Description of the attraction
Palazzo Barbarigo Minotto is a 15th century palace on the banks of the Grand Canal in Venice next to the Palazzo Corner. It was built in the Venetian Gothic style and originally consisted of two palaces - the older Palazzo Minotto, notable for its 13th century Byzantine frieze, and the Palazzo Barbarigo, built in the 17th century, which were later merged. Palazzo Barbarigo has been owned by the eponymous family for several hundred years. It was here in 1625 that Gregorio Barbarigo was born, who at one time renounced the Papal crown. Later, the palace was owned by the Minotto and Martinengo families.
Three ceremonial rooms of the Palazzo overlook the Grand Canal, and the other three face the Rio Zaguri. In the first half of the 18th century, by order of Pietro Barbarigo, the interior of the palace was painted with frescoes and paintings by Tiepolo, Fontebasso and Tencalla. The chapel of the Palazzo features an elongated floor in the style of King Louis XIV with wood inlay. The entrance doors of the palace are in the same style, with walnut edging and bronze grape-leaf handles.
The Barbarigo family was one of the most influential in Venice - prominent bishops, cardinals and aristocrats came from this family. Among them was even one saint - the same Gregorio, who renounced the Holy See and was canonized in 1761. It was this family that founded the Church of Santa Maria del Giglio, also known as Santa Maria Zobenigo. The noble family ceased to exist in 1804, and the Palazzo Barbarigo became the property of the Marcantonio family. Today, the "drunken nobile" palace with its luxurious baroque furnishings is the property of the Frankin family - since 2005, the prestigious festival of classical music "Music in the Palazzo" has been held here.
