Beauty Venice is one of the most ancient and majestic cities in Europe. The only city of its kind, built on the 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 each year receive several million tourists within their borders.

A light haze rising above the water makes Venice attractive both for lovers of antiquities and incorrigible romantics. Newlyweds spend their honeymoon here, elderly lovers enjoy memories of the past here.

History buffs appreciate Venice for its rich past, art lovers love it for its ability to preserve its cultural heritage. Numerous palazzos of the city, overlooking with their majestic facades, are a living history of Venice and, at the same time, determine its modern architectural appearance.

Made in the style of Gothic, Baroque, Classicism, Venetian palaces are interesting not only for their appearance. Many of them have also retained rich interior decoration. Part of the palazzo was given over to the state 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 the virtual tour of the exquisite palazzos will eventually end with a real one!

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 used to be used as the political, judicial and maritime center of the city's administration. Today, the palace houses a museum, and the building itself is one of the main elements of the architectural ensemble of Venice.

Built in the 15th century by the architects Bona (father and son), the Palazzo Ca' d'Oro is one of the most elegant buildings made in the Venetian Gothic style. The "Golden House" (the second name of the palace for the initial decoration with gold leaf) is located on, 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), the 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: the severity of forms, the absence of unnecessary decorations. Murano glass mosaic adorned the façade 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 storage, commercial and residential premises. Currently, the city post office of Venice and the local telegraph office are located in Fondaco dei Tedeschi.

Initially (X-XIII centuries) Fondaco dei Turchi was built as a palace for the Venetian Pesaro family. In the 16th century, it was transferred to the use of the Turkish merchant community. The building, made in the Venetian-Byzantine style, was used by eastern merchants for living and trading. It now houses the Museum of Natural History.

Palazzo Dolphin Manin was built in the middle of the 16th century according to the project of the outstanding Venetian architect Jacopo Sansovino. The building was based on two medieval houses. The facade of the palace was decorated with graceful arched colonnades, visually extending the not very high, 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. Now the Palazzo Grimani houses the Court of Appeal of Venice.

Located next to the Accademia Bridge, on the Grand Canal, Palazzo Cavalli Francheti is a unique monument of Gothic architecture. The palace was built in the 16th century for three families of the same clan - 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, Ca' Foscari is one of the most magnificent buildings in Venice. The architecture of the palace has pronounced Gothic features: the rhythmic alternation of arches, columns and windows, the traditional decor of the quatrefoil and lion heads. The ground floor of the building served as a trading warehouse for a long time, the upper premises were used as living quarters. In Ca' Foscari, people of royal blood often stopped - for example, King Henry III of France.

Palazzo Dandolo was born in 1400 thanks to the efforts of a noble Venetian family bearing a similar name. During its long history, the palace building has changed several influential owners. Currently, the five-star Hotel Royal Danieli operates on the basis of the Dandolo Palace. An 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 both alternating deep arches and decorative figures of aquarius, lion and titanium heads. Today, Ca'Pesaro functions as the Museum of Modern Art.

Designed at the end of the 17th century by the architect Baldassare Longen, Ca' Rezzonico was not completed until 1745. The structure of the palace is classical for Venice: the basement storage floor and the upper floors are residential. Since 1936, the palazzo has housed the Museum of Venice of the 18th century. Exhibit items include exquisite frescoes, tapestries with Flemish espaliers, canvases by Venetian artists, and the halls of the palace themselves.

Ca'Dario Palace was built in 1487. The Renaissance was taken as the basis of the architectural style in it. The asymmetric building of the palazzo has a mosaic facade of green marble and reddish porphyry. Ca'Dario is not an easy building. Local legends 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 abused, and committed suicide.

Located between Palazzo Dandolo and Palazzo Farsetti, Ca' Loredan is not much different from the latter palace in appearance. It acquired its strict Gothic forms in the 13th century. Today, within the walls of Ca' Loredan is the Venetian municipality.

Built in the 20s of the 16th century, the Palazzo dei Camerlingi has a unique facade structure. Unlike other Venetian palaces, the main part of this building goes to each side. Initially, dei Camerlingi was used as the House of City Treasurers, and later became a state prison.

Palazzo Grimani is a palace in Venice on the Rio di San Luca canal, at the confluence of the latter with the Grand Canal. It was built during the Renaissance, the modern look dates back to 1556-1575.

It was originally built for Doge Antonio Grimani. After his death, in 1532-1569 it was successively rebuilt by the Doge's heirs, first by Vittore Grimani, procurator general of the city, then by Giovanni Grimani, cardinal and patriarch of Aquileia. Presumably, Michele Sanmicheli performed the order of the latter in a row.

