Ca’ d’Oro is one of Venice’s most iconic palaces, a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic with a fascinating history. Today it houses the Giorgio Franchetti Gallery, with masterpieces such as Mantegna’s St. Sebastian and Titian’s Venus at the Mirror. Here’s what not to miss:
– Once-gilded façade with gold leaf, now in pink and white marble
– Renaissance art collection with works by Carpaccio, Van Dyck, and Bernini
– Courtyard with mosaic floor designed by Baron Franchetti and wellhead by Bartolomeo Bon
– Combined ticket with Palazzo Grimani for €15
Events nearby
09/06/2025 - 25/10/2026
A Gothic palace overlooking the Grand Canal, with a once-gilded façade and an art collection spanning from Mantegna to Titian. Visit the Franchetti Gallery among masterpieces and a mosaic courtyard.
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Introduction
You are on the Grand Canal and suddenly Ca’ d’Oro appears, a palace that seems to come out of a fairy tale. The facade, once covered in gold, now plays with pink and white marbles, between pointed arches and Gothic battlements. It is asymmetrical: the left wing was never completed, and this makes it even more fascinating. Overlooking the water, it is one of the symbols of Venetian Gothic. Entering means discovering a world of art and history, between a mosaic courtyard and Renaissance masterpieces.
Introduction
You are on the Grand Canal and suddenly Ca’ d’Oro appears, a palace that seems to come out of a fairy tale. The facade, once covered in gold, now plays with pink and white marbles, between pointed arches and Gothic battlements. It is asymmetrical: the left wing was never completed, and this makes it even more fascinating. Overlooking the water, it is one of the symbols of Venetian Gothic. Entering means discovering a world of art and history, between a mosaic courtyard and Renaissance masterpieces.
Historical Notes
Construction began in 1421 at the behest of merchant Marino Contarini, with Venetian and Lombard artisans. Over the centuries, it changed hands: in the mid-19th century, it belonged to the dancer Maria Taglioni, who had many original elements removed. In 1894, it was purchased by Baron Giorgio Franchetti, who restored it and installed his collection there. In 1916, he donated everything to the state, and in 1927, the Galleria Franchetti opened. Today, the museum is undergoing renovation but remains open to visitors.
- 1421-1440: built for Marino Contarini
- 1846: purchased by Maria Taglioni
- 1894: purchased by Baron Franchetti
- 1916: donation to the state
- 1927: opened to the public
Historical Notes
Construction began in 1421 at the behest of merchant Marino Contarini, with Venetian and Lombard artisans. Over the centuries, it changed hands: in the mid-19th century, it belonged to the dancer Maria Taglioni, who had many original elements removed. In 1894, it was purchased by Baron Giorgio Franchetti, who restored it and installed his collection there. In 1916, he donated everything to the state, and in 1927, the Galleria Franchetti opened. Today, the museum is undergoing renovation but remains open to visitors.
- 1421-1440: built for Marino Contarini
- 1846: purchased by Maria Taglioni
- 1894: purchased by Baron Franchetti
- 1916: donation to the state
- 1927: opened to the public
The Courtyard and the Mosaic
As you enter, the courtyard welcomes you with a 350-square-meter floor mosaic, designed by Franchetti himself. Inspired by early Christian basilicas, it combines opus sectile and tesserae, using ancient marbles such as porphyry and serpentine. At the center, a 15th-century wellhead carved by Bartolomeo Bon (1427). Beneath a porphyry stele rest the baron’s ashes. It is an intimate corner that prepares you for the visit to the upper rooms.
The Courtyard and the Mosaic
As you enter, the courtyard welcomes you with a 350-square-meter floor mosaic, designed by Franchetti himself. Inspired by early Christian basilicas, it combines opus sectile and tesserae, using ancient marbles such as porphyry and serpentine. At the center, a 15th-century wellhead carved by Bartolomeo Bon (1427). Beneath a porphyry stele rest the baron’s ashes. It is an intimate corner that prepares you for the visit to the upper rooms.
Masterpieces of the Gallery
Baron Franchetti’s collection is a true treasure trove of art. Among the highlights, Andrea Mantegna’s Saint Sebastian with its captivating perspective. Then Titian’s Venus at the Mirror, sensual and luminous. And three canvases by Vittore Carpaccio: Annunciation, Visitation, and Death of the Virgin. There are also bronze statuettes, ceramics, and a collection of frames. Additionally, fragments of the frescoes from the Fondaco dei Tedeschi, works by Titian and Giorgione.
Masterpieces of the Gallery
Baron Franchetti’s collection is a true treasure trove of art. Among the highlights, Andrea Mantegna’s Saint Sebastian with its captivating perspective. Then Titian’s Venus at the Mirror, sensual and luminous. And three canvases by Vittore Carpaccio: Annunciation, Visitation, and Death of the Virgin. There are also bronze statuettes, ceramics, and a collection of frames. Additionally, fragments of the frescoes from the Fondaco dei Tedeschi, works by Titian and Giorgione.
Why Visit It
1. Intimate atmosphere: unlike larger museums, here you can enjoy the artworks almost by yourself. 2. Art and architecture in one place: not only paintings, but also sculptures, furnishings, and the palace itself is a work of art. 3. Affordable price: a full ticket costs only €6, and on the first Sunday of the month entry is free. Perfect for those who want a quality experience without spending too much.
Why Visit It
1. Intimate atmosphere: unlike larger museums, here you can enjoy the artworks almost by yourself. 2. Art and architecture in one place: not only paintings, but also sculptures, furnishings, and the palace itself is a work of art. 3. Affordable price: a full ticket costs only €6, and on the first Sunday of the month entry is free. Perfect for those who want a quality experience without spending too much.
When to Visit
The best time? Late afternoon, when the low sun lights up the façade of Ca’ d’Oro, making the marble stand out. In winter there are fewer queues, but the light is lower. In spring and autumn the weather is mild and you can also enjoy the Cannaregio area. If you love tranquility, avoid the weekend.
When to Visit
The best time? Late afternoon, when the low sun lights up the façade of Ca’ d’Oro, making the marble stand out. In winter there are fewer queues, but the light is lower. In spring and autumn the weather is mild and you can also enjoy the Cannaregio area. If you love tranquility, avoid the weekend.
Nearby
Just a few steps away lies the Jewish Ghetto, one of the oldest in the world, with its synagogues and artisan shops. Stroll among the bacari on Strada Nuova for a Venetian aperitivo. If you have time, also visit Palazzo Grimani, for which a combined ticket is available at €15.
Nearby
Just a few steps away lies the Jewish Ghetto, one of the oldest in the world, with its synagogues and artisan shops. Stroll among the bacari on Strada Nuova for a Venetian aperitivo. If you have time, also visit Palazzo Grimani, for which a combined ticket is available at €15.
Itineraries nearby
💡 Did You Know…?
Did you know that the ashes of Baron Franchetti rest in the atrium under a porphyry cippus? And that the wellhead in the courtyard, carved by Bartolomeo Bon, was found in an antique market and repurchased by the baron himself? Every corner tells a story, from when the dancer Marie Taglioni modified the interiors to the meticulous restoration that restored the palace to its original splendor.