The Palazzo Contarini Michiel is a historic Venetian palace located in the Dorsoduro sestiere, overlooking the Grand Canal between the Ca’ Rezzonico and Palazzetto Stern. This late Renaissance palace, originally built by the prominent Contarini family, is a striking example of Venetian architecture, blending historical beauty with luxurious interiors.
The Palazzo Contarini Michiel was constructed in the late Renaissance
period by the Contarini family, one of Venice’s most influential
patrician families, known for producing eight doges and owning numerous
palazzi across the city. The exact date of its construction is not
well-documented, but it likely dates to the 16th century, reflecting the
architectural trends of the time. The palace later passed to the Michiel
family, though the reasons and timing of this transfer remain unclear.
It is believed that the palace originally consisted of two separate
buildings, which were unified in the 18th century, possibly under the
direction of Teresa Corner Duodo, a member of another prominent Venetian
family.
In subsequent centuries, the palace changed hands
multiple times. It was owned by the Donà family before being acquired by
the sculptor Valentino Besarel, who undertook a meticulous restoration.
In the early 20th century, the palace was influenced by the grandfather
of the current owner, a diplomat who lived in Tokyo during the 1920s and
1930s with his Venetian wife. His collection of Asian art, combined with
European antiquities, shaped the palace’s distinctive eclectic and
oriental aesthetic. The property underwent a complete renovation in
2009, preserving its historical character while introducing modern
amenities.
Today, the Palazzo Contarini Michiel remains in
private family ownership and is used as a prestigious rental venue for
events such as weddings, conferences, private dining, and gala dinners.
Its location on the Grand Canal and its luxurious interiors make it a
sought-after destination for high-end gatherings.
The Palazzo Contarini Michiel is an asymmetrical early Renaissance
palace with notable neorococo stucco work from the 20th century,
attributed to Vittorio Trentin (1920). Its architectural design reflects
the transition from Gothic to Renaissance styles, with a facade that is
both elegant and distinctive due to its composite nature.
Exterior and Facade: The palace’s principal facade, which faces the
Grand Canal, is composed of two visibly distinct sections, a result of
its origins as two separate buildings. These sections lack architectural
continuity but share stylistic elements, particularly in their
fenestration. The left section features a trifora (a three-light window)
offset to the right, while the right section, which is lower, has a
quadrifora (a four-light window) offset to the left. These polifore are
among the most notable features of the facade, showcasing the
Renaissance preference for symmetrical window arrangements inspired by
classical architecture. The facade’s asymmetry and the juxtaposition of
the trifora and quadrifora create a dynamic visual effect, setting the
palace apart from more uniform Grand Canal palazzi. The ground floor
includes openings with round arches and a central portal providing
direct access to the canal, typical of Venetian palaces designed for
water-based entry. The rear of the palace features an expansive private
garden, a rare and luxurious feature in densely built Venice.
Interior: The interiors of the Palazzo Contarini Michiel are
characterized by their opulence and eclectic style. The left section of
the palace contains rooms decorated with neorococo stucco work from the
early 20th century, adding a layer of ornate detail to the Renaissance
framework. The main salon, or salone, is particularly impressive,
featuring a large balcony overlooking the Grand Canal, which offers
spectacular views of Venice’s iconic waterway. A third-floor terrace
provides additional outdoor space, enhancing the palace’s appeal for
events. The interiors are furnished with a blend of European antiquities
and Asian art, reflecting the influence of the owner’s grandfather, who
collected pieces during his time in Tokyo. This combination creates a
unique atmosphere that balances Venetian grandeur with oriental
elegance. Each room is designed to maximize light and space, with large,
sun-filled areas suitable for both formal and intimate gatherings.
Structural Layout: The palace’s layout is typical of Venetian palazzi,
with a central portego (a grand hallway) leading to various rooms. The
unification of the two original buildings in the 18th century likely
involved reconfiguring the interior to create a cohesive space, though
the facade retains its dual character. The presence of a private garden
at the rear adds to the palace’s prestige, as such spaces were
historically reserved for the wealthiest families.
