Lush and grand palaces line the Grand Canal. The famous Ca 'Rezzonico mansion is located in the Dorsoduro area. The external and internal decoration of the palazzo embodies the grace of the aristocratic taste of the Venetian nobility of the 18th century. Today Ca 'Rezzonico is a popular museum in Venice. The halls of the palace store unique works of famous artists and sculptors. Carved furniture, decorated carpets, vases, dishes, as well as amazing wall and ceiling frescoes allow you to feel the atmosphere of that era.
Construction history
In 1649, construction began on the palazzo, odious in its beauty. Initially, the palace was intended for the noble Venetian Filippo Bon. The main architect was already a well-known architect of that time - Baldassare Longen. The first floor of the house was used for commercial activities. There were office and warehouse premises. For business visits, it was planned to enter the palace with a pier from the side of the Grand Canal. The construction was carried out successfully until 1682. Dramatic circumstances made their own adjustments - Filippo Bon suffered a financial fiasco, and the architect Baldassare Longen died suddenly. Only two floors were built.
In 1751, the unfinished building was acquired by the Rezzonico family from Lombardy. The head of the family, Giambattista, being a wealthy and entrepreneurial person, provided significant financial support to Venice during the war with Turkey. Solid monetary contributions to the city's treasury allowed the Lombard to take a privileged place among the Venetian nobility. To resume the construction of the palace, Rezzonico enlists the architect Giorgio Massari, who has completed the construction of the luxurious Baroque palazzo within five years. The owner generously spent money on the decoration of the premises. The rooms were decorated with art objects, the walls and ceilings of the halls were covered with frescoes by the best masters and artists of the time.
In 1756, the grand opening of the palace took place. After half a century, the influence of the Giambattista clan gradually began to fade. The fall of the Venetian Republic led to the ruin of the family. The rich halls of the palazzo were empty. The palace was put up for sale. The house attracted wealthy tenants who were careless about the interior decoration.
Many valuables and carved furniture were sold. Among the last owners of the palace was the famous English poet and playwright Robert Browning. In 1935, the mansion was acquired by the municipality to house collections of works of art, antique furniture and Venetian household items from the 18th century. Today the halls of the palace are a museum, where the splendor and splendor of aristocratic Venice are preserved.
Architecture and interior
The three-storey white marble palace represents the Baroque style. The abundance of decorative elements add pomp to the palazzo. The facade is decorated with balconies, arched windows with columns and a bas-relief. On the ground floor in the center there is a covered gallery, framed by window openings. Behind the mansion is a beautiful garden with a fountain and statues. The luxurious front staircase, decorated with sculptures, leads to the apartments of the palace, where the interior of the life of the Venetian nobility has been meticulously recreated.
The large halls of the palazzo are furnished with elegant carved furniture, china, vases and sculptures. The ceilings are frescoed with gilded cornices. The walls are adorned with paintings by renowned artists such as Pietro Longhi, Francesco Guardi, Gianbatista and Giandomenico Tiepolo.
18th century Venice Museum
The elegant apartments of the Ca 'Rezzonico are full of unique works of art. Separate rooms are dedicated to tapestries and pastel paintings. Collections of marble busts, vases, crockery, Venetian glass, clothing and theatrical puppets complete the image of 18th century Venice. The unique art gallery will leave a pleasant impression on the visitors of the museum.
The main attraction of the palace - the huge Ballroom - is located on the ground floor. Its walls are lined with gray pilasters with gilded capitals. The hall is furnished with walnut furniture with decorative figures of Ethiopian warriors and wooden statues-stands for vases. The ceiling is decorated with a relief ornament depicting Apollo on a chariot.
Striking is the Throne Room, the walls of which are covered with red velvet. The room embodies the wealth and grandeur of the aristocracy of Venice. Here you can see a carved throne, armchairs decorated with sculptural compositions, and a table with a service. The ceiling frescoes and panels by Gianbatista Tiepolo are masterpieces that adorn the halls of the palazzo.
His 18th century works are drawn to allegory and mythology. The rich paintings in shades of blue and beige depict the figures of young women, men and angels against the backdrop of clouds. Particularly striking works are "Allegory of Marriage", "Allegory of Merit", "Luck and Wisdom". In the palace you can see an amazing large panel by Giandomenico Tiepolo "New World". Standing in front of this picture, the viewer sees the backs of people looking at unknown and distant worlds.
The museum houses over 50 works of art by Pietro Longhi. His paintings reflect the private life of Venetians, who dance, drink coffee, babysit children, make music and walk in masquerade masks.
Opening hours and ticket prices
The doors of the museum are open to the public from 10:00 to 18:00 in summer and until 17:00 in winter. The ticket price is 10 euros. As befits a museum tradition, ticket offices close their work an hour before closing, so visitors should plan their visit in advance.
Where to be and how to get there
Ca 'Rezzonico is located in the Dorsoduro area along the Grand Canal. The façade of the palazzo faces the water. The water bus (vaporetto) with the first route number will take tourists directly to the pier of the palace.
