The Palazzo Giustinian Pesaro, also known as Ca’ Giustinian Pesaro, is a Gothic palace located in the Cannaregio sestiere of Venice, Italy, overlooking the Grand Canal. Positioned between the iconic Ca’ d’Oro and Palazzo Morosini Sagredo, this late 14th-century palazzo is a fine example of Venetian Gothic architecture, characterized by its asymmetrical facade and historical modifications. Originally built for the prominent Giustinian family, one of Venice’s most ancient and influential noble dynasties, it was converted into a hotel, the Pesaro Palace, in 2006. Its unique L-shaped plan, canal-side garden, and rich history make it a notable landmark in Venice’s architectural and cultural landscape.
The Palazzo Giustinian Pesaro was constructed in the late 14th
century, during the height of Venetian Gothic architecture, for the
Giustinian family, whose lineage traces back to the Roman emperor
Justinian and who were among the 24 “apostolic” families that
participated in electing Venice’s first Doge in 697. The Giustinian
family produced several Doges, saints (including St. Lawrence
Giustiniani, the first Patriarch of Venice), and notable figures,
cementing their status as a pillar of Venetian society. Their wealth
from trade and maritime activities enabled the construction of multiple
palazzi, including this one in Cannaregio, a sestiere known for its mix
of noble residences and working-class neighborhoods.
The
palazzo’s history reflects the Giustinian family’s prominence and the
evolving fortunes of Venetian nobility. It underwent significant
renovations in the 18th and 19th centuries, adapting to changing
architectural tastes and practical needs. In the 16th century, balconies
were added to the facade, and 17th-century interventions modified the
left side overlooking the garden. In the 19th century, a top floor was
added, further altering its original Gothic profile. By the late 1960s,
the Istituto del Mediocredito acquired the building, leading to a
restoration in 1970 that demolished a small rear tower containing a
staircase, though the 19th-century staircase behind the portego (central
hall) was remodeled respectfully.
In 2006, the palazzo was
converted into the Hotel Pesaro Palace, marketed as Venice’s “first
genuine boutique hotel” following a major restoration of what sources
describe as the “Ravà Giustiniani historic palace.” This restoration
preserved the building’s historical features while introducing modern
luxury amenities, aligning with Venice’s tourism-driven economy. The
palazzo’s location in Cannaregio, near the Ca’ d’Oro vaporetto stop and
the Strada Nova, a bustling street with shops selling Venetian
treasures, enhances its appeal as a central yet authentic base for
visitors.
The Palazzo Giustinian Pesaro is a relatively small palazzo with an
atypical L-shaped plan, distinguished by its Venetian Gothic facade and
a rare canal-side garden. Its architectural evolution reflects centuries
of modifications, blending Gothic elegance with later interventions. Key
features include:
Facade: The Grand Canal facade is a perfectly
restored example of Venetian Gothic architecture, characterized by its
asymmetry due to two quadrifore (four-light windows) shifted to the
right on the two noble floors. Each quadrifora is supported by a pair of
single-light windows on the left, with all ogival openings surrounded by
serrated frames and decorated with the typical Gothic flower motif at
the apex. The ground floor features a water portal (porta d’acqua) for
canal access, likely flanked by rectangular windows, though specific
details are less documented. The facade’s thin columns support arches of
the fifth order in the loggia, and segment-arch windows, atypical for
Venetian Gothic, add a distinctive touch. Balconies added in the 16th
century and 17th-century modifications on the left side, overlooking the
garden, reflect later stylistic shifts, while the 19th-century top floor
slightly alters the original proportions. The facade’s restoration,
completed by 2006, highlights its Gothic purity, with vibrant stonework
and tracery.
Structural Layout: The palazzo’s L-shaped plan is
unusual, creating a compact footprint with a garden facing the Grand
Canal and Ca’ d’Oro. The ground floor (androne) historically served
commercial purposes, with storage and offices accessible via the water
portal and a private boat dock, now used by the hotel. The two piani
nobili (noble floors) housed the family’s grand salons, illuminated by
the quadrifore for receptions, with high ceilings and spacious
interiors. The top floor, added in the 19th century, likely served
secondary functions or additional living quarters. A small inner
courtyard, accessible from the gondola landing, provides light and
ventilation, with a central wellhead and garden area enhancing the
palazzo’s aesthetic and functional appeal. The 19th-century staircase
behind the portego, remodeled during the 1970 restoration, is a notable
interior feature, though few original decorations remain.
Materials
and Construction: The palazzo is constructed with traditional Venetian
materials: brick for the walls, Istrian stone for the portal, window
frames, and decorative elements, and timber beams for floors and
ceilings. Lightweight larch or fir from the Dolomites was used for beams
to resist humidity and provide flexibility against Venice’s shifting
foundations. The facade’s serrated frames and floral motifs reflect the
high craftsmanship of Venetian stonemasons, with Byzantine and Moorish
influences typical of Gothic architecture. The garden, a rare feature
for a canal-side palazzo, adds a lush, private space, historically a
luxury in Venice’s dense urban fabric.
