Ca' d'Oro

Overview

Ca' d'Oro (House of Gold) is the finest example of Venetian Gothic architecture on the Grand Canal. Named for the gilding that once covered its ornate façade, it now houses the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti art collection.

Highlights

• Gothic Façade: The intricate tracery and polychrome marble of the canal-facing front, best seen from the water.
• Andrea Mantegna's St. Sebastian: The gallery's masterpiece, a poignant Renaissance painting.
• Courtyard Wellhead: A beautifully carved 15th-century well in the open-air courtyard.

History

Built between 1428 and 1430 for the Contarini family, the palace was originally gilded with gold leaf, ultramarine, and vermillion. Baron Giorgio Franchetti bought and restored it in 1894, donating it and his art collection to the state.

Visitor Tips

• Water Entrance: The palace is on the Grand Canal; the land entrance is from a small side street.
• First Sunday Free: The museum offers free entry on the first Sunday of each month.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.