11 Best Palaces in Venice

More than 60 palaces flank the city of gondola rides, each with architecture, anecdotes and stories (and legends) that draw millions of visitors to cross the Grand Canal. So, which palaces should you not miss among the best things to do and see in Venice?

From the iconic Doge's Palace to St. Mark's Square, where you will find several points of interest, to the palace with the most famous staircase in the city of canals, in this article you will find a list of the best palaces in Venice with their opening hours and addresses, all ready to be added to your itinerary. Without further ado, let's get started!

With your ticket to the Mocenigo Palace, you will enter the former residence of the illustrious Mocenigo family. The premises are a testament to the grandeur and elegance of Venice's golden age. Its centuries-old architecture and luxurious interior have welcomed many distinguished guests, including the legendary poet Lord Byron.

Today, the palace houses the Venice Fashion Museum, an institution that showcases the history, art and culture of the city through fashion. The museum's collection of fabrics, designer costumes and perfumes is a faithful reflection of the city's enduring beauty. But, let's be honest, the attraction that draws art experts and curious visitors to this palace is the Bridal Allegory, the masterpiece by painter Jacopo Guarana that adorns the green room.

Details of interest

• Address: Santa Croce, 1992, 30135 Venice.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00.

Explore the majesty of the Fortuny Palace, also known as Ca' Pesaro, before your stroll through St. Mark's Basilica in Venice. This Gothic Palazzo Pesaro Orfei, former residence of visionary designer Mariano Fortuny, was transformed in 1975 into one of Venice's finest museums, the Fortuny Museum.

Marvel at an eclectic collection that spans from naturalism to Venetian Gothic, showcasing works by Picasso, Matisse and many other renowned local artists, curiously all friends of the palace's former owners.

Creativity is the order of the day in this palace. What's more, this is one of the must-see stops on Venice's Grand Canal, not only for the palace itself but also for its other gem: the Ca' Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art. This 17th-century Baroque building captivates visitors with works by artists such as Giorgio de Chirico, Gustav Klimt, Titian and Kandinsky, showcasing over a century of modern art across three floors.

Interesting details

• Address: San Marco, 3958, 30124.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00 from November to March and from April to October it closes at 18:00.

The ultimate symbol of Venetian wealth and power, this architectural gem was the seat of government and residence of the Doge since its design by architect Filippo Calendario in the 14th century. The entrance to the Doge's Palace is a must-see, even Mission Impossible chose it as a location.

Inside the Doge's Palace in Venice, almost a millennium of history is portrayed. The main style of the palace is Venetian Gothic, but it also incorporates elements of the Renaissance and Byzantine styles. Here you will find famous works of art by Tintoretto, Bartolomeo Bon, Bellini, Titian, Giovanni and a long list of other renowned artists.

After meticulous restoration, the Doge's Palace is now a complex of buildings that includes the institutional chamber, the courtyard, the loggias, the armoury rooms and, of course, its museum. As if that weren't enough, you can combine your visit with admission to St. Mark's Basilica or a walk across the Bridge of Sighs. These attractions are the jewels of the Rialto area, all located around St. Mark's Square.

Details of interest

• Address: Piazza San Marco, 1, 30124.
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If you're looking to immerse yourself in 18th-century Venetian life and culture, Ca' Rezzonico is the perfect place to visit. Not only does the tour take you through this magnificent palace, built by Baldassarre Longhena, which is an excellent example of Venetian Baroque and Rococo architecture, but it is also located in the Dorsoduro district of Venice.

This neighbourhood is where the urban buzz comes to life in its labyrinth of streets, leading up to the entrance to Peggy Guggenheim's collection in Venice, just 600 metres from the palace.

Inside Ca' Rezzonico you will find the Museo del Settecento Veneziano, which offers a captivating collection of furniture, sculptures and paintings characteristic of the 'Age of Enlightenment'. You will be amazed by the works of artists such as Tintoretto, Canaletto, Tiepolo and Pietro Longhi, and don't forget to go up to the attic to capture dreamlike panoramic views of the city.

Details of interest

• Address: Sestiere Dorsoduro, 3136.
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, except Tuesdays when it is closed.

Did you know

This palace was a favourite among foreigners who came to spend long periods of time here, such as Cole Porter and the poet Robert Browning, to whom a plaque on the palace is dedicated with one of his quotes: "Open my heart and you will see engraved inside 'Italy'".

Ca' d'Oro, also known as Palazzo Santa Sofia, is a Gothic-style palace built between 1428 and 1430 by Giovanni and Bartolomeo Bon for Marino Contarini.

This is another must-see stop on boat trips along Venice's Grand Canal. It currently houses the Giorgio Franchetti Gallery, named after the baron who restored the building. Visitors can admire sculptures, paintings and photographs by famous Venetian artists. The façade of the palace was once covered in gold leaf, hence the name "Golden House" in Italian.

The Franchetti Gallery has a restored staircase and a "cosmatesque" courtyard with antique marble. Don't miss the terraces and the inner courtyard. Just to give you an idea of what this palace represents in the Venetian art scene, it appears in the third act of Amilcare Ponchielli's opera La Gioconda, a true classic.

Details of interest

• Address: Cannaregio 3932.
• Opening hours: Monday from 8:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday from 8:15 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sundays and public holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Crossing the Zaguri Bridge, one of the most beautiful bridges in Venice, you will find Palazzo Zaguri, a charming Gothic building erected in 1353. Today it has been transformed into a dynamic permanent exhibition centre, displaying its splendour in 36 rooms spread over 5 floors.

