There are destinations that are real travel, and then there are places that manage to transform a simple visit into an experience out of time. Ca 'Rezzonico , majestic building overlooking the Grand Canal, is one of these.
To cross his threshold means immersing himself in the beating heart of the Venetian eighteenth century as in a journey through time, diving into an era of glories, refined art and social life. This architectural masterpiece born from the genius of Baldassarre Longhena and completed by Giorgio Massari, contains among its splendid spectacular frescoes, great class furnishings and an art collection that tells the most fascinating side of the Serenissima.
But it is not only his beauty that makes him special: Ca 'Rezzonico is a real journey to the Venice of the past, that of the great masked parties, of the gondolas that slip silently on the canals and salons illuminated by trembling candles.
Today, transformed into the Museum of the Venetian eighteenth century , the building continues to enchant visitors from all over the world because it offers an immersive experience in one of the most elegant and fascinating eras in history. Are you ready to discover his secrets?
The story of Ca 'Rezzonico
The headquarters of the Museum of the Venetian eighteenth century is located in the Rezzonico palace built by Baldassarre Longhena and Giorgio Massari and commissioned in the seventeenth century by the noble Bon family, eager to affirm its prestige in the Venetian society.
The construction, which overlooks the Grand Canal is an ambitious home, entrusted to the architect of Santa Maria della Salute and Ca 'Pesaro. The works began around 1649, but due to financial difficulties and the death of Longhena in 1682, the building remained unfinished for several decades, leaving a majestic incomplete structure that waited to be completed.
It was the Rezzonico family in 1750 to buy the unfinished building to make it a prestigious residence. They entrusted the completion of the work to the architect Giorgio Massari who continued the construction respecting the original Longhena project but bringing the stylistic updates in line with the eighteenth -century era. In 1758 the building was therefore completed , in conjunction with the election of Carlo Rezzonico a Pope with the name of Clement XIII.
From that moment, the sumptuous home became known as Ca 'Rezzonico, a symbol of power and influence reached by the family in the 18th century Venetian society. Inside today you can find unique vintage furnishings and furnishings in the world , as well as very important paintings and frescoes of the Venetian eighteenth century by Tiepolo and Canaletto.
The museum was enriched with works and donations of artists such as Tintoretto, Sebastiano and Rosalba Career, Francesco Guardi and many others. The route then winds through four floors and a walk in the garden.
The facade of Ca 'Rezzonico
From the beginning we can recognize in the facade of Ca 'Rezzonico the masterpiece of the Venetian Baroque that stands majestic on the Grand Canal. The facade develops on three main levels each of which with distinctive elements that enhance its grandeur.
On the ground floor , a large central portal opens, flanked by rectangular windows framed by Doric pilasters. This level is surmounted by a smooth roller who gives solidity to the entire structure.
The first noble floor presents a movement marked by arc monofor adorned with balustrades and framed by ionic half -columns and on top of each window alternate triangular and curvilinear eardrums to accentuate dynamism.
second floor also resumes the scheme with simpler and more linear corners and frames to maintain balance between decorative wealth and sobriety. The facade is completed with a protruding cornice that adds elegance to the whole.
Inside from the Palazzo di Ca 'Rezzonico
Inside the palace, the environments reflect the luxury and refinement of the Venetian eighteenth century , in particular the dance hall is one of the most monumental environments in Venice, both in size and for the quality of the pictorial decoration.
In the ceiling we find the Apollo in his cart of Giambattista Crosato, a recurring theme in many houses of the time while on the wall in front of the entrance you can admire the coat of arms of the Rezzonico family.
Ca 'Rezzonico houses an extraordinary collection of works by the greatest masters of the 18th century Venetian painting . Among the artists represented, illustrious names such as Canaletto, Tiepolo, Longhi and Guardi stand out. Their works capture the essence of eighteenth -century Venice, from architectural views to moments of daily life, passing through allegorical scenes and portraits.
An emblematic example is the " novo world " by Giambattista Tiepolo, a detached fresco that depicts a group of people intent on observing through an optical chamber in search of distant lands. Then there is " the reduced " by Pietro Longhi who illustrates a scene inside a Venetian casino and shows the social habits of the time.
In addition to painting, Ca 'Rezzonico boasts a rich collection of sculptures and decorative arts that testify to the luxury and refinement of the Venetian eighteenth century. We remember the works of Giusto Le Court from the dynamic expressions that can be found in various environments of the palace and that add movement and depth to the spaces. Not to mention the sumptuous original vintage furnishings, inlaid furniture, precious porcelain and refined art objects made with artisan skill.
The Palazzo di Ca 'Rezzonico is representative of the social life of Venice of the eighteenth century, which took place between glories and centuries -old traditions. Through this museum it is possible to see the social stratification of the time that saw the aristocracy at the top, followed by the merchant bourgeoisie and then by craftsmen and workers.
Through the Museum of Ca 'Rezzonico it is possible to immerse yourself in this fascinating world, discovering the nuances of daily life and the opulence that characterized Venice of the eighteenth century.
Ca 'Rezzonico: much more than a museum
Today Ca 'Rezzonico is not only a beautiful historical palace but a real casket that houses the cultural legacy of Venice in the period of maximum splendor. Transformed into a Museum of the Venetian eighteenth century , the palace offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the time, the most refined and opulent. Each room tells a story made of luxury, culture and daily life
Ca 'Rezzonico is more than a museum : it is a bridge between past and present, a place where history is not only exposed but you can breathe and live in every detail. Visiting it, it is really understood why Venice is not only a city, but a timeless experience to be lived.
And to live Venice really timeless, nothing is comparable to staying in a house that allows you to feel part of the city.
Choosing a short rent in the apartment instead of a hotel allows you to savor the Serenissima with greater freedom, without constraints of times and with the privilege of waking up every morning by feeling the call of water and the buzz of the markets.
Venice is not only a destination to visit, but a place to live, at least for a few days, to let yourself be conquered by its unique and unrepeatable rhythm.