While the Palazzo Contarini Michiel is not primarily known for its
art collection in the same way as museums like the Gallerie
dell’Accademia, its interiors are enriched by a curated selection of
artworks and decorative elements:
Asian Art Collection: The
palace houses an outstanding collection of Asian art, amassed by the
current owner’s grandfather during his diplomatic tenure in Tokyo. These
pieces, which may include ceramics, textiles, or sculptures, contribute
to the palace’s distinctive oriental ambiance. Specific details about
the collection are not widely documented, but it is described as a
highlight of the interior decor.
European Antiquities: The palace
also contains valuable European antiquities, likely including furniture,
tapestries, and decorative objects from the Renaissance and later
periods. These items complement the Asian art, creating a harmonious
blend of Eastern and Western aesthetics.
Neorococo Stucco Work: The
neorococo stucco decorations, added in 1920 by Vittorio Trentin, are a
significant artistic feature of the left section of the palace. These
intricate plasterworks, characterized by their elaborate curves and
floral motifs, add a layer of 18th-century-inspired elegance to the
interiors, contrasting with the Renaissance architectural framework.
Unlike other Venetian palazzi, such as the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo,
which is famous for its spiral staircase, the Palazzo Contarini Michiel
does not appear to have specific artworks by renowned artists like
Tintoretto or Tiepolo. Its artistic value lies in its curated decor and
the atmospheric interplay of its collections.
The Palazzo Contarini Michiel is not open to the public as a museum
or tourist attraction but operates as a prestigious rental venue. It is
marketed as a luxurious setting for events, offering a rare combination
of historical beauty and modern comfort. The palace’s large rooms,
spectacular views, and elegant interiors make it ideal for weddings,
conferences, private dining, gala dinners, and other high-profile
gatherings. Its location, slightly off the main tourist routes but close
to key attractions like Ca’ Rezzonico, ensures a balance of privacy and
accessibility.
During the Venice Biennale, the palace
occasionally hosts art exhibitions, such as the “Highway to Hell”
exhibition by Chinese artist Jiang Heng, which was open to the public
for free until November of an unspecified year (likely 2023, based on
available sources). These events provide a rare opportunity to visit the
palace, as it is otherwise closed to the general public. The palace also
contains a hotel, as noted in Tripadvisor reviews, which is ranked
moderately among Venice’s accommodations (e.g., 324 out of 366 hotels on
the Italian Tripadvisor page). Guests of the hotel or event attendees
can experience the palace’s grandeur, including its balcony and terrace
overlooking the Grand Canal.
Location: The palace is situated in
Dorsoduro, near Ca’ Rezzonico and Palazzetto Stern, with direct access
to the Grand Canal. It is approximately 0.9 km (0.6 miles) from Venice’s
city center, making it easily reachable by foot or vaporetto (water
bus). Nearby attractions include Ca’ Zenobio degli Armeni (0.2 km), the
Venice Jazz Club (0.4 km), and the Chiesa di San Nicolò dei Mendicoli
(0.3 km). Restaurants such as Riviera, La Tecia Vegana, and Osteria Ca’
del Vento are conveniently located nearby.
Visiting: For those
interested in visiting, checking the Venice Biennale schedule for
collateral events is advisable, as these may provide free access to the
palace. Otherwise, renting the venue for an event or staying at the
hotel are the primary ways to experience the interior. The palace’s
website (www.palazzocontarinimichiel.com) offers booking information for
events.
The Palazzo Contarini Michiel is a testament to the enduring legacy
of the Contarini family and the evolution of Venetian architecture. Its
construction during the late Renaissance reflects the city’s shift
toward classical influences, while its later modifications, including
the 18th-century unification and 20th-century neorococo stucco work,
illustrate Venice’s ability to adapt historical structures to new
purposes. The palace’s eclectic decor, blending Asian and European
elements, underscores Venice’s historical role as a crossroads of trade
and culture, connecting East and West.
The palace’s ownership
history, from the Contarini and Michiel families to the Donà, Besarel,
and the current family, highlights the social and economic dynamics of
Venetian aristocracy. The involvement of the diplomat-owner’s
grandfather in shaping the palace’s aesthetic also connects it to
broader 20th-century global cultural exchanges, particularly between
Venice and Asia.
While not as famous as the Palazzo Contarini del
Bovolo or the Palazzo Ducale, the Palazzo Contarini Michiel contributes
to Venice’s rich architectural tapestry. Its use as a venue for modern
events and exhibitions ensures that it remains a living part of the
city’s cultural landscape, rather than a static monument.