The Palazzetto Costantini is a lesser-known but intriguing medieval palazzo located in the Dorsoduro sestiere of Venice, Italy, specifically at Rio Terà dei Saloni, 70, just north of the Magazzini del Sale. Dating back to the 14th century, this small-scale building is a rare surviving example of Venetian Gothic architecture with Byzantine influences, notable for its unique structural and decorative features. Its modest size and historical alterations distinguish it from the grander palazzi lining the Grand Canal, yet it offers valuable insight into Venice’s medieval urban fabric and the architectural ingenuity of the period.
The Palazzetto Costantini’s history is rooted in Venice’s medieval
period, reflecting the city’s evolution as a maritime and mercantile
power:
Origins (14th Century): The palazzo was constructed during
the 14th century, a time when Venice was flourishing as a hub of trade
and culture. Its modest scale suggests it was likely built for a
merchant or minor noble family, typical of the smaller palazzetti that
dotted Venice’s residential areas. The Costantini family, from which the
palazzo takes its name, was likely its original or early owners, though
specific details about their prominence or activities are scarce. The
building’s location in Dorsoduro, near the Magazzini del Sale (salt
warehouses), places it in a historically industrial and commercial zone,
underscoring its mercantile context.
Urban Context: The palazzo was
originally situated along a canal, which was filled in during the 19th
century to create the Rio Terà dei Saloni, a paved street. This
transformation altered the building’s relationship with its
surroundings, as it no longer has direct water access. The canal’s
presence during the palazzo’s early history would have facilitated trade
and transportation, aligning with its likely function as a casa-fondaco
(a combined residence and warehouse).
Historical Alterations: Over
the centuries, the Palazzetto Costantini underwent modifications that
altered its original Gothic appearance. The insertion of
Renaissance-style trifore (three-light windows) in the upper floors
disrupted its medieval aesthetic, reflecting changing architectural
tastes and the practical needs of later owners. Despite these changes,
the palazzo retains key medieval elements, such as its ground-floor
portico, which provide a glimpse into its original design.
Modern
Era: Today, the Palazzetto Costantini remains a private building, likely
used for residential or small-scale commercial purposes. Its obscurity
compared to grander palazzi like Ca’ d’Oro or Palazzo Pisani Gritti has
preserved it from extensive tourist attention, allowing it to retain a
quiet, authentic character within the vibrant Dorsoduro neighborhood.
The Palazzetto Costantini is a compact, three-story structure
characterized by its medieval Gothic style with Byzantine influences,
modified by later Renaissance additions. Its most distinctive feature is
its cantilevered design, which projects over the street to maximize
interior space. Key architectural elements include:
Facade and
Cantilevered Design: The palazzo’s facade is notable for its protrusion
over the Rio Terà dei Saloni, a deliberate design choice to increase
interior space without expanding the building’s footprint. This
cantilevered structure, supported by a ground-floor portico, was a
practical solution in Venice’s tightly packed urban environment, where
space was at a premium. The facade’s projection reflects the ingenuity
of medieval Venetian builders, who often adapted to the city’s unique
topographic constraints. The original canal-front orientation would have
enhanced this feature’s visual impact, aligning the palazzo with the
water-centric aesthetic of Venetian architecture.
Ground-Floor
Portico: The ground floor features a wide portico with a wooden
architrave supported by a simple colonnade of stone columns, dating to
the 14th century. This portico, a hallmark of Venetian Gothic
architecture, served both practical and aesthetic purposes: it provided
covered access to the building and facilitated trade activities, as
goods could be unloaded directly from the canal (before it was filled
in). The columns’ unadorned design and Byzantine-inspired capitals evoke
the transitional style between Byzantine and Gothic, common in Venice’s
13th–14th-century buildings.
Upper Floors and Windows: The original
Gothic facade was altered by the addition of two Renaissance-style
trifore (three-light windows with round arches) on the first and second
floors, replacing or supplementing earlier Gothic fenestration. These
trifore, while elegant, disrupt the palazzo’s medieval coherence, giving
it a hybrid architectural character. The trifore feature full
semicircular arches, a departure from the pointed or ogee arches typical
of Venetian Gothic, and are centrally positioned, creating a balanced
but slightly incongruous appearance. Traces of Gothic elements, such as
slender mullions or decorative arches, may still be visible in
less-altered sections of the facade.
Interior Layout: While detailed
information about the interior is limited due to the palazzo’s private
status, it likely follows the traditional Venetian layout of a
palazzetto. This would include a central portego (hallway) on the upper
floors, flanked by smaller rooms used for living quarters or storage.
The ground floor, with its portico, would have served as a commercial or
storage space in its early history, consistent with the casa-fondaco
model. The interior may retain some original features, such as wooden
beamed ceilings or terrazzo flooring, though modern renovations have
likely introduced contemporary elements.
Materials and Construction:
Like most Venetian buildings, the Palazzetto Costantini was constructed
using lightweight materials, such as hollow clay bricks, to reduce
weight on the lagoon’s unstable soil. The foundation rests on wooden
piles driven into the clay beneath the mud, a standard Venetian
technique. The facade combines brick with stone accents, particularly in
the portico’s columns and the window frames, reflecting the city’s
reliance on local and imported materials.
Byzantine and Gothic
Influences: The palazzo’s 14th-century origins place it in a period when
Venetian architecture blended Byzantine and Gothic elements. The
portico’s columns and capitals likely draw on Byzantine precedents, with
their rounded, decorative forms, while the overall lightness of the
facade and its potential for intricate window tracery align with Gothic
principles. The later trifore introduce a Renaissance influence,
illustrating the palazzo’s evolution across architectural eras.
