The Casa Mainella, also known as Palazzina Marioni, is a distinctive 19th-century building located on the Grand Canal in the Dorsoduro sestiere of Venice, Italy. Constructed in 1858, it stands out for its relatively recent construction compared to the city’s predominantly Gothic and Renaissance palazzi, offering a unique example of eclectic architecture influenced by Venetian traditions. Designed by architect Ludovico Cadorin, the building occupies a prime position between the Palazzo Loredan dell’Ambasciatore and Palazzo Contarini Corfù, with facades overlooking both the Grand Canal and the Rio di San Trovaso, as well as the Rio della Toletta. Once part of a garden belonging to the neighboring Palazzo Loredan, it has been renovated by the renowned architect Carlo Scarpa and is now primarily used as a luxury rental apartment, offering modern amenities while retaining its historical charm.
The Casa Mainella’s history is tied to Venice’s 19th-century urban
development and the transformation of aristocratic estates:
Origins (1858): The building was erected in 1858 on a site that
previously served as a garden for the adjacent Palazzo Loredan
dell’Ambasciatore, a 15th-century Gothic palace. This garden was likely
used for both ornamental and practical purposes, a common feature of
Venetian palazzi. The decision to build on this land reflects the
increasing pressure to develop prime real estate along the Grand Canal
during the 19th century, as Venice transitioned from a maritime republic
to a city under Austrian and later Italian rule.
Architect Ludovico
Cadorin: The palazzo was designed by Ludovico Cadorin, a Venetian
architect and artist known for his work on the restoration and
redecoration of rooms in Caffè Florian, the historic coffeehouse in St.
Mark’s Square. Cadorin’s design for Casa Mainella was a deliberate nod
to Venice’s architectural past, blending eclectic elements with
influences from the transitional period between Gothic and Renaissance
styles, particularly the works of architects Pietro Lombardo and Mauro
Codussi.
Naming and Ownership: The building is known as both Casa
Mainella and Palazzina Marioni, though the origins of these names are
less clear. “Mainella” may refer to a family or individual associated
with the property, while “Marioni” could indicate another owner or a
misattribution, as there is a separate Villa Marioni Pullè in Verona.
The palazzo has remained in private hands, with no record of it serving
as a noble residence like its neighbors. Its current ownership is linked
to Dimora Italia, a luxury rental company founded by Filippo Gaggia,
which manages the property as a high-end apartment.
Renovation by
Carlo Scarpa: In the 20th century, the palazzo was renovated by Carlo
Scarpa, one of Italy’s most celebrated modernist architects, known for
his sensitive interventions in historic buildings. Scarpa’s work likely
focused on the interiors, preserving the building’s historical character
while introducing modern design elements. His involvement elevates the
palazzo’s architectural significance, as his projects, such as the
Querini Stampalia Foundation, are renowned for their blend of old and
new.
The Casa Mainella is characterized by its atypical architecture,
which contrasts with the older, more ornate palazzi along the Grand
Canal. Its design reflects a 19th-century reinterpretation of Venetian
stylistic traditions:
Grand Canal Facade: The facade facing the
Grand Canal is low and slightly set back, giving it a modest yet
distinctive presence among its grander neighbors. It is divided into
three levels: a ground floor with a water portal, two piani nobili
(noble floors), and no attic. Each piano nobile features a central
trifora (three-light window) flanked by six monofore (single-light
windows), a restrained fenestration that limits the facade’s grandeur
but emphasizes its decorative elements. The facade is clad in white
marble and terracotta, with intricate detailing in cotto (terracotta)
and white stone accents, including arches, cornices, and portals. These
elements draw on the Lombardesque and Codussian traditions, evoking the
late Gothic and early Renaissance styles of 15th-century Venice.
However, critics note that no single element stands out as
architecturally exceptional, giving the facade a cohesive but
understated appearance.
Rio Facades: The palazzo has secondary
facades along the Rio di San Trovaso and Rio della Toletta, which are
less ornate but maintain the eclectic style. The Rio della Toletta
facade is particularly noted for its simplicity, with minimal
architectural interest compared to the Grand Canal side. These facades
enhance the building’s visibility from multiple angles, a hallmark of
its strategic corner location.
Rear Facade and Garden: The rear
facade, facing a private garden, is described as lacking architectural
significance but opens onto a “romantic” green space, a rare feature in
Venice. This garden, once part of the Palazzo Loredan’s estate, is
referenced in the book Giardini Segreti a Venezia by Cristiana
Moldi-Ravenna and Tudy Sammartini as the “giardino Balboni a Dorsoduro.”
It provides a shaded, tranquil retreat, visible from some of the
apartment’s rear rooms, and adds to the palazzo’s appeal as a
residential space.
Interior Design: The interiors, renovated by Carlo
Scarpa and further updated in 2023 by Dimora Italia in collaboration
with ArchFlorence, blend historical charm with modern luxury. The
second-floor apartment, which spans the entire depth of the palazzo,
features terrazzo flooring, wooden parquet, and a color palette of
“biscuity champagne” with “deep pomegranate pink” accents. Key spaces
include a stylish living room with Grand Canal views, a kitchen/dining
room seating eight, four bedrooms (three doubles and one studio with a
sofa bed), and two bathrooms with modern amenities like mosaic walls and
bathtubs. Scarpa’s influence is likely seen in the thoughtful
integration of materials and spatial flow, though specific details of
his work are not well-documented. The apartment is air-conditioned and
equipped with modern conveniences, such as a dishwasher, coffee machine,
and free Wi-Fi.
Structural Details: The palazzo’s low profile and
set-back position are practical responses to its site, which is
constrained by the confluence of the Grand Canal and Rio di San Trovaso.
