Inside Venetian Palazzos

If you might like the idea of visiting the interiors of some private houses (Palazzos) to imagine how Venetian nobles lived, especially in the 18th century, this itinerary is for you. It’s the chance to admire perfectly furnished interiors with original tables, chairs, trumeau, armchairs, hinged doors, gheridons, lace tablecloths, Chinese porcelain and the inevitable “locks”, the Murano glass chandeliers.

The visit begins with the exploration of the top floor of the Querini Stampalia Foundation, located on the delightful Campo Santa Maria Formosa.
The last heir of this prestigious noble family, Count Giovanni Querini Stampalia, left his palace and library to the City of Venice in 1869, as long as it became a museum open to the public for the education of citizens. When one enters his apartment, one still imagines him slipping on his flaps in an elegant robe, proudly leading visitors through the rooms as he displays the portraits of his ancestors, the most refined collectors. On the walls of the house there are works by Bellini, Pietro Longhi, Palma il Giovane, Sebastiano Ricci. The views of Gabriel Bella are extraordinary!  

After a walk via Rialto, the route continues with a visit to Palazzo Mocenigo, property bequeathed to the Municipality by the last heir of this family, who gave seven Doges to the Republic, the last of whom Alvise IV (elected in 1763), lived right here. In addition to the Rococo-style rooms, the museum now exhibits original 18th-century Venetian clothing. It will be easy to imagine the Mocenigo ladies with their rich andrié while drinking coffee, and the noblemen in very expensive tailcoats returning from a commitment in the Mainland.