Palazzo Corner Spinelli

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 Renaissance lines, which, specifically, recall those of the contemporary Ca’ Vendramin Calergi.

The facade overlooking the canal is symmetrical, with four mullioned windows per noble floor, divided by string courses which highlight the three levels of the facade.

On the ground floor, the external surface is embellished with ashlar, with a round portal in the center.

Internally, the building retains a 16th-century fireplace, the work of Jacopo Sansovino.

HOW TO GET THERE

On foot, Palazzo Corner Spinelli is located about 2.4 kilometers away from the Venezia Santa Lucia railway station. The closest vaporetto stop is Sant’Angelo, located near the palace, on the waterbus Line 1.