Interior: As the Hotel Pesaro
Palace, the interior blends historical features with modern luxury. The
ground floor welcomes guests with a stunning antique chandelier of over
1,000 Murano glass pieces, suspended by delicate wires, and classical
Venetian columns supporting the edifice. A broad marble staircase,
complemented by a modern lift, connects the three-story building,
preserving its historical significance. Guest rooms, numbering 36, are
decorated with classic furniture, Murano glass lamps, and Venetian-style
elements, featuring free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and
soundproofing. Some rooms offer Grand Canal views, while others overlook
the Ca’ d’Oro or the 540-square-foot private garden with tables and
chairs. The lobby, adorned with antique furnishings, and the breakfast
hall, with vibrant decor, serve a sweet and savory buffet breakfast
including eggs, bacon, cakes, and cookies. Few original interior
decorations remain, but the 19th-century staircase and restored
architectural features maintain the palazzo’s historical character.
The Palazzo Giustinian Pesaro holds significant cultural and
historical value as a reflection of Venetian Gothic architecture, the
Giustinian family’s legacy, and Cannaregio’s diverse urban context:
Giustinian Family Legacy: The palazzo underscores the Giustinian
family’s enduring influence, with their contributions to Venetian
politics, religion, and culture. Their survival through a 12th-century
crisis, when the family’s male line nearly ended, is a celebrated tale:
Niccolò Giustinian, a monk, was released from his vow of chastity by
Pope Alexander III to marry Anna, daughter of Doge Vitale II, ensuring
the family’s continuation. The palazzo’s construction in the late 14th
century reflects their wealth and status, strategically located near the
Rialto Bridge, Venice’s commercial heart.
Venetian Gothic
Architecture: The palazzo’s facade, with its asymmetrical quadrifore,
serrated frames, and floral motifs, is a quintessential example of
gotico fiorito, blending Venetian maritime aesthetics with Byzantine and
Islamic influences. Its restoration highlights its architectural purity,
making it a valuable case study in the evolution of Venetian Gothic,
modified over centuries to incorporate Renaissance balconies and a
19th-century top floor. The L-shaped plan and canal-side garden are rare
features, distinguishing it from more conventional palazzi.
Cannaregio Context: Located in Cannaregio, the palazzo is part of a
sestiere known for its eclectic mix of noble palazzi, Jewish Ghetto, and
working-class neighborhoods. Its proximity to the Ca’ d’Oro Giorgio
Franchetti Gallery (steps away), Rialto Bridge (5-minute walk), and
Piazza San Marco (15-minute walk) places it in a vibrant cultural
corridor. The Strada Nova, lined with shops, and the nearby Santa Lucia
Station enhance its accessibility, making it a central yet authentic
part of Venice’s urban fabric.
Modern Adaptation: The palazzo’s
conversion into the Hotel Pesaro Palace in 2006 reflects Venice’s
adaptation of historic buildings for tourism. Marketed as a 4-star
boutique hotel, it combines luxury (Murano glass chandeliers, marble
staircase) with value, offering rooms with Grand Canal views and a
serene garden. Guest reviews praise its location, with a 9.5/10 rating
for couples, and its comfy beds, though some note electrical issues or
modest breakfasts. The restoration preserves the palazzo’s historical
and artistic patrimony, aligning with Venice’s identity as a living
museum.
The Palazzo Giustinian Pesaro operates as the Hotel Pesaro Palace, a
4-star boutique hotel with 36 rooms, opened in 2006 after a major
restoration. Located at Cannaregio 3935, it offers Venetian-style
accommodations with classic furniture, Murano glass lamps, and modern
amenities like free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. Some
rooms feature Grand Canal views, others overlook the Ca’ d’Oro or the
private garden, rated highly for its serene ambiance (8.1/10 on
Booking.com). The hotel includes a 24-hour front desk, concierge,
express check-in/out, and a bar/lounge, with a buffet breakfast served
in a vibrant dining hall. A private boat dock facilitates arrivals, and
the nearby Ca’ d’Oro vaporetto stop ensures easy access to St. Mark’s
Square (15-minute walk) and Santa Lucia Station (18-minute walk).
The facade, restored to highlight its Gothic quadrifore and serrated
frames, is a highlight for visitors, best viewed from the Grand Canal by
vaporetto or gondola. The garden and inner courtyard, with a wellhead,
add to the hotel’s charm, offering guests a rare green space. Venetian
preservation regulations, enforced by the Superintendency of Venice,
ensure the facade and key structural elements remain intact, despite
internal modernizations. TripAdvisor reviews (4/5, ranked #176 of 389
Venice hotels) praise the location and historical ambiance but note
occasional issues with electrical wiring or customer service, suggesting
areas for improvement.
In 2014, the palazzo was reported to be
for sale, though no recent updates confirm a change in ownership. Its
current operation as a hotel aligns with Cannaregio’s tourism hub
status, near cultural landmarks like the Jewish Ghetto and Rialto
Market, making it a sought-after destination for travelers seeking a
blend of history and luxury.