the Bernando family. And so, the next owners of the palazzo decided to open a casino there. Thus, in the period from 1638 to 1774, the most famous gambling house in Venice was located in Palazzo Dandolo, until, through the efforts of the most influential families of the city, they decided to close it, putting pressure on the owner of the establishment, because noble young people of Venice had wasted more than one million fortune here. Today, this beautiful old palazzo houses the luxurious five-star Hotel Royal Danieli, and is very popular among tourists who want to live on the Grand Canal, near St. Mark's Square and the Ducal Palace. The address of Palazzo Dandolo and, accordingly, “Hotel Danieli”: street - “Riva degli Schiavoni” 4196, Venice, 30122. You can get to the hotel yourself by using water trams - “vaporetto” No. 1 or No. 2, departing from railway station or bus station.
11. "Palazzo Ca' Pesaro" or "Palazzo Ca" Pesaro"- this beautiful palace in the Venetian Baroque style was built in the second half of the seventeenth century for representatives of the famous Pesaro family. The author of the project is the architect Baldassare Longhena, who began the construction of the palazzo in 1659 from the part of the building facing the land, then he completed the courtyard, decorating it with a magnificent loggia, this was in 1676. Then he began construction of the façade on the side of the Grand Canal, but having reached the second floor of the palazzo, he died in 1682. The work of the great master was continued by his talented student, Antonio Gaspari, who completed the palace in 1710, according to the original drawings. Long time the mansion was supplemented and remodeled inside: it was decorated with wall frescoes by the most famous masters, famous artists painted the ceilings: Francesco Trevisani, Girolamo Brusaferro, Nicolo Bambini, Giovanni Battista Pittoni. Previously, the palazzo had a fresco by Tiepolo: “Zephyr and Flora”, but in 1935 it was moved to the Museum of Venice, located in the “Palazzo Ca” Rezonico.” The Pesaro family owned many great works of world art - brilliant works by Titian, Giorgione, Carpaccio, Tintoretto, other Venetian artists of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries But, in 1830, after the death of the last representative of the Pesaro family, most the property of one of the oldest Venetian families was sold. Then the palace became the property of the Gradenigo family, then to the Armenian community, which opened a college within its walls. Then the palazzo was bought by Duchess Felecita Bevilacqua La Massa, and after her death she bequeathed it to the city so that a museum could be opened there. In 1902, a collection of modern art was housed here, and from 1908 to 1924, exhibitions of works by young artists began to be held in the palace: Gino Rossi, Felice Casorati, Umberto Boccioni, Arturo Martini. The museum's exposition was constantly replenished thanks to such famous patrons as Baron Eduardo Franchetti, Prince Alberto Giovanelli, Baron Ernst Sighera, Filippo Grimani - a representative of the most noble Venetian family and a major political figure. In the twentieth century, paintings by Kandinsky, Miro, Morandi, Wildt, Klimt, Chagall, and other artists and sculptors appeared in the museum. Today, the Palazzo Ca Pesaro also houses the Museum of Modern Art - Galleria Internazionale d'Arte Moderna, as well as the Museum of Oriental Art - Museo d'Arte Orientale, which is no less interesting.
12. “Palace Ca’ Dario” or “Palazzo Ca’ Dario”- oddly enough, this beautiful building is often called the “Cursed Castle of Venice”, the fact is that any of its new owners became unlucky: they went bankrupt, were attacked and violated, became victims of various accidents, committed suicide - that’s why local legends , finally secured for it the glory of the “cursed house”. This palace was built in 1487, in the Renaissance style: the structure is asymmetrical, its facade compares favorably with neighboring houses in that it is lined with beautiful mosaics of green marble and reddish porphyry. The front façade of this palace overlooks the Grand Canal, the building itself belongs to the Dorsoduro quarter, which stands on the Rio delle Torreselle, and with its opposite façade it faces Piazza Campiello Barbaro, facing the marina of Santa Maria de Giglio. At the end of the twentieth century, director Woody Allen chose this beautiful Venetian palace as a wedding venue. Today, Palazzo Ca'Dario is private property, but sometimes, with the consent of the owners, cultural events organized by the Venice Art Museum are held here.
13. “Palazzo Pisani Gritti” or “Palazzo Pisani Gritti”- a beautiful ancient building, dating back to the fourteenth century, which became the residence of the Doge of Venice Andrea Gritti and the family residence of this famous Venetian family. The facade of the palazzo overlooks the Grand Canal, located opposite the Church of the Madonna della Salute.