Il 6 luglio 1521, all'età di 87 anni, Antonio Grimani veniva eletto come 76° doge della Repubblica Serenissima di Venezia.

Giustizia e Temperanza, Andrea Vassilacchi detto l "Aliense (Milos, 1556 - Venezia 1629), tela, Venezia, Museo di PALAZZO GRIMANI

The palace was finally completed in 1575 by Giovanni Rusconi. The door portal was designed by Alessandro Vittoria.

The palace consists of three parts and a small backyard. The facade of the palace is decorated with multi-colored marble.

The highlight of the interior is the “Psyche Hall” (Italian: Sala di Psiche), decorated with frescoes by Francesco Menzocchi, Camilo Mantovano and Francesco Salviati. Also, Taddeo Zuccaro and Giovanni da Udine took part in the design of the palace.

L "11 luglio 1539 arriva a Venezia Francesco de" Rossi, detto Il Salviati (Firenze, 1510 - Roma, 1563), per dipingere la tela centrale del soffitto della Sala di Psiche a PALAZZO GRIMANI.

LA SALA DEL CAMINO

ore 17 Francesco Trentini: Gli emblemi della Sala a Fogliami

Currently, the building houses the Venetian Court of Appeal.

Palazzo Dandolo

Palazzo Dandolo (Italian: Palazzo Dandolo) is a palace in Venice on the Grand Canal in the San Marco area.

The palace was built in 1400 by the Dandolo family.

During its history, the building has changed a large number of owners. In 1536 the palace was sold to the Gritti family. After Gritti, the palace was owned by representatives of the families Michele, Mocenigo, Bernardo.

There is a common misconception that Doge Enrico Dandolo was born in this building.

Currently, the palazzo houses the Hotel Royal Danieli.

Palazzo Dolphin Manin

Palazzo Dolfin-Manin (Italian: Palazzo Dolfin-Manin) is a palace in Venice on the Grand Canal.

Built in the middle of the 16th century by the architect Jacopo Sansovino. The Venetian merchant and diplomat J. Dolphin acted as the customer of the palace. The full modern name of the palace appeared after the last Doge of Venice, Lodovico Manin, lived in the palazzo from 1789 to 1797.

Palazzo dei Camerlingi

Palazzo dei Camerlingi (Italian: Palazzo dei Camerlenghi) is a palace in Venice, on the Grand Canal in the San Polo district. Located next to the Rialto Bridge.

It was built in 1525-1528 by order of Doge Andrea Gritti, as the house of the city treasurers (Italian camerlinghi), from which it got its name. Later became a state prison.

Palazzo Cavalli Franchetti

Palazzo Cavalli Franchetti is a palace in Venice, in the San Marco district, on the Grand Canal, next to the Accademia Bridge. Since 1999, the palace has housed the Institute of Sciences, Literature and Art.

The palace was built in the 15th century. In 1871-1882, it was reconstructed under the guidance of the architects Giambattista Meduna and Camillo Boito, in fact, completely rebuilt with the preservation of late Gothic forms.

On both sides of the Grand Canal, adjoining each other, crowded palazzo - the dwellings of the Venetian nobility. These are for the most part three-five-story palaces of light yellow, red or blue color, 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 porticos.

The construction of palaces was fraught with considerable difficulties. To provide a solid foundation for the future palazzo, the builders reinforced the swampy ground along the banks of the Grand Canal by driving oak piles into it. About a thousand piles were required to build one palace, so Venice literally stands on stilts. By the way, wood for piles was also ordered in Russia. This was our northern forest, which was taken out 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-storey building was built in 1440 for the nobleman Marino Cantarini. The marble lace of its facade was then covered with sheet gold, hence its name, which means "golden house" in translation.

The palace changed many owners. In 1846, Prince Alexander Trubetskoy bought the Ca d'Oro. But, being a romantic gouging, he gave it to the famous ballerina Maria Taglione, and she turned everything in him that was possible, according to her, as it turned out, not very elegant taste. Therefore, when the last owner of 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 worked part-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. The worker washed the salt off the floor.

The water receded, but not quite.

Paul is just amazing.

Along the walls are some artifacts.

Well made of red Verona marble.

There is also a small patio just behind the cash register.

There are not so many exhibits in the museum itself, but they are perfectly selected, you can stand in front of each for half a day -
the craftsmanship is amazing. But this, it’s scary to think, is for the most part 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 that of Mel Gibson in The Passion of the Christ, and there is clearly more art.

The galleries on the second and third floors offer a beautiful view of the Grand Canal.

There's all sorts of medieval stuff here.

