Best Palaces in Venice

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

From the iconic Doge's Palace to make your way through St. Mark's Square where you will find several points of interest, to reach the palace with the most famous stairs of the city of canals, in this article you will find a list of the best palaces in Venice and their opening hours and address, all ready to write them down in your itinerary. Without further ado, let's go there!

With your ticket to Palazzo Mocenigo you enter the former residence of the illustrious Mocenigo family. The building is a testimony to the grandeur and elegance of the Venetian golden age. Its centuries-old architecture and luxurious interior has hosted many illustrious 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 true reflection of the city's perennial beauty. But, let's be honest, the attraction that drives art connoisseurs and the art-curious to this palace is the Bridal Allegory, the masterpiece of painter Jacopo Guarana that graces the green room.

Interesting details

• Address: Santa Croce, 1992, 30135 Venice.
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Explore the majesty of Palazzo Fortuny, also known as Ca' Pesaro, before your tour of 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 embraces everything from naturalism to Venetian Gothic, displaying works by Picasso, Matisse and many other renowned local artists, curiously all friends of the palace's former owners.

Creativity is at its peak in this palace. In addition, this is one of the stops to make on the Grand Canal of Venice not only for the above palace but for its other jewel: the International Gallery of Modern Art Ca' Pesaro. It is a 17th century Baroque building that captivates with works by artists such as Giorgio de Chirico, Gustav Klimt, Titian and Kandinsky, highlighting more than a century of modern art on three floors.

Details of interest

• Address: San Marco, 3958, 30124.
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday between 10:00 am - 5:00 pm from November to March and from April to October closes at 6:00 pm.

The ultimate symbol of Venetian wealth and power, this architectural jewel was the seat of government and residence of the Doge since architect Filippo Calendario designed it 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 Renaissance and Byzantine styles. Here you will find famous works of art by Tintoretto, Bartolomeo Bon, Bellini, Titian, Giovanni and a long list of artists of reference.

After meticulous restorations, the Doge's Palace is presented as a complex of buildings that include the institutional Chamber, the courtyard, the loggias, the armory rooms and let's not forget its museum. As if that were not enough, you can combine your visit with the entrance to St. Mark's Basilica, or the crossing of 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.
• Hours: Monday to Sunday between 09:00 - 18:00.

If you are looking to immerse yourself in 18th century Venetian life and culture, Ca' Rezzonico is the perfect place to visit. The visit not only takes you through this magnificent palace, built by Baldassarre Longhena, which is an excellent example of Venetian baroque and rococo architecture, but it is located in the Dorsoduro in Venice.

This neighborhood is the place where urban life is evident in its labyrinth of streets as a prelude to the entrance to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, just 600 meters from the palace.

Inside Ca' Rezzonico you will find the Museum of the Venetian Settecento, 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 climb up to the attic to capture dreamy panoramas of the city.

Interesting details

• Address: Sestiere Dorsoduro, 3136.
• Hours: Monday to Sunday between 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, except Tuesdays when it is closed.

Did you know that

This palace turned out to be a favorite among foreigners to spend long periods, as did Cole Porter and even the poet Robert Browning, to whom a plaque in the palace is dedicated with one of his phrases: "open my heart and you will see 'Italy' engraved inside".

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

This is another of the fixed stops on boat trips on Venice's Grand Canal. It now houses the Giorgio Franchetti Gallery, named after the baron who restored the building. Visitors can view sculptures, paintings and photographs by famous Venetian artists. The facade of the palace was once covered with gold leaf, hence the name**"Golden House**" in Italian.

The Franchetti Gallery features a restored staircase and a "cosmatesco" 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 classic opera La Gioconda.

Interesting details

• Address: Cannaregio 3932.
• Hours: Monday between 08:15 - 14:00 hours. From Tuesday to Saturday between 08:15 - 19:00 hours. Sundays and holidays between 09:00 - 19:00 hours.

Crossing the Zaguri Bridge, one of the best 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 center, displaying its splendor in 36 rooms distributed 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, only to be acquired in 1565 by the Zaguri, 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 Palazzo Zaguri invites you to explore the mysteries of Tutankhamun. Tour the exact replica of the pharaoh's tomb, immerse yourself in virtual reality that relives Howard Carter's thrilling discovery 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.
• Hours: Monday to Friday between 11:00 am - 6:00 pm. Saturdays and Sundays between 10:00 - 18:00 hours.

Immerse yourself in a historical and cultural experience with your guided tour of Palazzo Pisani in Venice, a treasure trove of Baroque architecture, where countless artistic gems are embraced. Suspended between music, exotic paintings and the Grand Canal, the tour takes you to explore curiosities inside and outside the palace, where by the way you will see besides a contemporary art center, the terrace dedicated to the famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot.

Admire its Renaissance architecture and rooms decorated with stunning frescoes. As you ascend to the terrace, an amazing space awaits you with the highest panoramic view of Venice, offering unparalleled views of the city, taking you directly to the best guided tours in Venice.

During your visit, you 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, porcelains and exquisite details. To complete the visit, immerse yourself in Venice's musical passion at the Museum of Music, which displays a rich collection of musical instruments and objects. Also, enjoy classical music at the Concert Hall of the Benedetto Marcello Conservatory, one of the most prestigious venues in Venice.

Details of interest

• Address: Campiello Pisani, 2809.
• Hours: Tuesday to Thursday from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays between 09:00 - 18:00.

As you cruise along the Grand Canal to the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, you will be amazed by the imposing sculptures that guard the majestic Palazzo Grassi, 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 the provocative art collection of François Pinault.

Connected to one of Venice's finest bridges and the Punta della Dogana, this palazzo-museum presents rotating temporary exhibitions featuring contemporary art by renowned international artists as well as emerging artists. In addition, the remodeled 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.
• Hours: Wednesday to Sunday between 10:00 am - 7:00 pm. 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 his death in 1979, the palace became a foundation dedicated to preserving and exhibiting his art collection.

The place is a delight in this field, so much so that today instead of speaking of the 'entrance to the palace', the entrance to Peggy Guggenheim's collection is often mentioned. Today, visitors can explore the museum and contemplate works by artists such as Salvador Dalí, Jackson Pollock and Pablo Picasso, among many others.

Details of interest

• Address: Dorsoduro 701. I-30123 Venice.
• Hours: Wednesday to Monday between 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Palazzo Grimani is testimony 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 furnishings, including frescoes by Federico Zuccari and Camillo Mantovano, and paintings by Veronese. Also, in this palace you will find a Roman-style courtyard in Venice. Like this or more iconic?

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

Details of interest

• Address: 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice.
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday between 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Closed on Mondays.

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

This Renaissance marvel could be renamed the Palace of stairs in Venice since that is its focal point. Even Orson Welles surrendered to its charms and decided to use this location for his adaptation of Othello. Situated in the quiet courtyard Corte del Maltese, it dazzles with its time-defying charm.

Inside the palace are two churches, by the way, both well known for the way they provided shelters during the Crusades; there is also an art gallery displaying works by some of the greatest Venetian artists from the 16th to the 18th centuries. And outside the palace, a 28-meter-high tower with the famous spiral staircase rewards visitors with its 360-degree views of the main sights around St. Mark's Square.

Details of interest

• Address: Scala Contarini del Bovolo, 4303.
• Hours: Monday to Sunday between 09:30 am - 05:30 pm.