The city of Venice is made up of architectural treasures.
If you're looking for something a little different, I recommend a visit to some of the city's palaces.
Today, I present them to you.
Architecture Venice: article summary
How old are Venetian buildings?
Venetian buildings date back to the Middle Ages, with certain structures dating from 900 AD. These buildings are often grandiose and ornate, with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural elements.
Venetian palaces, in particular, are renowned for their grandeur. They generally feature to grand staircases and marble floors.
Architecture Venice: Cavalli-Franchetti Palace
If you're looking for one of Venice's oldest and most remarkable buildings, the Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti is the place to be. is a must. This magnificent palace dates back to the 16th century. It is located on the Grand Canaljust a stone's throw from some of Venice's most famous churches.
Marvel at the stone façade, the intricate detailing along the windows and the impressive arches. The latter were witnesses to the march of time. They have inspired many Venetian artists over the years. Although not as elaborate or grandiose as some of Venice's other historic palaces, the Venetian Gothic style is well worth a visit.
La Ca' d'Oro
If you've ever had the chance to visit Venice, you'll know just how special and magical the architecture is. One of the oldest buildings along the Grand Canal is the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca' d'Oro. An impressive architectural marvel that lives up to its name ("golden house").
Ca' d'Oro features a combination of intricate Gothic and Byzantine motifs. Since the 1960s, the fear of Venice flooding and the Ca' d'Oro sinking into the ground has persisted. Fortunately, the MOSE project seems to keep rising tides at bay.
The best way to reach the Ca' d'Oro is to go to the district of Cannaregio and get off at the vaporetto Ca' D'Oro.
Architecture Venice: the Doge's Palace
When visiting Venice, it's hard to ignore the Doge's Palaceone of the city's oldest and most breathtaking buildings. Originally built in 1340 as the Doge's residence and center of governmental power, the palace still stands today, majestically overlooking the city's skyline. Saint Mark's Square.
Today, the Palazzo Ducale is one of Venice's most famous museums. I recommend taking a guided tour of the Doge's Palace to learn more about its incredible structure and illustrious history.
Campanile de Saint-Marc
Nestled among Venice's most ancient buildings is the Campanile di San Marco. It's a striking structure that has watched over the Piazza di San Marco for hundreds of years.
Piazza San Marco is one of those places that will leave you in total awe. The beauty of this monument and its history are majestic. Visitors will be fascinated by the square, and won't be able to help feeling Old World charm emanating from century-old structures.
While the Campanile di San Marco was destroyed around 1517, a new one was erected in 1519. It was made of red brick and marble. This second structure was also destroyed a replica was erected in 1912 (the version we see today).
Architecture Venice: Saint Mark's Basilica
Visit Saint Mark's Basilica is one of the oldest buildings in Venice, and has had more history than most of the city1.
Although famous for many reasons, St. Mark's Basilica stands out for holding the relics of St. Mark the Evangelist, the city's patron saint.
La Ca' da Mosto
The oldest building in Venice is Ca' da Mosto. It is a 13th-century palace located in the sestiere of Cannaregio and designed in the Byzantine Venito style. As the oldest building on the Grand Canal, bridging the gap between the Rio dei Santi Apostoli and the Palazzo Bollani Erizzo, this magnificent structure has borne witness to its enduring beauty and architectural brilliance for centuries.
Enjoying the architecture of Venice is also a great way to spend an exceptional vacation in the city. When you're on the hunt, I recommend a visit to the establishments I've mentioned above. You'll be pleasantly surprised by their beauty.
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