This room is very memorable.

because, it turns out, this is where this miracle hangs - Titian's "Venus in front of a mirror" (1555).

How many times I have seen her in reproductions, but the beauty of the original cannot be conveyed. Only when you are alone with her, you understand what Titian's brush is.
On the opposite wall is an excellent Van Dyck and tapestries.

The museum has a lot of other things that are tasty for the eyes, and at the same time, the exposition is made very thoughtfully, it does not tire. You go out into the street full of strength and freshness of perception.

Palaces are found in abundance in other parts of the city.

This is the Palazzo of Senator Braggadin in Piazza San Polo.

Once he went out for a walk and suddenly the poor fellow had a stroke. Luckily for him, a nimble young man was nearby, who accompanied him home and soon put him on his feet. The young doctor's name was Casanova. A grateful senator practically adopted a 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 generous payment. But after a while, he also wrote a denunciation of 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, a bonfire that is still memorable.

In our democratic days, most of the palaces of Venice are such only in name. Their former owners left their family nests long ago, and now they house museums, shops and expensive hotels.

When visiting the central part of Venice, taking a walk along the Grand Canal, tourists turn their attention to the magnificent facades of ancient palaces. For many centuries, the palace complex of Venice was created. The periods of development and prosperity of the Venetian Republic fell under the influence of different styles: Byzantine, Gothic and Romanesque. Also a huge contribution belongs to the Renaissance.

According to historical information, only the Doge's Palace could be called a palace. The rest of the buildings were to be called "Ka" (from Casa), which means "house". Later, the mansions began to be called "Palazzo", that is, the Palace. Every influential Venetian family considered it their duty to build a mansion, or even several. In the end, the names of such houses began to reflect the names of the owners. The best craftsmen were invited to build and decorate family palaces: architects, sculptors and artists.

Doge's Palace is the main attraction of Venice, a great monument of Italian Gothic architecture. It is located on St. Mark's Square near the cathedral of the same name. The construction of the modern building took place around 1309-1424, presumably by the architect Filippo Calendario. Part of the palace was destroyed by fire in 1577. The building was rebuilt by Antonio de Ponti, (author of the Rialto Bridge).

First of all, the main building of the city was the residence of the Doges of the Republic. Meetings of the Grand Council and the Senate were held here, the Supreme Court and the secret police worked. In addition, the building housed the offices of lawyers, the maritime department, the office and services of censors. The built-on balcony during the holidays served as a tribune, from where the Doge appeared before the people.

The Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Cathedral, the San Marco Library and other buildings represent the main architectural ensemble of Venice.

At first, it may seem that the architectural elements of the palace are interconnected illogically, unexpectedly and accidentally. However, everything here is attractive, bright and fresh, full of joy and life, artistically rich and reasonable.

Ca' d'Oro (Palazzo Santa Sofia) considered the most elegant palace built in the Venetian style. It is located on the Grand Canal in the Cannaregio area. The palace has a different name - "Golden House", due to the fact that gold leaf was used in the first decoration. In addition, ultramarine and vermilion (cinnabar) were used in the design. The palace is an example of Venetian Gothic.

The building of the palace in the Gothic style was erected in the 15th century, the authors of the project are the architect Giovanni Bon and his son Bartolomeo Bon. The Byzantine-style palazzo Zeno used to stand on this site. The old palace was demolished, but fragments of it were preserved in the facade of Ca d'Oro.

During its existence, the palace building has repeatedly changed owners and rebuilt. In 1894, the palace was acquired by Baron Giorgio Franchetti. Based on the preserved paintings and drawings, he reconstructed the mansion, restoring its historical appearance. The baron collected a rich collection of paintings. Later, the palace, together with the collection, became the property of the state.

From 1927 to the present, the Franchetti Gallery has been located in Ca' d'Oro.

Ca' Foscari or Palazzo Foscari at one time belonged to Doge Francesco Foscari. The building is located in the Dorsoduro area on the wide bend of the Grand Canal, where during the historic Regatta there is a floating wooden structure known as the "Machina" (from where the Venetian authorities watch the races and award prizes).

The Foscari Palace was built in 1452 by Bartolomeo Bon. Now the University of Ca' Foscari operates here.

Ca' Foscari is a typical example of the residence of the Venetian nobility and merchants. There was a warehouse in the basement. The first and second floors were used as housing, they are called "Piano nobile". On the second floor, the central arcade is modeled after the facade of the loggia of the Palazzo Ducale. An arcade, representing a large central window, illuminates the Great Hall, on both sides there are smaller windows.

