Description of the attraction
The Grand Canal is a waterway that crosses Venice like an inverted S, which stretches for 3800 meters; its width ranges from 30 to 70 meters, and its depth is about 5 meters. The Grand Canal evokes admiration for its striking setting of amazing palaces from different eras and styles.
The Vendramin-Kalerji Palace is one of the finest works of the early Renaissance. Its construction was started by the architect Koducci and completed by Pietro Lombardo in 1509. Richard Wagner died in this building on February 13, 1883.
The majestic palace of Ca Pesaro is considered the highest masterpiece of Baldassarre Longena in the field of private house construction. It was built in the years 1679-1710. Particularly striking is the mighty façade with two rows of windows separated by columns. The palace houses the International Gallery of Contemporary Art and a collection of art from the Far East.
Behind the Rialto Bridge are the Loredan Palace and the Farsetti Palace, the latter now housing the municipality. Both of these palaces are original examples of the Venetian-Byzantine style; the first dates back to the XIII century, and the second to the XII century. The upper tiers were added in the 17th century, the lower tiers are characterized by their elevated arches and continuous loggias above them. The balconies were also redesigned in the 16th century.
And on the right bank is the Ca Foscari Palace. This amazing building in the Gothic style was built for the Doge Francesco Foscari, who ruled the Republic for over thirty years. The façade of the building is considered the most beautiful and balanced façade of buildings in Venice. On the first floor there are six simple arched windows on the sides of the portal, in the center of the second and third floors there are two balconies with eight arches, simple on the second floor and a more complex structure on the third. The top floor is finished with a row of quaint windows with four openings in the center.
The Rezzonico Palace is a wonderful example of classic Venetian architecture. The first and second floors were designed by Baldassarre Longena, who began construction in 1660 for the Priuli-Bon family. Then the palace became the property of the Rezzonico family, who commissioned Giorgio Massari to complete its construction. The construction of the palace was completed in 1745. The first floor of the façade is built of rustic stone, while the two upper floors are decorated with balconies and beautiful windows. At present it has been turned into a museum of Venetian life, culture and art of the 18th century.
