The Palazzo Contarini Fasan is also known as the Palazzo di Desdemona. It is a historic building in Venice and is considered one of the most beautiful palaces on the Grand Canal.
Palazzo Contarini Fasan Venice
Address, times and prices
The address of the Palazzo Contarini Fasan is Calle Larga XXII Marzo – 30124 Venezia. Ferry: Santa Maria del Giglio (orange line). Vaporetto: Salute (line 1). Opening hours and entrance fee: The palace can only be viewed from the outside.
History and description
The Palazzo Contarini Fasan was built between 1470 and 1480. A tower, from which a chain could be used to close off the Grand Canal to prevent enemy ships from entering the city, previously occupied the spot.
The façade consists of three parts. The corners of the building are characterized by spiraling columns.
The lower floor has three rectangular windows, the middle one a trifora and the upper two monoforas. The windows of the upper floor have a balcony.
It is also called Palazzo Contarini dei Fagiani because of the passion of one of the family members for pheasant hunting.
The name Casa di Desdemona was given to the palace because tradition has it that Desdemona from Shakespeare‘s “Othello” is said to have lived here.