Foscari Palace is one of the very large buildings with the most imposing courtyard of a private house that can be seen in Venice. The main entrance was located on the side of the canal, since the main activity was trade. For this reason, the facade of the house overlooking the Grand Canal looks much more beautiful than the facade from the courtyard.

The façade outside is made up of a series of arches, windows and columns belonging to the Gothic style. The columns are decorated with a quatrefoil and a lion. Decorative composition above the polyphora, consists of a lion, a helmet, angels, where the lion is a symbol of Venice; the helmet recalls the leadership of Doge Francesco Foscari; angels with a shield - the coat of arms of the Foscari family.

Ca' da Mosto a palace in the Cannaregio area. Built in the 13th century in the Veneto-Byzantine style, this is the oldest building on the Grand Canal.

Initially, the palace was created as the house of a merchant - the owner of the building. At the beginning of the 16th century, a second floor was added, and in the 19th century, a third. The palace is named after the traveler Alvise da Mosto, who was born in 1432 in this house. The building remained in the possession of the da Mosto family until 1603.

In the 16th-18th centuries, the famous White Lion Hotel was located in the palace.

Today, the palace is empty, as past floods damaged the foundation of the building, and it needs to be restored. The building is owned by Count Francesco da Mosto, an Italian architect and producer whose life goal is to restore the palace.

Ca' Dario or Palazzo Dario located in the Dorsoduro area. One side of the palace overlooks the Grand Canal, the other - Barbaro Square. The palace building is a wonderful example of Renaissance architecture. Particular attention is drawn to the mosaic facade of bright marble.

The palace was built in 1487 by the order of the representative of the Venetian nobility Giovanni Dario in the classical style of the Renaissance.

At one time, the owner of the mansion was the French poet Henri de Regnier, who lived in the mansion at the end of the 19th century. The palace is known for the fact that one of the weddings of the famous film director Woody Allen took place here.

However, the bad reputation of the "cursed palace" was attached to the building. The owners of the mansion more than once became bankrupt or suicidal, were subjected to violence. The last tragedy happened here in 1993, when the richest Italian industrialist shot himself after a corruption scandal broke out.

Palazzo Mocenigo located on the Grand Canal, is a complex of four adjoining palaces of the 16th-17th centuries. The two middle palaces are identical.

In 1621, Lady Arundel, the wife of a British diplomat, settled in the first palazzo. The Council of Ten immediately received anonymous denunciations that the house was frequented by Antonio Foscarini, the former ambassador of Venice in London. Antonio Foscarini had already been convicted of treason, but was eventually acquitted. This time the Council of Ten made a tough decision. Foscarini was arrested and executed. Later it turned out that the poor fellow was slandered: the relationship with the lady was purely amorous. The body was removed from the grave and buried with honors, and posters were posted around the city in which the Council of Ten admitted their regrettable mistake.

The last palace was owned by Giovanni Mocenigo, who for some time patronized Giordano Bruno, who visited this palazzo. However, then Giovanni Mocenigo sent a denunciation to the Council of Ten, accusing Bruno of heresy. Obeying the papal verdict, the Venetian Senate agreed to the extradition of the thinker to Rome, where he was burned in 1600.

In 1818-1819, Lord Byron lodged in the Palazzo Mocenigo.

Ca' Pesaro located on the Grand Canal in the Santa Croce area. The author is the architect Baldassare Longena. Construction was completed in 1710.

Duchess Felicita Bevilacua la Masa bequeathed her house to the city in 1899. The International Gallery of Modern Art has been operating in Ca' Pesaro since 1902. The palace also houses a museum of oriental art.

Palazzo Dandolo

The palace was built by the Dandolo family in 1400.

During its existence, the building had a large number of owners. The Gritti family purchased the palace in 1536. After Gritti, the palazzo was owned by representatives of the families of Michele, Mocenigo, Bernardo.

In the 1630s, the new owners of the palace turned it into a popular gambling house in the city, where the rules of the establishment involved playing with masks. After some time, at the insistence of the authorities, the casino was closed.

Today, the Palazzo Dandollo houses a luxurious hotel. Hotel Royal Danieli.

Ca' Rezzonico located on the Grand Canal in the Dorsoduro area. Since 1936, the palace has housed the Museum of Venice of the 18th century.

The author of the project is the architect Baldassare Longena. Construction under the direction of Giorgio Massari was completed only in 1745, many years after Longen's death. The interior contains grandiose frescoes by the Italian master Tiepolo.

Palazzo Labia located in the Cannaregio area, on the Cannaregio Canal. Not far from the palace across the square is the church of San Jeremiah. Palazzo Labia is one of the last "great" palaces in Venice, built in the early 18th century in the Baroque style.