The facade of the building was changed in the sixteenth century. The building has a Gothic architectural style; it is decorated with spectacular pointed arches and four lancet windows located in the center of the building. The third floor of the palazzo was rebuilt in the nineteenth century and acquired a neo-Gothic style; there are three lancet windows that are separated from each other. In ancient years, the facade of a beautiful building, from the side Grand Canal, decorated Giorgione's frescoes, but they were lost. The luxurious palace was often used as a residence for ambassadors from the Vatican. In the twentieth century, an elite hotel opened here, and at the same time a terrace was built on the ground floor overlooking the canal. In 1994, The Gritti Palace was associated with the prestigious Starwood Hotels & Resorts brand, becoming part of the Luxury Collection. It has undergone a thorough restoration, the interiors have been carefully restored to delight visitors to the city who come to experience the beautiful Venice.
14. “Palazzo Labia” or “Palazzo Labia”- the luxurious building of this palace was erected at the end of the seventeenth century as a residence for the richest Venetian family with Catalan roots. The building has two lush facade, which are made in the “Longren” style, one overlooks the Cannaregio Canal, the other overlooks the Grand Canal. Above these amazing architectural masterpieces talented Venetian architects Alessandro Tremignona and Andrea Cominelli worked on it. The third façade of the building faces San Jeremy Square and was completed in 1730. The inside of the palace is no less magnificent; its ballroom, designed by Giorgio Missveri, is especially gorgeous. The Labia family eventually went bankrupt and was forced to transfer their wonderful palace to Prince Lobkovich, and he, in turn, sold the mansion to the Israeli “Konigsberg Foundation”. Then a sawmill was set up in the interiors of the palazzo, a textile factory and a clothes dryer were opened, until in 1964 it was bought by the RAI television and radio company and the Regional Broadcasting Center was opened here.
15. “Palazzo dei Camerlenghi” or “Palazzo dei Camerlenghi”- this extraordinary palazzo is an ideal example of the early Renaissance, overlooking the Grand Canal, and forms an angle on both sides, its design was created by the great architect Guglielmo dei Grigi. The Palazzo was built by 1528, it was built specifically to house the administrative institutions of Venice, thus becoming the first purely public building in Europe. The Palazzo dei Kamerlinghi has distinctive features from other Venetian palaces: its front parts face each cardinal direction. At first the palace was the “House of City Treasurers”, then it became state prison. The walls of the pentagon-shaped building, to indicate the significance of the institutions located here, were long ago decorated with overlays made of precious metals, but over time they were lost. The arches that overlook the Grand Canal contain numerous windows. In past centuries, the interior of the palace was decorated with two hundred paintings by famous Venetian artists, many of which were enormous in size, and such a collection was accumulated in a state institution for this reason: traditionally, upon retiring, every judge was obliged to give this palazzo an expensive painting. Of course, to this day, the lion's part of the collection was stolen, and even destroyed in 1797, after Napoleon captured Venice, but the remaining paintings can be seen in the Academy Museum.
Today we told you about the most interesting Venetian palaces, which have an ancient and glorious history, inextricably linked with the history of the city, the country and its great people. We hope that we were able to convince you of the need to visit Venice and the importance of getting to know the great masterpieces of Venetian architecture on the water.
On both sides of the Grand Canal, adjacent to each other, are palazzos - the dwellings of the Venetian nobility. These are mostly three- to five-story palaces of light yellow, red or blue, which seem to rise straight out of the water. The oldest buildings date back to the 12th century - it was then that the Venetians borrowed the Byzantine type of palace with open loggias and porticoes.
The construction of palaces was fraught with considerable difficulties. To provide a reliable foundation for the future palazzo, the builders strengthened the marshy soil along the banks of the Grand Canal by driving oak piles into it. The construction of one palace required about a thousand piles, so Venice literally stands on stilts. By the way, the wood for the piles was also ordered from Russia. This was our northern forest, which was exported by sea.
In total, about two hundred magnificent palaces have been preserved in the city, and among them is the pearl of Venice - the Palazzo Ca d'Oro.
This elegant three-story building was built in 1440 for the noble nobleman Marino Cantarini. The marble lace of its façade was then covered with gold leaf, hence its name, which means “golden house”.
