Ca' d'Oro in Venice: the palace covered by golden leaves
When it comes to exploring the breathtaking beauty of the lagoon city, Ca' d'Oro in Venice is a must-see destination.
This iconic palace, which faces the Grand Canal, is also known as the Palace of Gold.
Despite the richness of its exteriors, it is also renowned for what's inside, its stunning Venetian Gothic architecture and its impressive art collection.
Shall we discover more about the splendid Ca' d'Oro in Venice?
Ca' d'Oro in Venice: what to see in the golden house
Located in the Cannaregio district, this beautiful palace faces the greatest canal of the city center. Sometimes it is called Palazzo Santa Sofia as it is located close to the Church of the same name.
From the rich history of the Contarini family, to the magnificent sculptures and paintings housed inside the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti, the palace offers visitors an unparalleled glimpse into the beauty and artistry of Venice.
Let's take a closer look at what you can see and experience at Ca' d'Oro in Venice.
The history of Ca' d'Oro, the splendid palace of Venice
Cà d'Oro was built in the 15th century for the Contarini family, one of the wealthiest and most influential families in Venice.
Marino Contarini asked two different ateliers to design and build the palace. On one hand there was the Venetian architect Giovanni Bono (also called Bon) and his son, Bartolomeo Bono, while on the other hand there was Matteo Raverti, an architect from Milan.
Although the two workshops worked at the same time, some inconsistencies suggest that they operated mostly separately. Matteo Raverti was famous for his work at the façade of the Duomo of Milano, while Giovanni Bono for his work at the façade of the Doge's Palace.
Over the centuries, the palace changed hands multiple times, with each new owner making additions and modifications to the building. In the 19th century, it was acquired by Baron Giorgio Franchetti, who restored the palace and transformed it into an art museum.
Today, Cà d'Oro houses the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti.
A brief description of the stunning palace
Cà d'Oro is a magnificent example of Venetian Gothic architecture.
Its façade is adorned with intricate carvings, delicate tracery, and ornate arches. The palace's most striking feature is its gilded balcony, which overlooks the Grand Canal.
Its name, in fact, seems to come from the gold leaf that has covered great areas of the façade.
Inside, the palace is just as impressive.
The Galleria Giorgio Franchetti
The gallery houses the collection of works of art collected by Giorgio Franchetti during his lifetime.
Following his donation to the Italian state in 1916 and with a view to setting up the museum, a number of state collections were added to the Franchetti collection, from which most of the bronzes and sculptures on display come, as well as numerous Venetian and Flemish paintings.
Among the most valuable works are Andrea Mantegna's Saint Sebastian, Titian's Venus in the Mirror, Jan van Eyck's Crucifixion and great areas of Giorgione and Titian frescoes from the two facades of the Fondaco dei Tedeschi.
How to visit it: tickets, prices and opening hours
If you want to visit Ca' d'Oro and the Franchetti Gallery, you can purchase tickets at the entrance.
The price of admission is €6 for adults and free for children under the age of 18. There are reductions for youths.
The gallery is open every day except for Mondays, from 10 AM to 7 PM.
It's worth noting that you can also purchase a combined ticket to the Franchetti Gallery and the Palazzo Grimani. This ticket costs €15 for adults.
How to get there with public transport
Ca' d'Oro is located on the Grand Canal in the Cannaregio district of Venice.
The easiest way to get there is by waterbus (vaporetto). The closest vaporetto stop is the water stop of the same name, which is served by the Line 1 waterbus. Visitors can also reach the palace by taking a water taxi or a gondola ride along the Grand Canal.
In conclusion, Ca' d'Oro is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Venice.
Its rich history, stunning architecture, and impressive art collection make it one of the city's most iconic landmarks.
Whether you're an art lover or simply a fan of beautiful buildings, Ca' d'Oro is sure to impress. So be sure to add it to your itinerary!
The COVER PHOTO is a picture by by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, France, via Wikimedia Commons.