The interior is decorated with frescoes by Tiepolo.

Palazzo Barbarigo located on the Grand Canal. Here, in 1625, the Italian cardinal, theologian, Saint Gregorio Barbarigo was born.

The building was built in the 16th century, at the height of the Renaissance. The palace has three floors: an open lower loggia overlooked the canal, the two upper floors also with open loggias were decorated with columns.

The owners of the building - the owners of the glass production in 1886, the facade of the palazzo was decorated with Murano glass mosaics. After the work was completed, the aristocratic neighbors of the then new owners were criticized as nouveau riche, who carried out the decoration of the palace contrary to the noble facades of the nearest buildings.

However, the modern appearance of the palazzo is one of the brightest and most memorable on the entire Grand Canal.

Today part of the building is used as a showroom and a shop selling Murano glass.

Palazzo Barbaro It consists of two palaces adjacent to each other in the San Marco area, on the Grand Canal. Located next to Palazzo Cavalli Franchetti.

The palaces were built for the Barbaro family. The first of them was built in 1425 in the Gothic style. The second was designed in 1694 in the Baroque style.

The old palazzo was visited by many famous people in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Among the guests of the family of American millionaires Curtis were Claude Monet, Robert Browning, John Singer Sargent, Isabella Gardner, James Whistler. The writer Henry James wrote his work The Aspern Papers in this mansion.

Palazzo Cavalli Franchetti located on the Grand Canal, near the Accademia Bridge, in the San Marco area. Since 1999, the palace has housed the Institute of Sciences, Literature and Art.

The palace building was built in the 15th century. It was completely reconstructed in 1871-1882 keeping the architectural forms of the late Gothic style. The work was supervised by the architects Giambattista Meduna and Camillo Boito.

Palazzo Grassi located on the Grand Canal in the San Marco area.

The palace was designed by the architect Giorgio Massari in the 18th century.

In the 20th century, the Fiat automobile concern purchased and restored the palace in order to hold major art exhibitions there. In 2005, the building was reconstructed according to the project of the architect Tadao Ando.

In early 2005, the building, while retaining the function of an exhibition hall, was sold to the casino.

Palazzo Corner Spinelli located in the San Marco area, on the Grand Canal.

The palace belongs to the best Renaissance palaces in Venice. The building was built by the architect Mauro Coducci in the years 1480-1500. An architectural feature is the double arched windows, rounded at the top, and the rusticated stonework on the ground floor. The palace served as a prototype for many urban structures.

The building in 1542 was transferred to the names of Korner. The architect Michele Sanmichele, under the new owners, completely redesigned the interiors of the palace.

In the 20th century, the famous collector Giuseppe Salom became the owner of the building, having collected a significant collection of paintings by Pietro Longhi and his contemporaries.

Palazzo Grimani located on the Rio di San Luca canal, at its confluence with the Grand Canal. Built in the Renaissance for the Doge Antonio Grimani, the modern look dates back to 1556-1575.

After the death of Antonio Grimani, in the years 1532-1569, the palazzo was successively rebuilt by the heirs of the doge, first by Vittore Grimani, procurator general of the city, then by Giovanni Grimani, cardinal and patriarch of Aquileia. In 1575, under the direction of Giovanni Rusconi, the work was completed. Alessandro Vittoria designed the door portal.

The palace includes three parts and a small backyard. The facade of the palace is decorated with multi-colored marble.

The highlight of the interior is the “Psyche Hall”, decorated with frescoes by Francesco Menzocchi, Francesco Salviati, Camilo Mantovano. Currently, the palace houses the Venetian Court of Appeal.

Palazzo Tiepolo or Palazzo Tiepolo Passi located on the Grand Canal between Palazzo Soranzo Pisani and Palazzo Pisani Moretta in the San Polo area.

However, it should be clarified that on the left bank of the Grand Canal there is also the Palazzo Tiepolo, and the building on the other side of Soranzo Pisani is also called Tiepolo Passi.

The palace was built on the site of a pre-existing building in the middle of the 16th century by an unknown architect. The four-story early Renaissance mansion belonged to the noble Querini family.

The main façade is divided by three interfloor cornices. On the ground floor for entry from the water there are paired arched doors and two small arched windows on both sides. The front doors on the second and third floors are decorated with windows consisting of four parts, with columns and balconies in the center of the facade. On the sides there are single windows framed by pilasters, without balconies. On the fourth floor, the windows are small, rectangular, like in a lucarne on the roof of a building. The protruding roof overhang is supported by rectangular consoles.

