Ca’ Vendramin Calergi, also widely known as Palazzo Vendramin Calergi or even Palazzo Loredan Griman Calergi Vendramin, is a noteworthy tourist sight of Venice, located in the Cannaregio sestiere, on the very Grand Canal of the city. The prestige of this edifice does not lie in its wide historical background or in its architectural merits, but also in the fact at present it accommodates two venues of special tourist interest, namely, Casino di Venezia (it is the summer headquarters of the casino) and the Wagner Museum.

The palace was built between 1481 and 1509, upon the commission of Andrea Loredan (whose name the palace still bears) and with the financial support of Leonardo Loredan (back then, doge of Venice), and it was designed by Mauro Codussi, reputed architect of sundry other residences and places of worship in the Veneto region. Because the architect died before the completion of the construction works, his task was resumed by Bottega dei Lombardo, an effort which finally resulted in a splendid Renaissance palace which overlooks the Grand Canal with a finely balanced facade, dripping with columns which flank the windows of each of the two upper floors.

The palace had a winding historical trajectory in respect to its owners. Somewhere during the first half of the 18th century it was bought by the Vendramin family, who owned it from 1739 to 1844. However, it was not until 1946 that the city of Venice purchased the palace which, 13 years later (in 1959), became the headquarters of the above mentioned Casino di Venezia.

Since 1995, Ca’ Vendramin Calergi has also been home to the Wagner Museum, reminiscent of Wagner’s frequent stays at the palace (the composer rented the entire mezzanine of the building for his family and household), as well as of his death: Wagner died here in 1883. The museum is an important call for all people studied or, at least, interested in the life and work of Richard Wagner and, given the limited opening hours of the museum, reservations are advisable.

Name:
Ca’ Vendramin Calergi (Palazzo Vendramin Calergi / Palazzo Loredan Griman Calergi Vendramin)
Address:
2040, Cannaregio, 30121, Venice, Italy
Telephone:
0039 041 5297111
Email:
[email protected]
Website:
www.casinovenezia.it
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