The use of terracotta and white stone reflects Cadorin’s skill in
decorative composition, while the limited fenestration may have been a
cost-saving measure or a stylistic choice to emphasize surface
ornamentation over openness.
While Casa Mainella lacks the aristocratic pedigree of palazzi like
the Palazzo Loredan or Ca’ Rezzonico, it holds cultural and
architectural value for several reasons:
Architectural
Innovation: The palazzo represents a 19th-century attempt to revive
Venetian architectural traditions during a period of decline for the
city’s maritime and economic power. Ludovico Cadorin’s eclectic design,
drawing on the Lombardesque and Codussian styles, bridges Venice’s
Gothic and Renaissance past with the modern era, making it a unique case
study in the city’s architectural evolution.
Carlo Scarpa’s Legacy:
Scarpa’s renovation adds significant cultural weight, as his work is
celebrated for its sensitivity to Venetian heritage. His involvement
likely elevated the palazzo’s interiors, making it a point of interest
for architecture enthusiasts, though public access is limited to
renters.
Literary and Visual Recognition: The palazzo has been
featured in cultural works, notably on the cover of I Silenzi di Venezia
by Gian Antonio Cibotto and Giustino Chemello, highlighting its
aesthetic appeal. The private garden’s inclusion in Giardini Segreti a
Venezia underscores its status as one of Venice’s hidden green spaces, a
rare and cherished feature in a city dominated by water.
Modern
Cultural Role: As a luxury rental managed by Dimora Italia, the palazzo
contributes to Venice’s tourism industry, offering visitors an immersive
experience of Grand Canal living. Its location in the artsy Dorsoduro
sestiere, known for cultural institutions like the Peggy Guggenheim
Collection and Ca’ Rezzonico, enhances its appeal to travelers seeking a
blend of history and modernity.
Today, Casa Mainella functions primarily as a luxury apartment for
rent, marketed as Ca’ Mainella Grand Canal, and is managed by Dimora
Italia. Key features and visitor experiences include:
Luxury
Apartment: The second-floor apartment, renovated in 2023, accommodates
up to eight guests across four bedrooms: three double bedrooms (two with
convertible twin beds) and a studio with a sofa bed for two. The
apartment includes a living room with Grand Canal views, a fully
equipped kitchen/dining room, and two bathrooms (one with a shower, one
with a bathtub and shower). Modern amenities include air conditioning,
free Wi-Fi, a dishwasher, a coffee machine, and a hairdryer. The
studio’s concealed kitchen and foldable dining suite maximize space,
reflecting thoughtful design. The apartment’s decor, with terrazzo and
parquet floors and a chic color scheme, creates a “sleek and
sophisticated” ambiance, as described by ViewsOnVenice.
Location and
Views: The apartment’s “pole position” on the Grand Canal offers
“text-book views” of Venice’s iconic waterway, with landmarks like Ca’
Rezzonico and Palazzo Grassi visible nearby. Rear rooms overlook the
private garden, providing a serene contrast to the bustling canal. The
palazzo’s location in Dorsoduro, a 2-minute walk from the Ca’ Rezzonico
vaporetto stop and 160 meters from the Ponte dell’Accademia, ensures
easy access to cultural sites like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (5
minutes) and St. Mark’s Square (15 minutes).
Visitor Feedback: Guests
rate the apartment highly, with a 9.7/10 score on Booking.com, praising
its “wonderful location,” “spacious layout,” and “lovely garden.”
Reviews highlight the friendly staff, who provide personalized
recommendations, and the apartment’s proximity to major attractions.
Some guests note the high cost (prices vary but often exceed €500–€1,000
per night in peak season) and a €1,000 damage deposit, but the overall
experience is described as “unforgettable” and “immersive.” The
apartment is non-smoking and does not accommodate bachelor parties,
ensuring a quiet, refined atmosphere.
Accessibility: The palazzo is
accessible by water taxi directly to its water gate or via the Ca’
Rezzonico vaporetto stop. Paid airport shuttle services are available
from Venice Marco Polo Airport (10 miles away, approximately 1 hour by
boat and taxi). The nearest parking is at Garage San Marco in Piazzale
Roma, 1.5 km away. Guests are advised to inform the property of arrival
times in advance.
Restrictions: The property enforces quiet hours
from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM and requires guests under 18 to be accompanied
by a parent or guardian. Additional safety measures, implemented in
response to COVID-19, ensure a clean and secure environment.
The Casa Mainella’s strategic location enhances its appeal:
Proximity to Landmarks: Situated in Dorsoduro, the palazzo is near
cultural hubs like Ca’ Rezzonico (Museum of 18th-Century Venice, 100
meters), Palazzo Grassi (160 meters), and the Ponte dell’Accademia (160
meters). The Teatro La Fenice opera house is 540 meters east, and St.
Mark’s Square is a 15-minute walk. The vibrant Dorsoduro neighborhood,
with its art galleries, restaurants, and student life, offers a lively
yet less touristy atmosphere compared to San Marco.
Views: The Grand
Canal facade provides stunning views of the canal’s “prestigious curve,”
including neighboring palazzi and passing gondolas. The rear garden
view, described as “romantic,” adds a tranquil dimension, rare in
Venice’s urban landscape.
Transportation: Guests can arrive by water
taxi to the palazzo’s private water gate or use the Ca’ Rezzonico
vaporetto stop. The palazzo’s location at the confluence of the Grand
Canal and Rio di San Trovaso makes it a picturesque entry point. Airport
transfers can be arranged, and off-site parking is available at Piazzale
Roma.