The Palazzo Loredan dell’Ambasciatore is located between the Palazzo Moro and the Casa Mainella in the Dorsoduro district of Venice. The “Ambassador” was the one of Austria who resided there for almost 30 years in the 19th century.
A brief history of the Palazzo Loredan dell’Ambasciatore in Venice
The Palazzo Loredan dell’Ambasciatore is located along the Grand Canal in the Dorsoduro district. It was built in the second half of the 15th century, as the residence of the noble Loredan family.
The name Dell’Ambasciatore is due to the fact that the Austrian ambassador Filippo di Rosenburg Orsini, while Francesco Loredan held the position of Doge, stayed there for 29 years, starting from the year 1754. The ambassador had to pay rent in advance and have the building refurbished at his own expense.
In 1891 the palace was largely destroyed by fire, but was soon rebuilt.
At present, it is the residence of the Gaggia family.
Description
The palace is built in Gothic style and consists of three floors. There is an additional floor at the back. Above the central door there is a loggia with a balustrade and a quadrifore, on either side of which there are double monophores. This design is repeated on the top floor. Between the side windows on the middle floor are niches with bas-reliefs.
Francesco Loredan in the Galleria dell’Accademia
In the Gallerie dell’Accademia there is a famous portrait of Francesco Loredan, painted by Fortunato Pasquetti. Loredan was notorious because of his passive attitude and enjoyed very little respect in Venice. At the same time he was a generous man, which earned him the nickname “Father of the Poor”. While Doge, he had the famous author and adventurer Giuseppe Casanova imprisoned.
Address, opening hours and prices
The address of the Palazzo Loredan dell’Ambasciatore is Dorsoduro 1261,1262 – Venice. Vaporetto: San Maria del Giglio. Opening Hours: The building is privately owned and can only be visited from the outside. Entrance fee: N/A
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