The palace has changed many owners. In 1846, Ca' d'Oro was bought by Prince Alexander Trubetskoy. But, being a romantic idiot, he gave it to the famous ballerina Maria Taglione, and she turned everything she could into it, according to her, as it turned out, not very elegant taste. Therefore, when the last owner of the Ca d'Oro, Baron Giorgio Franchetti, handed it over to the state in 1916, the palace needed a thorough restoration. Now a museum has settled in it.
Our first attempt to visit the famous palace was unsuccessful - it was still flooded and was not open full time.
Through a small window in the wall a portico with water on the marble floor was visible.
But the next day the museum worked as usual. A worker was washing salt off the floor.
The water has receded, but not completely.
Paul is just great.
There are some artifacts along the walls.
Well made of red Verona marble.
There is also a small patio just behind the cash register.
There are not many exhibits in the museum itself, but they are well selected, you can stand in front of each for half a day -
the craftsmanship is amazing. But this, it’s scary to think, is mostly from the 13th-15th centuries.
Home altar. The lower figure in the middle is placed admirably.
And we simply could not tear ourselves away from this wooden Crucifix. The realism is no worse than Mel Gibson's in The Passion of the Christ, and there is clearly more art.
The galleries on the second and third floors offer beautiful views of the Grand Canal.
There's all sorts of medieval stuff here.
This hall is very memorable,
because it turns out this is where this miracle hangs — Titian’s “Venus before a Mirror” (1555).
How many times have I seen it in reproductions, but it is impossible to convey the beauty of the original. Only when you are left alone with her do you understand what Titian’s brush is.
On the opposite wall there is an excellent Van Dyck and tapestries.
The museum has a lot of other things tasty for the eyes, and at the same time the exhibition is made very thoughtfully and does not tire. You go out into the street full of strength and freshness of perception.
Palaces abound in other parts of the city.
This is the Palazzo of Senator Braggadin in Piazza San Polo.
One day he went out for a walk and suddenly the poor fellow had a stroke. Luckily for him, a smart young man was nearby, who escorted him home and soon got him back on his feet. The young doctor's name was Casanova. The grateful senator practically adopted the young man and gave him a “start in life”
And this - Palazzo Mocenigo.
In 1591, his master, the patrician Giovanni Mocenigo, invited Giordano Bruno to teach him the art of magic, promising patronage and a generous fee. But as time passed, he wrote a denunciation against his teacher. At dawn on May 22, 1592, guards knocked on this door and escorted Bruno to prison. This began a long-term trial of the famous philosopher and magician, which ended in Rome, on the Square of Flowers, with a bonfire that is still memorable to this day.
In our democratic days, most of the palaces of Venice are such only in name. Their former owners They left their ancestral nests long ago, and now they house museums, shops and expensive hotels.
Beautiful Venice is one of the most ancient and majestic cities in Europe. The only city of its kind, built on water and famous throughout the world for its unique culture of local carnivals and classical art. More than a hundred islands, about two hundred canals and sixty thousand inhabitants welcome several million tourists every year.
The light haze rising above the water makes Venice attractive to both lovers of antiquities and incorrigible romantics. Here they spend their Honeymoon newlyweds, here elderly lovers enjoy memories of the past.
History buffs appreciate Venice for its rich past, art connoisseurs love it for its ability to preserve its cultural heritage. The city's numerous palazzos, facing with their majestic facades, represent the living history of Venice and, at the same time, determine its modern architectural appearance.
Venetian palaces made in the Gothic, Baroque, and Classical styles are interesting not only for their appearance. Many of them have also preserved their rich interior decoration. Part of the palazzo is given over to government needs of the city; some buildings house local museums.
We invite you to get acquainted with the most magnificent palaces of Venice and sincerely wish that virtual tour through exquisite palazzos eventually culminated in the present!
Palaces of Venice - PHOTO
The main residence of the Venetian doges was built between 1309 and 1424. The Doge's Palace is designed in a strict Gothic style. It was formerly used as the political, judicial and maritime center of government for the city. Today, within the walls of the palace there is a museum, and the building itself is one of the main elements of the architectural ensemble of Venice.
Built in the 15th century and designed by the architects Bona (father and son), Palazzo Ca' d'Oro is one of the most elegant buildings designed in the Venetian Gothic style. The “Golden House” (the second name of the palace due to its original decoration with gold leaf) is located in the Cannaregio area. For the last eighty years it has housed the Franchetti Gallery.
