Venice’s Gothic Masterpiece - The Ca’ d’Oro

Thanks for visiting our WorldVentures site.

As one of the most amazing works of architecture, Ca’ d’Oro has quite a claim to being world renowned and they definitely deserve the honor.

For centuries, Venice has been a main European trade center and has taken influences from places like the Middle East and others throughout the continent. This cosmopolitan city’s architecture has been affected with a mixture of its influences.

Ca’ d’Oro sits beside the Grand Canal which is known as the main waterway for the city. Constructed during the 15th century, the home was inhabited by the Contarini family after 1430 who were a quasi-noble and well known family. Between 1043 and 1676, the Contarini family gave eight of their own as doges to Venice.

In Venetian Gothic style, the white and pink facade once displayed gold leafing which gave the building its name. It’s complete with arches styled after the Byzantine era, and posts carved with capitals, which don’t much resemble the Greek. Giovanni Bon created what resembles floral designs, and is considered to be a noted architect of the time period.

In a colonnaded loggia accessible from the canal level, you will find the entrance on the ground floor. An awe inspiring enclosed balcony located upstairs can be found right outside the art gallery. Although this view from outside is impressive, once inside it’s even more so.

A sense of peace can be found outside of the bustling city at the inner courtyard, as long as it’s not at a time when many visitors are crowding the area. The Vera di pozzo, known also as the wellhead, is an interesting sight to enjoy when relaxing in the courtyard.

In one room 16th century Flemish tapestries can be found. In another room a collection of 12th through 16th century bronzes are on display, and nearly every time period tells a story through the furniture found on the premises.

Paintings found in the world famous Gallerie dell’Accademia are good examples of the kind of quality that can be found here. By Titian, “Venus at the Mirror” can be found as well as Manegna’s “San Sebastiano”. Other gorgeous paintings displayed are by Giorgione, Carpaccio and Tintoretto among others. Impressively, Van Dyke and Jan Steel made it possible for Dutch artwork to make it to Venice.

The Grand Canal in all its glory can be seen from the balcony outside, where breathtaking views abound. The Quatrefoil windows display intricate carvings worth taking a look at, so get close and personal when taking in all the sights on the balcony. Located on the second floor, the polychrome marble incrustations on the balcony should not be overlooked.

From this part of the gallery, it is easy to gain access to a room filled with intricate ceramics. Fit for the richest of the 15th century in Venice, kitchenware such as cups and plates can be viewed, offering the sense of what life was like during this time period for the wealthy.

The Gold House in Ca’ d’Oro won’t disappoint those looking for a treasure in Venice.

Related Posts

• London: Hidden Places Worth Visiting
• Hidden London: Abbey Road
• A Brief Introduction to Boutique Hotels?
• London’s East End
• A Guide to the East End of London