Venice is famous for its palaces. The complex of Venetian palaces was built over many centuries. The Republic of Venice developed and prospered over the centuries. At various times it was influenced by Byzantine, Gothic and Romanesque styles. The Renaissance also made a major contribution. Historically, only the Doge's Palace was called a palace. The rest of the buildings claiming this title should have been preceded by "Ca" (in Italian - Ca, abbreviated Casa), which means home. Later, the houses began to be called palazzos (in Italian - Palazzo), i.e. castle. Each influential Venetian family considered it their duty to build one or more palaces. Therefore, most names included the names of their owners. Families invited the best architects, sculptors and artists to build and decorate palaces.
And now let’s take a closer look at the palaces of Venice. Let's start with the most famous ones. This is Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale):
The Doge's Palace is a magnificent monument of Italian Gothic architecture, one of the main attractions of the city. It is located on St. Mark's Square next to the cathedral of the same name.
More about the Doge's Palace =>>
Palazzo Ca'd'Oro, aka Palazzo Santa Sofia:
This palace is located on the Grand Canal in the Canaregio area and is considered one of the most elegant palaces. It is also called the “golden house” because initially gold leaf, as well as cinnabar and ultramarine, were used to cover it. The palace is an example of Venetian Gothic architecture. It was built in 1425-1440 according to the design of Giovanni Bona and his son Bartholomew.
Palazzo Ca'Rezzonico:
It is located on the Grand Canal, in the Dorsudoro area. It was built in 1649-1751 according to the design of the famous architect Longen. Upon completion of construction, the building was bought by the banker Resonico. The ceiling of the palace is painted with frescoes by Tiepelo. Currently, it houses the Museum of Venice of the 18th century.
Palazzo Ca'foscari:
This palace belonged to Doge Francesco Foscari. It was built in 1452 and is a typical residence of the Venetian nobility and merchants. Currently, it houses a university that is over 150 years old.
Palazzo Barbarigo:
This building was built in the XVI century, at the height of the Renaissance. Saint Gregorio Bambarigo was born here.
Palazzo Dolfin-Manin:
The palace was built by the architect Jacopo Sansovino by order of the Venetian merchant and diplomat G. Dolfin. It received its full name in honor of Lodovico Manini, the last Doge of Venice, who lived there in 1789-1797.
Palazzo dei Camerlenghi:
This palace was built in 1525-1528 by the architect Guglielmo Bergamo, commissioned by Doge Andrea Gritti. Treasurers worked here, hence the name. On the ground floor there was a prison for debtors and petty criminals. The palace is located in the San Polo area, next to the Rialto Bridge.
Palazzo Cavalli Franchetti:
This palace is located near the Academy Bridge. It was built in 1565, but was later completely reconstructed. Currently, it houses the Institute of Science, Literature and Art of the Veneto Region.
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo:
The palace was built in 1499. The Contarini family gave Venice eight doges. The building is distinguished by an openwork spiral staircase. To climb it, tourists will have to pay.
Palazzo Corner Spinelli:
One of the best Renaissance palaces in Venice. It was built in 1480-1500. It is notable for the rounded double-arched windows at the top and the relief façade of the ground floor. Located in the San Marco area.
Fondaco dei Tedeschi:
The palace was built in 1228 according to the design of the architect Girolamo Tedeschi. Its façade was decorated with frescoes by Giorgione and Titian, which were destroyed by fire in 1505. It is located in the Rialto quarter.
Fondaco dei Turchi:
The palace was built in the XIII century. The name is associated with Turkish merchants who rented the building for living and storing things. Currently, the building houses a natural history museum, which displays up to two million exhibits from botanical, zoological, entomological and ethnographic collections. Here you will see representatives of ancient flora and fauna, skeletons and stuffed animals, birds and fish. Here is the skeleton of a ouranosaurus, which is 50 million years old, as well as a huge aquarium.
I have offered you only a few palaces in Venice. In fact, there are more than a hundred of them. Let's settle for it this time.
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