In the 18th century, Ca’ Rezzonico was without doubt one of the most sumptuous palaces in the city. Its imposing white stone facade overlooks the Grand Canal. It stands out in respect of other buildings because of its distinctive, theatrical architecture. As a matter of fact, it was designed by the great Baroque architect Baldassarre Longhena in 1649 for the Bon family but left unfinished. The palace was eventually acquired by the Rezzonicos, a wealthy family from Lombardy, who added another two floors and restyled many of the innumerable rooms.
When the family line ended in the 19th century, the palace passed through several hands and became the residence of prestigious owners, such as the British poet Robert Browning, who died in Venice. Today the palace also houses the Museum of the Venetian 18th Century and offers a unique opportunity to admire an authentic abode of that time with original period furniture, frescoes by Giambattista and Giandomenico Tiepolo, and views by Canaletto and Guardi.
Enjoy the exquisite collection of small paintings by Pietro Longhi, works that capture the atmosphere of real daily life back then: theatres, Carnival and masks, domestic and street-life scenes. Yes, the 18th century was a time of fun and entertainment, too, and it left its trace in Ca’ Rezzonico.
From Ca’ Rezzonico we will actually take a pleasant walk around the quiet district of Dorsoduro to get a feeling of what could have been the scenario for theatres, masks and brothels in18th-century Venice.
DURATION: 2 hours
TOUR PRICE: € 170.00
ENTRANCE FEES (per person): Ca’Rezzonico € 10.00; reductions € 7,50
PLEASE NOTE:
The tour price is for a party of 1 to 8 people, and doesn’t include admission fees.
Should your party exceed 8 participants, please contact us for a quote.