The Palazzetto Costantini, though modest, contributes to
Venice’s rich architectural and cultural tapestry:
Snapshot of
Medieval Venice: As a 14th-century structure, the palazzo offers insight
into the daily life of Venice’s merchant class during the height of the
Republic’s power. Its casa-fondaco design reflects the city’s mercantile
culture, where trade and domestic life were closely integrated. The
proximity to the Magazzini del Sale underscores its role in a commercial
district critical to Venice’s economy, as salt was a valuable commodity.
Architectural Evolution: The palazzo’s hybrid style—combining Gothic,
Byzantine, and Renaissance elements—illustrates the fluidity of Venetian
architecture. The addition of trifore in later centuries highlights how
buildings were adapted to changing tastes and needs, a common practice
in Venice’s palazzi. This layering of styles makes the Palazzetto
Costantini a microcosm of the city’s architectural history.
Urban
Adaptation: The cantilevered design and portico demonstrate Venetian
ingenuity in maximizing space and adapting to the city’s unique
environmental constraints. The filling of the adjacent canal in the 19th
century reflects broader urban changes in Venice, as the city modernized
and prioritized pedestrian over water-based access in some areas.
Preservation and Obscurity: Unlike more famous palazzi, the Palazzetto
Costantini’s relative obscurity has protected it from over-tourism and
excessive modification. Its survival as a private building preserves its
authenticity, offering a contrast to the heavily restored or
commercialized palazzi like Ca’ d’Oro or Palazzo Pisani Gritti.
The Palazzetto Costantini is not a public monument or museum,
limiting direct visitor access, but its exterior and context make it a
point of interest for architecture enthusiasts and historians. Key
aspects of its modern role and visitor experience include:
Current Use: The palazzo is privately owned and likely serves as
residential apartments or small offices, consistent with many palazzetti
in Venice. There is no evidence of it being a hotel, museum, or event
venue, unlike the Palazzo Pisani Gritti or Palazzo Nani Bernardo. Its
private status means interior access is restricted, and no guided tours
are advertised.
Exterior Viewing: The Palazzetto Costantini’s facade
can be admired from the Rio Terà dei Saloni, a quiet street in
Dorsoduro. Visitors can observe the portico’s medieval columns, the
cantilevered upper floors, and the Renaissance trifore, which are best
appreciated in daylight to discern their details. The building’s modest
scale and integration into the streetscape offer a glimpse of Venice’s
less grandiose but equally historic architecture. A photograph by Paolo
Steffan, available on Wikimedia Commons, highlights the trifore and
portico, providing a visual reference for those unable to visit in
person.
Location and Accessibility: The palazzo is located in the
heart of Dorsoduro, a vibrant, artsy neighborhood known for cultural
landmarks like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (10-minute walk), Ca’
Rezzonico (5-minute walk), and the Accademia Galleries (10-minute walk).
The Magazzini del Sale, a contemporary art space, is just steps away,
making the palazzo part of a culturally rich micro-district. The nearest
vaporetto stop is Zattere (5-minute walk), and the palazzo is easily
reached on foot from the Accademia Bridge or Piazzale Roma. The absence
of a canal means no water taxi access, but the Rio Terà dei Saloni is
pedestrian-friendly.
Visitor Experience: For those interested in
Venetian architecture, the Palazzetto Costantini is best experienced as
part of a walking tour of Dorsoduro’s hidden gems. Guides like Best
Venice Guides recommend exploring lesser-known Gothic palazzi, and the
Palazzetto Costantini fits this niche. Visitors can appreciate its
medieval portico and cantilevered design while imagining its original
canal-side setting. The surrounding area offers cafes, galleries, and
quiet campi, enhancing the experience. However, without interior access,
the palazzo’s appeal is primarily external and scholarly.
Challenges
and Preservation: Like many Venetian buildings, the Palazzetto
Costantini faces challenges from rising sea levels and acqua alta (high
tides), which can damage ground-floor structures. Its private ownership
likely ensures maintenance, but the lack of public documentation
suggests it is not a priority for municipal preservation efforts. The
filling of the canal in the 19th century may have mitigated some
water-related issues but altered the palazzo’s historical context.
The Palazzetto Costantini’s location in Dorsoduro enhances its appeal
for those exploring Venice’s cultural and artistic heart:
Proximity to Landmarks: The palazzo is steps from the Magazzini del
Sale, a historic salt warehouse now used for art exhibitions, and close
to Ca’ Rezzonico, the Museum of 18th-Century Venice. The Peggy
Guggenheim Collection, Palazzo Grassi, and Accademia Galleries are
within a 10-minute walk, while St. Mark’s Square is a 20-minute walk or
short vaporetto ride. The Zattere promenade, with its scenic views
across the Giudecca Canal, is nearby, offering a pleasant detour.
Views and Surroundings: The palazzo faces the Rio Terà dei Saloni, a
quiet, paved street that replaced the original canal. While it lacks the
dramatic Grand Canal views of palazzi like Casa Mainella, its setting is
quintessentially Venetian, with narrow calli (alleys) and nearby canals
like the Rio di San Vio. The surrounding Dorsoduro neighborhood is
lively yet less touristy than San Marco, with local cafes, bookstores,
and art spaces.
Transportation: The Zattere vaporetto stop (Lines 2,
5.1, 5.2) is a 5-minute walk, connecting to major sites like St. Mark’s
and the Rialto Bridge. The palazzo is also accessible from the Accademia
stop (10-minute walk). Water taxis can drop off at nearby canals, such
as the Rio di San Vio. For those arriving from Venice Marco Polo
Airport, a water taxi or Alilaguna shuttle to Zattere (1 hour) is
convenient. Parking is available at Garage San Marco in Piazzale Roma,
1.5 km away.