The Foundation Querini is an exceptional place to visit in the heart of Venice.
Here, you can contemplate the many artifacts that have belonged to the town over the years.
It's a bit like witnessing the past before you.
Today, I'm going to tell you all about this place.
Querini: article summary
How important was the Querini family?
The Querinis belonged to a very small group of Venetian families known as "Case Vecchie" (old houses/families), i.e. families present in the lagoon since the earliest stages of Venetian civilization. The last member of the family was Giovanni Querini who, in 1869, decided to donate all his assets to the city of Venice by creating a foundation bearing the family name.
No Querini was Doge of Venice
Although they are one of Venice's most important families, they have never had a Doge among their members, also due to the fact that in 1310, Marco Querini took part in the plot organized by Bajamonte Tiepolo against Doge Pietro Gradenigo to overthrow the order of the Venetian Republic.
The shame of betrayal never allowed a family member to be elected Doge. The period of the family's splendor and importance was probably between the end of the 17th and the entire 18th centuryElisabetta Querini was the wife of Doge Silvestro Valier.
Why visit the Querini Stampalia Foundation Museum?
Ca' Querini is a splendid example of a Venetian house that illustrates how people lived in a noble palace in the days of the Serenissima. There's a splendid antique bedroom, 18th-century tableware and a music room.
The art collections found in the palace were purchased or commissioned by the Querini themselves over the centuries and are still on display. You'll be able to understand the family's particular taste in art.
Watch a scene from 18th-century Venetian life
Another reason why this splendid palace is well worth a visit is the collection of paintings by Gabriel Bella (1730-1799). scenes of 18th-century Venetian life: festivals, processions, etc.
There are also some paintings by Pietro Longhi, again on the theme of 18th-century Venetian life, but of a more intimate nature.
Acqua Alta: a problem for Carlo Scarpa?
The restoration and renovation work was undertaken by architect Carlo Scarpa in the early 1960s. In addition to the splendid garden, a fusion of traditional Venetian elements, modernist architecture and Zen spirituality, Scarpa also worked on the entrance halls facing the canal, with a splendid acqua alta management project.
This piece of engineering doesn't need massive barriers. In fact, the artist preferred to create steps, pools and a sort of small walkway, enabling people to pass from one part of the building to another, even during periods of acqua alta. Even today, many architects not only in Italy, but all over the world.
What are the opening hours of the Fondation Querini?
The Querini Foundation opens :
- Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Please note that the site is closed on Mondays.
How much does admission cost?
The price of admission to the foundation allows you to stay for a full day. So, to enjoy this place, you'll need to count :
- 15 € per person
The Querini Foundation is a little-known tourist attraction. However, this place must be part of your list of things to do when visiting Venice.
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