Palazzo Santa Sofia – 15th Century Venice’s Famous Golden House
As one of the most amazing works of architecture, Ca’ d’Oro has quite a claim to being world renowned and they definitely deserve the honor.
Influences from the Middle East and throughout the continent were enjoyed by Venice which has helped them to remain a big part of trade for centuries. This cosmopolitan city’s architecture is affected by the mixture of trade and influence from places beyond.
Ca’ d’Oro was constructed during the 15th century and resides next to the main waterway of the town, the Grand Canal. After the mid 1400′s it served as home to the Contarini family who were one of the quasi-noble and respected families of the area. The family gave 8 of its number as Doges to Venice between the years of 1043 and 1676.
Once adorned in gold leaf, which helped give the building its name, the pink and white facade hold very little relevance to the Greek. A near floral design is present on the premises, the work of Giovanni Bon who was a well known architect during the time it was built.
In a colonnaded loggia accessible from the canal level, you will find the entrance on the ground floor. An awe inspiring enclosed balcony located upstairs can be found right outside the art gallery. Although this view from outside is impressive, once inside it’s even more so.
In a bustling city, peace can be found in the inner courtyard as long as the place isn’t too crowded with visionary visitors. While resting, an interesting sight not to miss is the wellhead, otherwise known as the vera di pozzo.
In one room 16th century Flemish tapestries can be found. In another room a collection of 12th through 16th century bronzes are on display, and nearly every time period tells a story through the furniture found on the premises.
Paintings found in the world famous Gallerie dell’Accademia are good examples of the kind of quality that can be found here. By Titian, “Venus at the Mirror” can be found as well as Manegna’s “San Sebastiano”. Other gorgeous paintings displayed are by Giorgione, Carpaccio and Tintoretto among others. Impressively, Van Dyke and Jan Steel made it possible for Dutch artwork to make it to Venice.
The Grand Canal offers a breathtaking view from the balcony outside the upper floor. A close up view of the windows with intricately carved quatrefoil shouldn’t be missed, and the polychrome marble incrustations are so impressive, many find it worth a second look.
From this part of the gallery, it is easy to gain access to a room filled with intricate ceramics. Fit for the richest of the 15th century in Venice, kitchenware such as cups and plates can be viewed, offering the sense of what life was like during this time period for the wealthy.
Even shorn of its gold exterior, the Golden House offers many reasons to visit Ca’ d’Oro.