Built by the wealthy Pasqualini family, notable silk merchants and prominent members of the Scuola Grande della Carità, the palace carries with it the history of its ancient lineage. In 1521, the property passed into the hands of the influential Priuli family, only to be acquired in 1565 by the Zaguri family, originally from Kotor.

Reasons to visit? In addition to its exquisite architecture, centuries of history and collections of works, it is important to mention that the Palazzo Zaguri invites you to explore the mysteries of Tutankhamun. Walk through an exact replica of the pharaoh's tomb, immerse yourself in virtual reality that brings Howard Carter's exciting discovery to life, and marvel at more than 1,250 treasures that tell the story of the opulence of the Egyptian court. This is a little piece of Egypt in Venice.

Details of interest

• Address: Campo San Maurizio, 2668.
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 11:00 to 18:00. Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 18:00.

Immerse yourself in a historical and cultural experience with your guided tour of the Pisani Palace in Venice, a treasure trove of Baroque architecture, home to countless artistic gems. Suspended between music, exotic paintings and the Grand Canal, the tour takes you to explore curiosities inside and outside the palace, where you can also see a contemporary art centre and the terrace dedicated to the famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot.

Admire its Renaissance architecture and rooms decorated with impressive frescoes. When you go up to the terrace, you will find a surprising space with the highest panoramic view of Venice, offering unparalleled views of the city and taking you directly to the best guided tours in Venice.

During your visit, you will explore the Hall of Frescoes, where the history of opulent Venice is portrayed in paintings. You can also stroll through the Hall of Mirrors, adorned with mirrors, porcelain and exquisite details. To complete your visit, immerse yourself in the musical passion of Venice at the Music Museum, which displays a rich collection of musical instruments and objects. In addition, enjoy classical music in the Concert Hall of the Benedetto Marcello Conservatory, one of the most prestigious venues in Venice.

Details of interest

• Address: Campiello Pisani, 2809.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

As you cruise along the Grand Canal towards the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, you will be amazed by the imposing sculptures that guard the majestic Grassi Palace, built in 1772 by the Grassi family to a design by Giorgio Massari. This neoclassical palace, renovated in the 21st century with the vision of Japanese architect Tadao Ando, houses François Pinault's provocative art collection.

Connected to one of Venice's finest bridges and the Punta della Dogana, this palace-museum features rotating temporary exhibitions of contemporary art by renowned international artists as well as emerging artists. In addition, the remodelled space serves as a venue for concerts, performances and cultural events, establishing itself as a must-see on your Venetian itinerary, according to Traveler.

Details of interest

• Address: Campo San Samuele, 3231.
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00. Closed on Tuesdays.

The Palazzo Venier dei Leoni is a fascinating Venetian palace that was commissioned in 1749 but never completed. The palace is located on the Grand Canal in Venice and is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. In 1949, it was purchased by Peggy Guggenheim, a wealthy art collector and member of American high society, who made it her home.

Guggenheim was known for her love of contemporary art, and during her time at the palace she amassed an impressive collection of works by some of the most important artists of the 20th century. In the early 1950s, Guggenheim began opening her home to visitors for limited periods, allowing them to view her art collection and enjoy the beautiful palace and garden. After her death in 1979, the palace became a foundation dedicated to preserving and exhibiting her art collection.

The place is such a delight in this field that nowadays, instead of talking about the 'entrance to the palace', people usually refer to the entrance to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Today, visitors can explore the museum and view works by artists such as Salvador Dalí, Jackson Pollock and Pablo Picasso, among many others.

Details of interest

• Address: Dorsoduro 701. I-30123 Venice.
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday from 10:00 to 18:00.

The Grimani Palace is a testament to the fortune and importance of the Grimani family, who built it in the 16th century. Its walls are adorned with priceless works of art and furniture, such as frescoes by Federico Zuccari and Camillo Mantovano, and paintings by Veronese. You will also find a Roman-style courtyard in Venice in this palace. Could it be any more iconic?

The palace's collections of ancient Greek and Roman artefacts are famous and have become the basis of the National Archaeological Museum of Venice. Today, the Grimani Palace continues to inspire visitors with its beauty and history, showcasing the achievements of Venice's noble families.

Interesting details

• Address: 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. Closed on Mondays.

Built in the 14th century with its main façade facing the beautiful Rio di San Luca, the Contarini del Bovolo Palace is famous for its famous Scala del Bovolo, a Gothic-Renaissance spiral staircase that is on the list of things to see in Venice with children (and not so children), who are enchanted by it.

This Renaissance marvel could be renamed the Palace of Stairs in Venice, as that is its focal point. Even Orson Welles succumbed to its charms and decided to use this location for his adaptation of Othello. Located in the quiet Corte del Maltese courtyard, it dazzles with its timeless charm.

Inside the palace there are two churches, both well known for providing refuge during the Crusades, and an art gallery exhibiting works by some of the greatest Venetian artists of the 16th to 18th centuries. Outside the palace, a 28-metre-high tower with a famous spiral staircase rewards visitors with 360-degree views of the main points of interest around St. Mark's Square.

Details of interest

• Address: Scala Contarini del Bovolo, 4303.
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.