Palazzo Malipiero

Palazzo Malipiero is a palace located on the eastern bank of the Canal Grande, just 100 meters away from Ponte dell’Accademia. The palace is very close to Palazzo Grassi, separated only by the small San Samuele Square.

The palace is famous, first of all, as the residence of Giacomo Casanova for a few years, when he was still a teenager. In the chambers of this palace, it seems, the Venetian lover learned the art of love that he will practice so tenaciously later.

SHORT HISTORY

The palace, also known as Ca’ Grande di San Samuele, was built in the 11th century by the Soranzo family.

At the beginning of the 15th century, the palace was in the possession of a powerful Venetian family – the Cappello family, following a marriage. By the mid-sixteenth century, the Cappello family comisioned the widening of the palace and the construction of the facade facing the Canal Grande, which still exists today.

Also in the 16th century, through another union, the palace passes from the possession of the Cappello family to that of the Malipiero family. Like the other owners, the Malipiero family took care of the palace, being responsible for a series of changes after 1700.

Starting with the 19th century, during the Venetian decadence, the palace was alienated by the Malipiero family, going from one owner to another until 1951, when it was bought by the Barnabò family. They restored it, giving it to a city that, although very old, is constantly rejuvenating.

ARCHITECTURE

Originally built in Venetian Byzantine style, the palace was enriched with a new floor in the 14th century, this time in a Gothic style with lance-shaped arched windows. The Gothic architecture of the upper floor has successfully embedded the Byzantine elements of the one below, creating an interesting combination that can be observed today, especially on the facade facing San Samuele Square.

HOW TO GET THERE

To reach Palazzo Malipiero, you can use the ACTV Line 2, stopping at San Samuele Station, located next to the palace. If you want to get on foot, of course you will need the map below.