Palazzo Treves de Bonfili

Palazzo Treves de Bonfili, also known as Palazzo Barozzi Emo Treves de Bonfili, is a palace in Venice, located in the San Marco district (sestiere), overlooking the Grand Canal, near Rio di San Moisè.

SHORT HISTORY

In the 12th century, a palace was built on this site by the Barozzi family. The crenellated palace was enriched by a loggia, a portico and two large square towers.

In the 18th century, the building underwent massive renovations, which were however interrupted with the transfer of ownership to the noble Emo family.

In 1827, the entire complex was purchased by the bankers of the Treves family, barons of Bonfili. They enriched the interior with many works of art, without altering the unfinished facade.

The palace, which was in a precarious state, was recently renovated, and its exterior was painted pink.

ARCHITECTURE

The main facade of the palace is the one facing Rio di San Moise, not the one overlooking the Grand Canal. It was the decision of Bartolomeo Manopola, the architect who oversaw the restoration of the 18th century.

The facade on the Grand Canal is divided into two sectors – the one on the left, simpler, is a remnant of the original building, while the one on the right, characterized by two imposing serlianas (an architectural element composed of a round arched central section, symmetrically flanked by two rectangular windows) and a grandiose water portal, is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture.

The facade on the Rio di San Moisè is much wider, developed both in height and in length. The facade is in early-Baroque style, with important Renaissance elements such as the serliana. Each floor has fifteen windows, often arranged in pairs, with the axis of symmetry in the monumental portal.

HOW TO GET THERE

On foot, the palace is located about 2 kilometers away from the Santa Lucia railway station. The closest vaporetto stop is San Marco Vallaresso, about 400 meters away, on the waterbus Line 1.