Previously, the facade was decorated with frescoes by Andrea Meldolla, depicting scenes of hunting and rural life, some fragments are still visible today. The interior of the palazzo has preserved old parquet, ceilings with wooden beams, paintings on the walls and stucco in pastel colors, antique furniture.

In different eras, the palace was owned by the Querini, Loredan, Tiepolo families. Now the building is the property of the old noble family of Passy. In the palazzo you can rent luxury apartments and a banquet room.

Fondaco dei Tedeschi located in the Rialto quarter, on the Grand Canal. The building has a large courtyard. Previously, the facade of the palace was decorated with frescoes by Giorgione and Titian, destroyed by fire in 1505.

The palace was designed by the architect Girolamo Tedesco in 1228, destroyed by fire in 1505 and rebuilt in 1505-1508.

In the 16th century, Fondaco dei Tedeschi served as a building for housing, warehouses and trade of German merchants.

From 1603 to 1604, Ivan Bolotnikov lived here, who was freed by German merchants from Turkish slavery, who captured a Turkish ship at sea.

Benetton signed an agreement to restore the palace in early 2012 and announced plans to create a shopping center here, which opened in October 2016.

Fondaco dei Turchi in the past, a Turkish courtyard. The palace is located on the Grand Canal.

The building with covered galleries was built in the Veneto-Byzantine style in the 13th century. The palace was created in imitation of the Middle Byzantine luxurious buildings of Constantinople and served as a prototype for many Venetian palaces.

The building was rented out to Turkish merchants as housing and storage, hence the name.

Initially, the palace belonged to the city; the emperor of Byzantium and many other eminent guests of Venice were received here. For a long time, the Fondaco dei Turchi was owned by various wealthy Venetian families, in the years 1621-1838 it was the property of the Turkish community.

In the 19th century, the building was completely restored and currently houses the Museum of Natural History of Italy.

Italian Venice- an ancient and majestic European city, a visit to which is remembered for a lifetime, because it is a unique city on the water, which became 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 several million tourists who come here a year. Today we will talk about the most beautiful palaces in Venice.

Venice, shrouded in a light haze rising from the water, bright turquoise waters of local canals, unique palaces and bridges - mysterious and mysterious, what could be more attractive for travelers? But this city is also very popular with romantics and newlyweds, as well as art connoisseurs who dream of getting to know the richest cultural heritage of this Italian city. The most attractive Venetian palaces in the eyes of tourists, located with graceful facades along the Grand Canal, they demonstrate to everyone who enters the power of Venice and its living history, embodied in these architectural wonders in the Gothic, Baroque, and Classical styles. These famous Venetian palaces are beautiful not only from the outside, they are magnificent and luxurious inside: many have preserved ancient decoration, furniture and household items from the Middle Ages. Some Venetian palazzos were given over to the state institutions of the city, museums were placed somewhere. So, what are the most beautiful palaces in?

1. "Doge's Palace" or "Palazzo Ducale"- a beautiful old palace, built in the Gothic style, as the main residence for the Doges of Venice. The palazzo began to be erected in 1309 and completed in 1424. The "Doge's Palace" in the Middle Ages was used as the main political, judicial and maritime center of government in Venice. Today, within the walls of this palazzo is a wonderful museum. The building itself is a bright and memorable element of the architectural Venetian ensemble. The palace is open for tourists from April to October: from half past nine in the morning to half past seven in the evening, and from November to March: until half past six in the evening. Acquaintance with the palace will cost you twenty euros.

2. "Ca' d'Oro Palace" 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. The second common name for this palace is “Golden House”, the fact is that after construction the building was covered with gold leaf. This wonderful building is located on the Grand Canal, in the Venetian district of Cannaregio. It houses the Giorgio Franchetti Art Gallery. 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 to two in the afternoon, on Monday. Ticket offices close half an hour before the gallery closes. Official days off: January 1st, May 1st, December 25th. The ticket price is six euros.

3. "Palazzo Barbarigo" or "Palazzo Barbarigo"- this strict building was erected in the fifteenth century for the ancient and noble Italian family of Barbarigo - the kind that gave the city great generals, smartest politicians and wise religious figures, and belonged to him until it was sold in the nineteenth century. The architectural appearance of the building belongs to the Venetian-Byzantine style, it is distinguished by the severity of forms, the absence of excessive pretentiousness and splendor. And only with the change of owners, which happened in the nineteenth century, the facade of the building was decorated with a beautiful mosaic of the famous Murano glass. Today, this palazzo is open to tourists, there are showrooms, as well as marketplaces where you can see interesting works of art by Murano glassblowers and buy your favorite ones.

