Famous buildings in Venice, a story of grandeur

The most important city in the Mediterranean, Venice has linked its splendor to trade (especially with the Middle East, rich in spices and precious fabrics). Even today you can walk through the history of a city that retains its ancient nobility: in fact, all the famous buildings in Venice tell of the Renaissance or the Italian Baroque.

Famous buildings in Venice: 1) Doge’s Palace

Seat of the Doge and the highest magistrates in Venice, the Doge’s Palace is located near St. Mark’s Basilica and along the entrance to the Grand Canal. Among the famous buildings in Venice, we can consider the Doge’s Palace a masterpiece of Gothic and Italian Renaissance architecture. Indeed we have written evidence of the palace, which has been destroyed by fire several times, since the 10th century.

Famous buildings in Venice: 2) Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo

Built between the 13th and 14th centuries and located near the La Fenice theater, it is a small building with two very different facades. One is on the “Rio di San Luca” and the other on the “Corte dei Maltesi”, the latter characterized by an outer tower with a spiral staircase, which gives access to the roof and an incredible view of the city.

Famous buildings in Venice: 3) Ca’ d’Oro

First of all, a brief linguistic note: “ca” is the Venetian word for “casa” in Italian, which in English means “house.” Now, let’s get back to our famous buildings in Venice. Originally the Ca’ d’Oro had a polychrome facade with gold finishes. This polychromy, one of the greatest examples of Italian “floral Gothic,” is now lost. The facade along the Grand Canal is characterized by a marked asymmetry.

Famous buildings in Venice: 4) Ca’ Rezzonico

Another building located on the Grand Canal, Ca’ Rezzonico is a monumental palace. The ground floor with its garden leads to the upper floors through the main staircase. The Rezzonico family, thanks to the architectural plan by Giorgio Massari, had the famous ballroom built, with a height of two floors, and its large monumental staircase. Today Ca’ Rezzonico houses the 18th-century Venetian Museum.

Famous buildings in Venice: 5) Ca’ Vendramin Calergi

Like many famous buildings in Venice, Ca’ Vendramin Calergi has direct access to the Grand Canal. Richard Wagner died here in 1883, which is why the palace now houses the Wagner Museum. But that’s not all… in fact, Ca’ Vendramin Calergi is also the seat of the Casino of Venice. If you decide to spend your winter vacation in Italy and in particular in Venice, don’t forget to “play your hand.”

One last tip: during your tour of famous buildings in Venice, find time for the Scuole Grandi, including the Scuola Grande di San Rocco for its interiors decorated by Tintoretto, and the Scuola Grande di San Teodoro, which is classical music concerts are performed in period costumes by the I Musici Veneziani Orchestra.