Ca’ d’Oro

Commissioned in 1428 by the family who gave Venice eight Doges, the 'Golden House' is now open to the public as an art gallery.

TravelCurious Tip

From the traghetto (jetty), you can access the street behind, which has a number of pretty cafes and restaurants.

In the golden years of the Venetian republic between the 13th and 18th centuries, the city’s enormous wealth and power was mostly concentrated in the hands of a few important families. Not content with merely being among the richest people in Europe, these families built lavish palazzos (mansions) along the Grand Canal in a series of ongoing attempts to outdo one another. No expense was spared in their efforts to demonstrate the depths of their civic pride and historic connection with the city, and the result is a stunning array of houses for the modern visitor to enjoy.


The Grandest of the Grand

One of the most famous of these is the Ca’ d’Oro, located in the very middle of the Grand Canal’s lazy meander. Its classic Venetian Gothic design, with three floors of loggie (open-air corridors) facing out onto the water, immediately grabs the eye with its beautiful stone arches and intricately textured façade. Sadly, the gold-leaf inlay for which the house is named has long gone. The ground floor loggia features an open-water access point, meaning that visitors can actually enter the house by boat, before stepping off onto the entry area within.


A Superb Gallery

Inside is a treasure trove of paintings, sculptures and tapestries, many of which were moved here from elsewhere in Venice by Napoleon during his conquest of Italy. The finest of these are Andrea Mantegna’s San Sebastiano and Titian’s Venus with a Mirror. The latter is sadly missing the eponymous mirror, having had its right side cut off at some point, and is also thought to be a study for the famous version which hangs in Washington D.C.’s National Gallery of Art.


Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Venice
Rialto Bridge
Venice’s busiest and most iconic bridge, the Rialto gives visitors a wonderful view of the Grand Canal.
Rialto Fish Market
This traditional fish market, located right by the Grand Canal, offers a wide variety of fresh fish that marvels both locals and tourists. You can find squid, spider crabs and even moeche, straight from the Venetian lagoon.
Rialto Vegetable & Fruit Market
Explore the colours and scents of fresh produce at the Rialto fruit and vegetable market that marvels both locals and tourists.
Venetian Cicchetterie
Local food taverns full of delicious food and crisp wine.
Venetian Cicchetti
Enjoy a local food and wine
Rialto Market
A historic market where Venetians buy fresh frutti di mare from friendly fishmongers.

Related Tours

The Best of Venice: Private Tour including St Mark’s Basilica
Discover the best of "La Serenissima" and immerse yourself in a Venice that is not just gondolas, but a city of canals with many grand palaces such as Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), unique museums and impressive churches like St. Mark's Basilica.

On your private tour, you will:

  • Explore the famous Rialto Markets and take a stroll down the famed fish market of Venice, which has been taking place here for nearly 1000 years;
  • Cross over the iconic Rialto Bridge, designed by the architect "Anthony of the Bridge" in the late 1500s, and take in spectacular views of Venice's Grand Canal;
  • Step away from the main tourist path to enjoy some of the city's best sights, such as the gem-like Church of Miracles and quaint Aqua Alta Library, self-proclaimed the "most beautiful bookstore in the world";
  • Take a stroll down Campo San Giovanni e Paolo, one of Venice's most important squares;
  • Admire the Basilica of San Giovanni e Paolo, one of the biggest churches in Venice and the official church for the funerals of the Venetian Doges;
  • Marvel at the magnificent Renaissance facade of the Scola Grande di San Marco, originally the home of a major Venetian confraternity, and today the city's hospital;
  • See the Equestrian Statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni, the first of its kind standing on three feet;
  • Admire the iconic view of the Venice lagoon from the waterfront promenade of the Riva Degli Schiavoni;
  • Stop by the Doge's Palace, the seat of the government of the Venetian Republic, known as "The Most Serene Republic of Venice", which existed for 1100 years and was once the greatest naval power in Europe;
  • Stand in awe of St. Mark's Square and the 99-meter-high Campanile (bell tower) of St. Mark's, once a lighthouse to guide ships;
  • Enjoy a guided tour inside St. Mark's Basilica, the former political and religious centre of the Republic of Venice, magnificently decorated with golden mosaics completed in the 12th century.

