Tag: Michele Sanmicheli in Venice

Palazzo Grimani di San Luca is an imposing Renaissance-style palace in Venice, located in the San Marco district (sestiere), overlooking the Grand Canal not far from the Rialto Bridge.   SHORT HISTORY OF PALAZZO GRIMANI DI SAN LUCA In March 1556, the noble Girolamo Grimani aquired a ruined palace on the Grand Canal owned by the brothers Bertuccio and Marino Contarini. In the summer of 1557, he decided to build a new palace on this site, and the project was given to the architect Michele Sanmicheli. In 1559, the ground floor was completed, but Sanmicheli died, and the direction of the construction was entrusted in 1561 to Giangiacomo de’ Grigi. The tasks of de’ Grigi was to complete the ground floor with a mezzanine, and to build the first and second floors. In November 1566, a dispute arose between Grimani and de’ Grigi, mainly in relation to the facade and the sum of money that the client still had to pay to the architect. The dispute was resolved thanks to the intervention of three illustrious architects – Andrea Palladio, Jacopo Sansovino and Pietro Guberni, who established what was still to be done, the cost and the date by which the Read more [...]

Palazzo Corner Spinelli is a palace in Venice, located in the San Marco district (sestiere), overlooking the Grand Canal, across the canal from Palazzo Querini Dubois.   SHORT HISTORY The palace was commissioned by the Lando family, most probably to the architect Mauro Codussi. It was built between 1480 and 1490. In 1542, the palace was sold, due to the disastrous economic situation of the Lando family. It passed to the Corner family, who entrusted Michele Sanmicheli and Giorgio Vasari with the task of modernizing the interior of the building. The facade was preserved, while the whole rear part was rebuilt. The interventions relating to the interiors are attributable to the Classic style: use of columns and round arches, as well as the insertion of fireplaces in all the main rooms. Between 1740 and 1810, the palace was rented to the Spinelli family. Later, it was bought by the Cornoldi family. In 1850, it became the property of the dancer Maria Taglioni, also owner of Palazzo Giustinian Lolin, Palazzo Barzizza and Ca’ d’Oro.   ARCHITECTURE Palazzo Corner Spinelli is a beautiful example of the transition from the Gothic forms, predominant in Venice up to the 15th century, to the new Read more [...]

Palazzo Gussoni Grimani Dalla Vida is a palace in Venice, located in the Cannaeregio district (sestiere), overlooking the Grand Canal between Casa Velluti and Palazzetto Da Lezze.   SHORT HISTORY OF PALAZZO GUSSONI GRIMANI DALLA VIDA The palace was designed by the architect Michele Sanmicheli, and built between 1548 and 1556 for the Gussoni family. Between 1614 and 1618, Palazzo Gussoni Grimani Dalla Vida was the residence of the English diplomat Sir Henry Wotton, the Doge’s counselor at that time, and also the author of a limited number of poems and translations. During the 17th century, the edifice served as the headquarters for the Accademia Delfica, founded in 1647 by Francesco Gussoni. In 1736, after the death of the last member of the Gussoni family, the palace was transfered to the next of kin, the Minio family. In 1978, the building was sold to the Grimani family, and starting with 1814 it was owned by the Dalla Vida family, recognized as the last owners. Today, the palace is the property of the Italian state.   ARCHITECTURE OF PALAZZO GUSSONI GRIMANI DALLA VIDA The main facade overlooking the Grand Canal is characterized by a horizontal and vertical tripartition. At the center Read more [...]