The Golden house, also known as Palazzo Santa Sofia, is one of the most elegant buildings in Venice. It is a gorgeous example for the achievements of the Venetian Gothic. The Golden house is situated on the shores of the Grand Canal. Its name is connected to the golden decorations which were once present on its marble façade. The house was built between 1428 and 1430. It was owned b the Contarini family – a family who provided Venice with eight doges. The architects were Giovanni and Bartolomeo Bonn. Following the fall of the Venetian Republic the palace changed its owners several times. Unfortunately in the 19th century it was bought by the famous ballet dancer Marie Taglioni. She, committing a true act of vandalism, destroyed the Gothic staircase in the courtyard as well as the beautifully decorated balconies, which were overlooking it. Later Taglioni was even convicted for these actions. At the end of the century the Golden house was bought by baron Girgio Franchetti, who restored it and then donated it to the Italian state along with a rich collection of paintings, tapestries, pottery, antique furniture and more.
Description: the Golden house /picture source: Shutterstock.com/;
Today the palace is turned into a gallery, named after the baron. Inside the gallery you can enjoy true masterpieces of the medieval art, including paintings of Titian, Tintoretto, Bellini and more.
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