Palazzo Ca'Zen ai Frari
Palazzo Ca' Zen ai Frari, also called Palazzo Zeno, was built in the late fourteenth century by Carlo Zeno, “Capitano da mar”, a hero in the Chioggia’s war waged by Venezia against Genova. The beautiful gothic facade of the palazzo is overlooking the canal of San Stin. It is surmounted by elegant obelisks dating from the seventeenth century. The Zeno family played a part in Venetian history since the time of the Partecipazio-Badoer in the 9th century. The family also provided the Serenissima with a Doge ( Renier Zeno in the 13th century), as well as various ambassadors, senators and cardinals. The Palazzo was renovated many times, the most important and far-reaching alteration was done by the famous architect Antonio Gasparri. He was hired by Alessandro Zeno, who had been ambassador of the Serenissima at the court of the King Louis XV at Versailles. Alessandro, probably influenced by the splendors of the French court, decided to add a new wing to the antique palazzo, giving onto the courtyard. All the rooms of the palazzo are decorated with stuccoes and frescoes by great artists such as Antonio Pellegrini, Jacopo Guarana, Abbondio Stazio and Amigoni.
Carnival Ball in Palazzo Contarini
Where to find the Palazzo Ca' Zen ai Frari
The Palazzo Ca' Zen ai Frari is 1 km - or a 10 minutes walk + a short ride on the vaparetto - from the San Marco Square.
Address: Campiello de Ca' Zen, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
Phone: +39 041 5224470
Address: Campiello de Ca' Zen, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
Phone: +39 041 5224470