One of the oldest and most breath-takingly beautiful palaces on the Grand Canal in Venice, Ca' d'Oro (golden house) was built in 1420-1431 by the Contarini family in the Venetian Gothic style.
Over the next four centuries, it had at least a dozen different owners until 1894 when it was purchased by Baron Giorgio Franchetti. He did an extensive restoration and left the palace plus his fantastic art collection to the state.
Today it's an art museum: Galleria Giorgio Franchetti. Well worth visiting if you are in Venice!
See a list of upcoming Saturday Photo Hunting themes on Gattina's website here.
Comments (13)
Hi Annie, that is a beautiful building. I didn't realize that it is now an art museum with a gallery inside. I've only seen it from the Vaporetto and didn't go inside. It was one of the buildings that caught my attention while cruising down the grand canal. I would like visit and go inside one day.
Thanks so much for sharing. Have a wonderful weekend.
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | January 26, 2013 8:44 AM
Posted on January 26, 2013 08:44
How appropriate that the building houses a museum since it's a piece of art itself! :)
Posted by YTSL | January 26, 2013 8:55 AM
Posted on January 26, 2013 08:55
How lovely that this beautiful place is now a museum for all to enjoy :)
Posted by Sue St Clair | January 26, 2013 8:56 AM
Posted on January 26, 2013 08:56
What a gorgeous building! Looks like a fancy wedding cake. :-) You captured some beautiful images of it - were you in a gondola when you took some of the closeups?
Posted by Laloofah | January 26, 2013 9:32 AM
Posted on January 26, 2013 09:32
Yes, Venice has exceptionally beautiful buildings ! and even the little houses are beautiful.
Posted by Gattina | January 26, 2013 9:53 AM
Posted on January 26, 2013 09:53
Beautiful building to feature. I love the intricate architectural details.
Posted by Carver | January 26, 2013 11:13 AM
Posted on January 26, 2013 11:13
I'd love to have seen it when it was covered in gold.
Posted by Andrew | January 26, 2013 1:34 PM
Posted on January 26, 2013 13:34
Hi Annie, I wanted to let you know that Bert e-mailed me with some of his Camino experiences, great tips and he also was kind enough to share a couple of beautiful photos that he took on his hike. He is very helpful. I wanted to say thank you so much for getting in touch with him for me. Much appreciation!
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | January 27, 2013 11:53 AM
Posted on January 27, 2013 11:53
Breathtaking indeed! love the architecture. I am curious to see the interior of the building.
Posted by eastcoastlife | January 27, 2013 2:27 PM
Posted on January 27, 2013 14:27
Thanks for your comments everyone.
Lalolfah, I was in a vaporetto (water bus) not a gondola.
Andrew, me too!
Kathy, you're welcome. I'm glad you heard from him.
East Coast Life, the interior is built around a courtyard, very beautiful.
Posted by Annie | January 28, 2013 7:07 AM
Posted on January 28, 2013 07:07
Another of my favourite pallazo in Venice. One would think after 4 visits to the city I might have made it inside. Oh well, I guess I need a sixth . . .
Posted by Jerry | February 2, 2013 5:25 PM
Posted on February 2, 2013 17:25
Mio "Palazzo"!!!!!
Martine de Sclos
Posted by Martine de Sclos | February 9, 2013 12:19 PM
Posted on February 9, 2013 12:19
I was staying at the San Cassiano Hotel (located on the opposite side of the Canale Grande), the view from the breakfast room to Ca Doro was breathtaking. It's a pity that i didn't see the interior and art collection.
Posted by Loup | April 5, 2013 12:29 PM
Posted on April 5, 2013 12:29