A Venice Must-See : Ca’ d’Oro - Palazzo Santa Sofia
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.
For centuries, Venice has been a main European trade center and has taken influences from places like the Middle East and others throughout the continent. This cosmopolitan city’s architecture has been affected with a mixture of its influences.
Both Ca’ d’Oro and the Grand Canal, which is the main waterway in the charming town, were built in the mid 15th century. The Contarini family made Ca’ d’Oro their home after 1430, and gave eight of its leaders to the town between 1043 and 1676.
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.
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 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 in all its glory can be seen from the balcony outside, where breathtaking views abound. The Quatrefoil windows display intricate carvings worth taking a look at, so get close and personal when taking in all the sights on the balcony. Located on the second floor, the polychrome marble incrustations on the balcony should not be overlooked.
Outstanding ceramics found in a small room off of the loggia are well worth seeing, as kitchenware - including cups and plates - would impress even the wealthy in Venice during the 15th century.
Even shorn of its gold exterior, the Golden House offers many reasons to visit Ca’ d’Oro.