From the moment of its construction (in the 15th century) until the moment of sale (in the 19th century), Palazzo Barbarigo belonged to an ancient and noble family of Venice, bearing a similar surname. The architectural appearance of the building absorbed the features of the Venetian-Byzantine style: severity of forms, absence of unnecessary decorations. Murano glass mosaics decorated the facade of Palazzo Barbarigo during the change of owners in the 19th century.
Fondaco dei Tedeschi was born thanks to the close commercial ties that existed between the Venetians and the Germans. It was built between the 12th and 15th centuries and was used by German merchants as warehouses, trading and residential premises. Currently, the Fondaco dei Tedeschi houses the Venice city post office and the local telegraph office.
Initially (X-XIII centuries) Fondaco dei Turchi was built as a palace for the Venetian family of Pesaro. In the 16th century it was given to the Turkish merchant community for use. The building, made in the Venetian-Byzantine style, was used by eastern merchants for life and trade. Now it houses the Natural History Museum.
Palazzo Dolfin-Manin was built in the mid-16th century according to the design of the outstanding Venetian architect Jacopo Sansovino. The building is based on two medieval houses. The facade of the palace was decorated with elegant arched colonnades, visually elongating the not particularly tall, three-story building. Currently, the Bank of Italy operates inside the Palazzo Dolphin-Manin.
Built in the second half of the 16th century, the Grimani di San Luca Palace is located at the confluence of two canals, not far from the Rialto Bridge. The building is made in the Renaissance style. The palazzo consists of three parts and a miniature backyard. The snow-white facade of the palace is decorated with multi-colored marble. Nowadays the Venice Court of Appeal is located in the Palazzo Grimani.
Located next to the Accademia Bridge, on the Grand Canal, Palazzo Cavalli-Francheti is a unique monument gothic architecture. The palace was built in the 16th century for three families of the same family - Marcello, Gussoni and Cavalli. In the 19th century, it passed into the hands of the Austrian Archduke Friedrich Ferdinand, and then Baron Franchetti. Today, the halls of the palace house the Institute of Science, Literature and Art.
Built in 1452, Palazzo Ca' Foscari is one of the most magnificent buildings in Venice. The architecture of the palace has pronounced Gothic features: a rhythmic alternation of arches, columns and windows, traditional decor of quatrefoils and lion heads. The ground floor of the building for a long time served as commercial warehouses, the upper premises were used as residential premises. Royalty often stayed at Ca' Foscari - for example, King Henry III of France.
Palazzo Dandolo was born in 1400 thanks to the efforts of a noble Venetian family with a similar name. For my centuries-old history The palace building changed several influential owners. Currently, the five-star Hotel Royal Danieli operates on the basis of Palazzo Dandolo. The architectural and tourist attraction rises on the Grand Canal in the San Marco area.
Designed by the talented Venetian Baroque architect Baldassare Longhena in the second half of the 17th century, Ca'Pesaro embodied not only the features of luxury, but also the strict lines of classicism. The powerful facade of the palace is decorated with alternating deep arches and decorative figures of Aquarius, lion and titanium heads. These days, Ca'Pesaro functions as the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Designed at the end of the 17th century by the architect Baldassare Longhen, Ca' Rezzonico was completed only in 1745. The structure of the palace is classic for Venice: the ground floor is a warehouse and the upper floors are residential. Since 1936, the palazzo has housed the Museum of 18th-century Venice. Items on display include exquisite frescoes, tapestries with Flemish tapestries, paintings by Venetian artists and the palace halls themselves.
Ka'Dario Palace was built in 1487. The Renaissance was taken as the basis for its architectural style. The asymmetrical building of the palazzo has a mosaic facade of green marble and reddish porphyry. Ka'Dario is not an easy building. Local legends They classify it as one of the “cursed houses”, since most of the owners of the palazzo were desperately unlucky in life: they lost their fortunes, were subjected to violence, and committed suicide.
Situated between Palazzo Dandolo and Palazzo Farsetti, Ca’ Loredan has its own appearance not much different from the last palace. It acquired its strict Gothic forms in the 13th century. Today, within the walls of Ca' Loredan is the Venetian municipality.
Erected in the 20s of the 16th century, the Palazzo dei Camerlinghi has a unique façade structure. Unlike other Venetian palaces, the front part of this building faces each side. Initially, the Kamerlinghi was used as the House of City Treasurers, and later became a state prison.