4. "Palace of Fondaco dei Tedeschi" or "Palazzo Fondaco dei Tedeschi"- the name of the palace is translated as "German Compound". The building really 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 an already rebuilt building of the sixteenth century, designed by the architect Hieronymo Tedesco, whose nickname was "German", and directed the work of Antonio Abbondi Scarpagnino. This beautiful building was built in the Renaissance style: it has a wide patio, a beautiful portico located at the level of the canal, framed by an interesting crenellated cornice.

Previously, the walls of the palazzo revived 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 Academy Palace and the Palace of Rains. In the nineteenth century, the palace was given over to the customs, and the entire twentieth century there was a post office. In our twenty-first century, the building was bought by the fashion brand Benetton, they wanted to place a shopping center there, but their idea failed due to protests from the defenders of the cultural heritage of Venice.

5. "Palazzo Fondaco dei Turchi" or "Palazzo Fondaco dei Turchi"- This is a wonderful monument of Venetian-Byzantine architecture and one of the most ancient buildings in the city of Venice, erected in the manner of the first palaces of Constantinople. The name can be translated - "Turkish Compound", the fact is that for a long time it was leased to Turkish merchants for warehouses and housing. But the palace was built in the period from the tenth to the thirteenth centuries for the local wealthy patrician family of Pisaro. And only in the sixteenth century it was transferred to the use of the Turkish merchant community. When, in the early nineteenth century, trade with the Ottomans ceased to be brisk, the number of eastern merchants in the city declined and rental income fell sharply, and the ancient palace began to collapse. He again returned to the Pisaro family, then passed to the Manin family, and they sold him again, and so he changed owners until 1860, until he was bought out by the commune, which carried out its restoration and reconstruction. The palace again acquired Venetian-Byzantine features. Today, the Palace of Fondaco Dei Turchi houses the 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 of the underwater world.

6. "Palazzo Dolphin Manin" or "Palazzo Dolfin Manin"- this airy building was erected in the middle of the sixteenth century for the Venetian diplomat and merchant Dolphin. The project was created by the architect Jacop Sansovino. Two medieval houses became the basis for the new building. The facade of the three-storey snow-white palace was decorated with magnificent arched colonnades. This Venetian palazzo got 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 the placement of the National Bank, and it has been working here 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 in the Renaissance for the Doge of Venice, Antonio Grimani, but after his death, he was constantly rebuilt by his heirs, Vittore Grimani, Procurator General of Venice, and Giovanni Grimani, Cardinal and Patriarch of Aquileia. The palazzo is divided into three parts and has a miniature backyard. Its graceful white facade is decorated with multi-colored marble. Today, this Venetian palace houses the City Court of Appeal.

8. "Palazzo Cavalli Franchetti" or "Palazzo Cavalli Franchetti"- this architectural monument in the Gothic style is located near the Accademia Bridge, overlooking the Grand Canal, it has the 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 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 façade is distinguished by symmetry and delicacy, which attracts the attention of any tourist. At first, the famous Venetian Giustiniani family owned the house, and then the mansion passed to the Foscari family, after whom it was named. The architecture of the palace is Gothic: arches alternate with columns and windows. For several centuries on the basement floor of the building there were trading warehouses and only the upper premises were residential. The main entrance of the mansion faces the Grand Canal. Royal people often stayed at Ca’ Foscari Palace, for example, the French king Henry the Third lived here. This palazzo has gone through several global restorations, the most extensive was after the fire in 1979, and the final restoration, aimed at improving security measures, took place in 2006. Today, there are several departments and institutions of the University of Ca' Foscari - "Università Ca" Foscari. And another notable feature of the Palazzo Ca "Foscari is associated with its location on the bend of the Grand Canal, which gives an excellent overview of the annual Venice Historical Regatta is held on the first Sunday in September. For convenience, there is a floating platform near the mansion, where the jury members who follow the course of the regatta sit, 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 the noble young people of Venice squandered here more than one millionth fortune. Today, this beautiful old palazzo houses the luxurious five-star Hotel Royal Danieli, which is very popular among tourists who want to live on the Grand Canal, not far from Piazza San Marco 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 on your own using water trams - "vaporetto" No. 1 or No. 2, departing from the railway station or bus station.

