The Ca’ Vendramin Calergi or Palazzo Loredan Vendramin-Calergi is a historic building on the north bank of the Canal Grande in Venice. It was built in the 15th century by Mauro Codussi. It was one of the first Renaissance buildings in the city. The composer Richard Wagner died in the palazzo.
Palazzo Vendramin-Calergi Venetië
Address, opening hours and admission
Address: 2079 Cannaregio – Venice. Phone: +39 041 5297230. Opening times casino: From 11.00 till 02.45. Admission: However much you are willing/can afford to lose.
History and description
Construction of the Palazzo Vendramin Calergi started in 1481. The first architect was Mauro Condussi. In 1504, when Condussi died, Pietro Lombardo took over. The building is considered to be one of the earliest Renaissance constructions in Venice.
The palazzo is named for the families that used to own it. The first owner was Andrea Loredan. The next one was Vittorio Calergi and after that it became property of the Vendramin family.
Andrea Loredan was connected to the Templars. The first words of the motto of this order are inscribed on the facade: NON NOBIS DOMINE NON NOBIS, which means, “Nor for us Lord, not for us, but glory only in your name”. The oak leaves around the inscription symbolized the “defender of the city” and were often used by the contemporary nobility.
In the 17th century the so-called “white wing” was added. The garden is located in this part of the building.
After the Unification of Italy, the then owners had to sell the building and a good part of its contents. Many of its works of art ended up in Paris.
Richard Wagner lived in the building form 1882 till his death on February 13th, 1883. Gabriele d’Annunzio was responsible for the commemorative plaque on the facade. In 1995 a small museum dedicated to the composer was opened inside the palace.
Nowadays the Ca’ Vendramin Calergi is the seat of the communal casino.
The most striking aspect of the facade is formed by its windows. The three central ones are very close together, while there is much more space around the outer ones.