Trace the city’s fascinating beginnings, learn about its failed defence against the plague and unearth its dark secrets. Your journey will take you through Venice’s grandest central district. The architecture is sublime, the excitement rejuvenating and the atmosphere unique. 

You will begin your tour walking towards Venice’s pre-eminent bridge- Rialto Bridge. Famous for being the oldest bridge on the Grand Canal, its arcade full of small souvenir shops is the best place to buy beautiful Venetian masks and feathers. 

Your private guide will give you the history of the markets, as they have been operating for over seven centuries. Stroll around the bustling Rialto Markets, a picturesque shop primarily selling fish and vegetables. Take in all the sights, sounds, and smells of the market.

Venture through the most magical streets and canals of San Marco, and pass the iconic St Mark’s Square. Probably one of Italy’s most iconic locations and Venice’s largest urban open space, this square is enclosed by the astonishing St Mark’s Basilica and the magnificent Doge’s Palace. 

You will see the Doge’s Palace, built-in 812, which is one of the best examples of Venetian gothic architecture. Right next to the Doge’s Palace is St. Mark's Basilica with its gold mosaics and many domes will also be sure to capture your attention. 

Your tour will finish with tickets and a tour of St Mark’s Basilica. Your guide will take you on a tour of the historic Basilica, deemed to be an icon of Italian art and culture. 

Please note that St. Mark's Basilica is an active church and can be subject to unforeseen closures due to religious reasons. In cases of closure, you will be given alternative touring options.
Welcome to Venice: Private 2-hour Introductory Walking tour
Explore the best of Venice and see "The City of Canals" most popular highlights on this private 2-hour introduction tour with a professional tour guide, who will take you to on a journey to discover one of Italy's more picturesque and romantic cities. 

On your private tour, you will:

  • Explore the Rialto area, famed for its markets and of course the iconic Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge crossing the Grand Canal;
  • Navigate through Venice's maze of "calle" streets and canals with the expertise of your tour guide;
  • See Marco Polo’s house, and Santa Maria dei Miracoli Church, often described as the "Marble church" and "treasure chest" due to its precious marble decorations;
  • Stop in Campo San Giovanni e Paolo to hear about the "Scuole Grandi" (great schools) of Venice, confraternities founded in the late 13th century, as welfare and religious institutions that resembled present-day lobbies;
  • Walk along the Venetian lagoon waterfront and marvel at the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the interrogation rooms of Doge's Palace to the New Prison;
  • Learn of the Venetian Doges and the city's complex - and modern - ruling system as you take in the majesty of the Doge's Palace, the seat of the Venetian Government;
  • End your tour in the famed St. Mark's Square, the only "piazza" in Venice and learn the fascinating story of how St. Mark's body was brought to Venice and laid to rest in St. Mark's Basilica.

Trace the city’s fascinating beginnings, learn about its failed defence against the plague and unearth its dark secrets. 

You will begin your tour by visiting Venice's Rialto neighbourhood. Take in all the sights, sounds, and smells of the local markets before crossing the Rialto Bridge. Famous for being the oldest bridge on the Grand Canal. 

Venture through the magical streets and canals of Venice, step off the beaten tourist path to uncover the quieter side of the city, and end the tour in the iconic St Mark’s Square. Probably one of Italy’s most iconic locations and Venice’s largest urban open space, this square is enclosed by the astonishing St Mark’s Basilica and the magnificent Doge’s Palace. 

You will see the Doge’s Palace, built-in 812, which is one of the best examples of Venetian gothic architecture. Right next to the Doge’s Palace is another superb building that will be sure to capture your attention! 
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