Travel & Leisure Facts and Notes

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 sits beside the Grand Canal which is known as the main waterway for the city. Constructed during the 15th century, the home was inhabited by the Contarini family after 1430 who were a quasi-noble and well known family. Between 1043 and 1676, the Contarini family gave eight of their own as doges to Venice.

In Venetian Gothic style, the white and pink facade once displayed gold leafing which gave the building its name. It’s complete with arches styled after the Byzantine era, and posts carved with capitals, which don’t much resemble the Greek. Giovanni Bon created what resembles floral designs, and is considered to be a noted architect of the time period.

Located in the colonnaded loggia accessible on the canal level, is the entrance to the premises. An astounding balcony located above the entrance is just outside the upper floor art gallery. With the gorgeous view outside, many are awe stricken when they find the view inside is even more impressive.

A sense of peace can be found outside of the bustling city at the inner courtyard, as long as it’s not at a time when many visitors are crowding the area. The Vera di pozzo, known also as the wellhead, is an interesting sight to enjoy when relaxing in the courtyard.

16th century Flemish Tapestries are displayed in one room, while in another, a collection of bronzes can be found which date between the 12th and 16th centuries. Just about every time period can be experienced through the furniture decorating the rooms throughout the premises.

Paintings that are on par with those found in the near by Gallerie dell’ Accademia are displayed here, those such as Mantegna’s “San Sebastiano” and Titan’s “Venus at the Mirror”. Thanks to the works of Van Dyke and Jan Steen, the Dutch even managed to find their artwork in 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.

Easy access from this loggia to a small room grants sights of invaluable ceramics. These include kitchenware - cups and plates - all which would impress even the richest in Venice during the 15th century.

Even shorn of its gold exterior, the Golden House offers many reasons to visit Ca’ d’Oro.