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 across the Grand Canal. So what are the must-see palaces 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'll find several points of interest, to the palace with the most famous staircase in the city of canals, in this article you'll find a list of the best palaces in Venice and their opening hours and addresses, all ready to put on your itinerary. Without further ado, let's go!

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 draws 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.
• Opening 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 walk around St. Mark's Basilica in Venice. This Gothic Palazzo Pesaro Orfei, the 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 the order of the day in this palace. Moreover, this is one of the stops to make on Venice's Grand Canal not only for the former palace but also for its other jewel: the International Gallery of Modern Art Ca' Pesaro. It's 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.

Interesting details

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

The ultimate symbol of Venetian wealth and power, this architectural gem has been 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 other leading artists.

After meticulous restorations, the Doge's Palace presents itself as a complex of buildings including the institutional chamber, the courtyard, the loggias, the armoury rooms and not forgetting its museum. If that's not enough, you can combine your visit with an entrance ticket 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.

Interesting details

• Address: Piazza San Marco, 1, 30124.
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday between 09:00 - 18:00.

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 visit take 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 neighbourhood is the place where the urban bustle is evident in its labyrinth of streets as a prelude to the entrance to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, just 600 metres from the palace.

Inside Ca' Rezzonico you will find the Venetian Museo del Settecento, which offers a captivating collection of furniture, sculptures and paintings characteristic of the 'Age of Enlightenment'. You'll 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.
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday between 10:00 - 18:00, except Tuesdays when it is closed.

Did you know that

This palace proved to be a favourite among foreigners for long stays, 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 on the inside".

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 of the fixed stops on Venice's Grand Canal boat tours. 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 façade of the palace was once covered with gold leaf, hence the name**'Golden House**' in Italian.

The Franchetti Gallery has 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.
• Opening hours: Monday between 08:15 - 14:00 hours. From Tuesday to Saturday between 08:15 - 19:00 hours. Sundays and public holidays between 09:00 - 19:00 hours.

Crossing the Zaguri Bridge, one of Venice's finest bridges, 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, 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 as you relive 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.
• Opening 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 amidst music, exotic paintings and the Grand Canal, the tour leads you to explore the sights inside and outside the palace, where you will also see a contemporary art centre and a terrace dedicated to the famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot.

Admire its Renaissance architecture and rooms decorated with breathtaking frescoes. As you ascend to the terrace, an amazing space awaits you with the highest panoramic view in 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 wander through the Hall of Mirrors, adorned with mirrors, porcelain and exquisite details. To complete your 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 in the Concert Hall of the Benedetto Marcello Conservatory, one of Venice's most prestigious venues.

Interesting details

• Address: Campiello Pisani, 2809.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday between 09:00 - 14:00. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays between 09:00 - 18:00.

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 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 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, making it a must-see on your Venice itinerary according to Traveler.

Interesting details

• Address: Campo San Samuele, 3231.
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday between 10:00 - 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 American art collector and socialite, who made it her home.

Guggenheim was known for her love of contemporary art, and during her time in 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 nowadays instead of talking about the 'entrance to the palace', the entrance to Peggy Guggenheim's collection is often mentioned. Today, visitors can explore the museum and view works by artists such as Salvador Dalí, Jackson Pollock and Pablo Picasso, among many others.

Interesting details

• Address: Dorsoduro 701. I-30123 Venice.
• Opening 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. You'll also find a Roman-style courtyard in this palace in Venice- this or 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, 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.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday between 10:00 - 18:00 hours. 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. Set in the tranquil courtyard Corte del Maltese, it dazzles with its timelessness.

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

Interesting details

• Address: Scala Contarini del Bovolo, 4303.
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday between 09:30 - 17:30 hours.