exterior walls which were once covered in gold leaf that has sadly faded away. Today, the restored palace houses the collection of Baron Giorgio Franchetti( Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca’ d’ Oro) which includes furniture, paintings, medals, tapestries, bronzes and sculptures— most notably important works by Tiziano, Andrea Mantegna, Francesco Guardi and Flemish masters Jan Van Eyck and Anthony Van Dyck— as well as an inner courtyard distinguished by an impressive floor composed of ancient marble mosaics installed by the Baron himself to evoke the aura of early Christian cathedrals.
Other notable art-filled Venetian palazzos include: The Gallerie dell’ Accademia, home to the largest and most important collection of Venetian art in the world, where masterpieces by renowned artists such as Canaletto, Tiziano, Giorgione, and Bellini line the 37 halls of the museum, providing an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in the city’ s artistic heritage; the expansive 17th-century marble palace, Ca’ Pesaro, noted for its Baroque façade, dazzling décor and magnificent frescoes, which is currently home to the International Gallery of Modern Art showcasing a vast collection of nineteenth and twentiethcentury masterworks by the likes of Klimt, Chagall, Kandinsky, Klee and Miró; Ca’ Rezzonico, another Baroque palace which was the former residence of both Pope Clement XIII( Carlo della Torre di Rezzonico) and legendary songwriter Cole Porter which is now the Museum of the 18th Century Venice, boasting a rich collection of art, furnishings, and period costumes that offer a unique glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of Venetian nobility during the 18th century; and the Palazzo Grassi an elegant palace designed in the neoclassical style and perched along the Grand Canal which presently showcases the extensive contemporary art collection of French billionaire François Pinault through a constant succession of temporary exhibitions.
For those who crave the lived experience of one of these sumptuous palazzos, Venice offers an abundance of outstanding options that offer no less grand an experience than any noble who might have resided in Venice would have expected more than two centuries ago. In fact, The Gritti Palace, the undisputed grande dame of Venetian hotels, dates back to 15th century when it served as the private residence of the Doge of Venice, Andrea Gritti, and later other noble families before becoming a private hotel in the late 19th century. Today the hotel remains evocative of its aristocratic roots in no small part due to its sweeping collection of priceless art, exceptional collection of restaurants and bars such as the exclusive Club del Doge and the über chic Bar Longhi, and opulently appointed rooms complete with rare antique furnishing, Murano glass chandeliers, and luxurious Rubelli Group fabrics.
Likewise, the elegant and historic 5-star Hotel Danieli, also boasts a profoundly noble pedigree. Comprised of three interconnecting palaces that date back to the 14th, 19th and 20th centuries( one of which was home to the noble Dandolo family which produced four family members who would serve as Doge of Venice), this extraordinary property counts lushly furnished rooms with lagoon views, an array of modern amenities complemented with restored designs by the likes of Pierre-Yves Rochon and Jacques Garcia and the celebrated Restaurant Terrazza Danieli rooftop which offers spectacular views of the most notable landmarks of Venice among its many emblematic attractions.
Newer to the scene is the acclaimed Hotel Cipriani. First opening its doors in 1956, the Belmond Hotel Cipriani may not share the same connection to the heritage of the city as some of the more historic properties in Venice, but it is no less patrician in its demeanor or offerings. Moreover, the property is a more spacious affair featuring generously proportioned rooms characterized by contemporary sophistication and superlative facilities and services, including lush gardens abundant with roses and hydrangeas, the only Olympic-sized pool in central Venice, a Michelin-starred restaurant( Oro), a worldrenowned spa, a tennis court, and the vaunted Cip’ s Club, a distinctive and exclusive venue on the Venice Lagoon offering first-rate views of San Marco square from across the water and an equally top-notch menu in one of the most romantic settings in all of Venice. Meanwhile, for those desperate for a classic palazzo experience, Hotel Cipriani also offers exquisitely appointed suites complete with original artworks, luxurious Fortuny and Rubelli fabrics and elegant marble bathrooms in the 15th Century Palazzo Vendramin, an annex separated from the main property by a floral path.
Lastly, the Aman Venice may be one of the newest properties to pop up in Venice, having only opened over a decade ago in 2013, but anyone who knows the Aman brand also knows that Aman has a keen knack for understanding luxury and environment. Set in Palazzo Papadopoli, one of the city’ s eight monumental palazzos on the Grand Canal, the 24-room Aman Venice meshes history and modernity seamlessly to offer guests the best of La Serenissima. While the property’ s rooms feature works by a number of Italy’ s greatest artists— including 16th-century architect Sansovino and 18th-century painter Tiepolo, authentic silk wall coverings, Murano chandeliers, wood paneling, chinoiserie, and painted ceilings, restrained contemporary furnishings by Jean-Michel Gathy’ s tame the grandiosity of the surroundings to create an air of relaxed, effortless elegance. A serene side garden and ideal location just past the Rialto Bridge only add to the allure of Venice’ s newest gem.
The august palaces and palazzos of Venice are a love letter to the city’ s heady history and enduring love affair with art and beauty. Whether you choose to simply admire their facades from a gondola, explore their opulent interiors and centuries old treasure troves of art, or luxuriate in their grandeur as a hotel guest, these architectural wonders promise to not only seduce you but transport you to a bygone era where beauty and art soared beyond what seemed possible or probable and became legendary. Even for bon vivants and gallivants who believe they have seen it all, these living relics of days gone by continue to enchant, which is a testament to the timeless appeal of the floating city on the lagoon where history, art, ingenuity and opulence converge like no other place in the world.
GETTING THERE
United Airlines has nonstop service from Washington Dulles International Airport( IAD) to Venice, Italy’ s Venice Marco Polo Airport( VCE) daily starting May 22, 2025.
FLYWASHINGTON. COM 8 SPRING 2025