11. "Palazzo Ca 'Pesaro" or "Palazzo Ca "Pesaro"- this beautiful Venetian baroque palace was built in the second half of the seventeenth century for representatives of the famous family of Pesaro. The author of the project is the architect Baldassare Longena, who began the construction of the palazzo in 1659 from the part of the building overlooking the land, then he completed the courtyard, decorating it with a magnificent loggia, this was in 1676. Then he began to build a facade from 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. For a long time, the mansion was supplemented and remade inside: it was decorated with wall frescoes by the most famous masters, eminent artists were engaged in ceiling paintings: Francesco Trevisani, Girolamo Brusaferro, Nicolo Bambini, Giovanni Battista Pittoni. Previously, the palazzo had a Tiepolo fresco: Zephyr and Flora, but in 1935 it was moved to the Museum of Venice, located at the Palazzo Ca "Resonico". The Pesaro family owned many great works of world art - the brilliant works of Titian, Giorgione, Carpaccio, Tintoretto, other Venetian artists of the seventeenth-eighteenth centuries.But, in 1830, after the death of the last representative of the Pesaro family, most of 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, who opened within its walls college.Then the palazzo was bought by the Duchess Felechita Bevilacqua La Massa, and after her death she bequeathed it to the city to open a museum.In 1902, a collection of modern art was placed here, and in the period from 1908 to 1924, exhibitions began to be held in the palace works by young artists: Gino Rossi, Felice Casorati, Umberto Boccioni, Arturo Martini.The museum's exposition was constantly replenished thanks to such well-known patrons as Baron Eduardo Franchetti, Prince Alberto Giovanelli, Baron Ernst Siguera, 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", no less interesting.

12. "Ca' Dario Palace" 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 abused, fell victim to various accidents, committed suicide - that's why local legends , finally secured for him the glory of the "cursed house". This palace was erected in 1487, in the Renaissance style: the building is asymmetrical, its facade compares favorably with neighboring houses in that it is lined with a beautiful mosaic of green marble and reddish porphyry. The front facade 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 facade it overlooks Campiello Barbaro Square, facing the marina of Santa Maria de Giglio. At the end of the twentieth century, director Woody Allen chose this beautiful Venetian palace as the wedding venue. Today, Palazzo Ca'Dario is private property, but sometimes, with the consent of the owners, cultural events are held here, organized by the Art Museum of Venice.

13. "Palazzo Pisani Gritti" or "Palazzo Pisani Gritti"- a beautiful old building, built in the fourteenth century, which became the residence of the Doge of Venice, Andrea Gritti, and the family residence of this famous Venetian family. The façade of the palazzo overlooks the Grand Canal, 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 lancet arches, four lanceolate 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 lanceolate windows that are separated from each other. In ancient times, the facade of a beautiful building, from the side of the Grand Canal, was decorated with frescoes by Giorgione, but they were lost. The chic palace was often used as a residence for ambassadors from the Vatican. In the twentieth century, an elite hotel was opened here, at the same time a terrace was completed 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 underwent a thorough restoration, the interiors were carefully restored to please the guests of the city who came to get acquainted with the beautiful Venice.

14. "Palazzo Labia" or "Palazzo Labia"- the chic building of this palace was erected at the end of the seventeenth century, as a residence for the richest Venetian family, who had Catalan roots. The building has two magnificent facades, which are made in the style of "Longren", one overlooks the Cannaregio Canal, the other on the Grand Canal. The talented Venetian architects Alessandro Tremignon and Andrea Cominelli worked on these amazing architectural masterpieces. The third façade of the building faces San Jeremy Square and was completed in 1730. The palace is no less magnificent inside, its ballroom, designed by Giorgio Missveri, is especially chic. The Labia family eventually went bankrupt and was forced to transfer their wonderful palace to Prince Lobkowicz, and he, in turn, sold the mansion to the Israeli "Koenigsberg Fund". 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 - an ideal example of the early Renaissance, overlooks the Grand Canal, and forms an angle with its two sides, its project was created by the great architect Guglielmo dei Grigi - Guglielmo dei Grigi. The Palazzo was built by 1528, it was erected specifically to house the administrative offices of Venice, thus becoming the first purely public building in Europe. Palazzo dei Camerlingi has distinctive features from other Venetian palaces: its front parts face each of the cardinal directions. At first the palace was - the "House of city treasurers", then it became a state prison. The walls of the building in the form of a pentagon, in order to indicate the significance of the institutions located here, were decorated in ancient times with overlays made of precious metals, but over time they were lost. There are numerous windows in the arches that overlook the Grand Canal. The interior of the palace in past centuries was decorated with two hundred paintings by famous Venetian artists, many of which were huge, and such a collection was accumulated in a public institution, for this reason: traditionally, when retiring, every judge was obliged to give this palazzo an expensive painting. Of course, to this day, the lion's share of the collection was stolen, and even destroyed in 1797, after the capture of Venice by Napoleon, but the remaining canvases can be seen in the "Museum of the Academy".

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.