Palazzo Donà, also known as Palazzetto Sangiantoffetti Donà, is a historic palace in Venice, Italy, located in the Santa Croce sestiere along the Grand Canal. Positioned between the imposing Ca’ Pesaro and Palazzo Correggio, near the mouth of the Rio di Santa Maria Mater Domini, it is a relatively small but architecturally and historically significant structure. Its prime location offers striking views across the Grand Canal, with landmarks like Ca’ d’Oro visible opposite.
The palazzo’s origins trace to the 17th century, though some sources
suggest it was built in the 18th century on the site of an older
structure. It was constructed for the Sangiantoffetti family, originally
from Crema (or Vicenza, per some accounts), who were not part of
Venice’s ancient aristocracy. The family earned their noble title by
funding the Venetian Republic’s war efforts against the Turks,
particularly by providing well-equipped ships during conflicts like the
War of Candia. This financial contribution allowed them to buy their way
into the Venetian patriciate, a common practice for wealthy mainland
families seeking social prestige.
The palazzo’s name also
reflects the Donà family, a prominent Venetian lineage associated with
several palaces in the city, including those in Castello’s Campo Santa
Maria Formosa. The exact connection between the Sangiantoffetti and Donà
families is unclear, but the dual naming suggests either marriage,
inheritance, or later ownership by the Donà. Over time, the palazzo
served varied purposes: it was a private residence, a fabric factory, a
bathhouse, and even a college. During World War II, it was confiscated
from Jewish owners and repurposed as a college before being abandoned.
By the early 2000s, the building had fallen into disrepair,
described as a “hovel” despite its prime location. In 2008, an
investment firm acquired it, initiating a six-year, multimillion-euro
restoration in collaboration with Venice’s superintendent of cultural
heritage. This effort transformed it into a modernized yet historically
sensitive “tiny gem.” Rumors persist that actor Johnny Depp purchased or
bid on the palazzo around 2010–2011, outbidding an Arab prince, possibly
during the filming of The Tourist in Venice. However, ownership remains
unconfirmed, and the palazzo was listed for sale in 2016 for
approximately €10.8 million ($12 million).
Palazzo Donà is a three-story palazzetto (a smaller palace) with an
additional attic level, covering about 700 square meters (7,500 square
feet). Its size is modest compared to grand neighbors like Ca’ Pesaro,
making it a rare compact property on the Grand Canal, where most
buildings range from 1,000 to 4,000 square meters. The facade, facing
the Grand Canal, exemplifies Venetian architectural restraint with a
blend of Gothic and early modern influences, typical of the 17th or 18th
century.
Facade: The ground floor features a central round-arched
water portal, flanked by two single round-arched windows, facilitating
direct canal access for boats. The mezzanine level has two small oval
windows above the portal, positioned between pairs of rectangular single
windows. The upper floors likely include multifora windows (typical
Venetian arched window groupings), though specific details are sparse.
The facade’s simplicity contrasts with the ornate Gothic or Renaissance
flourishes of larger palaces, reflecting the palazzetto’s smaller scale
and practical design.
Structure: The building’s exterior retains
historical elements like high decorated ceilings and ornate columns,
though some sources note it required significant restoration. The roof
includes a large terrace, a coveted feature in Venice, offering
panoramic views of the Grand Canal and surrounding rooftops.
The
palazzo’s location at the junction of the Rio di Santa Maria Mater
Domini enhances its visibility, especially from the nearby Campo San
Felice pontoon. Its private boat slips add to its exclusivity, a
practical and prestigious feature for canal-front properties.
Interior Features
The restored interior blends historical charm with
modern luxury, equipped with advanced home automation systems for
contemporary comfort. The layout is designed for flexibility, suitable
for a luxurious private residence, a high-end executive office, or even
a boutique hotel.
Key features include:
Ground Floor: Spacious
reception areas dominate, including a grand hall ideal for entertaining.
Additional rooms cater to practical needs, such as staff quarters and a
fitness area. The ground floor’s design reflects Venetian tradition,
with high ceilings and possibly frescoed or beamed details, though
specific decorative elements are not fully documented.
Upper Floors:
An elegant staircase and a modern elevator connect the ground floor to
the residential levels. The upper floors house six to nine bedrooms
(accounts vary) and six to nine bathrooms, suggesting ample space for
guests or family. The rooms are described as well-maintained and
elegant, with preserved historical features like painted ceilings and
exposed beams, complemented by modern fixtures.
Rooftop Terrace: The
expansive roof terrace is a highlight, offering a rare outdoor space in
Venice. It provides sweeping views of the Grand Canal, Ca’ d’Oro, and
the city’s iconic skyline, making it a prime spot for relaxation or
events.
The restoration preserved original elements, such as frescoes
and stucco work, while integrating cutting-edge technology, ensuring the
palazzo meets modern standards of luxury and functionality. Its
700-square-meter commercial area underscores its versatility for
residential or professional use.
Palazzo Donà Sangiantoffetti embodies Venice’s layered history,
reflecting the city’s mercantile past, social mobility, and
architectural evolution. Its association with the Sangiantoffetti family
highlights how wealth and strategic alliances shaped Venetian society,
while its varied uses—from factory to college—mirror the city’s
adaptability over centuries. The palazzo’s survival through neglect,
confiscation, and restoration underscores Venice’s ongoing challenge to
preserve its heritage amid environmental and economic pressures.
The rumored connection to Johnny Depp adds a modern celebrity allure,
though unverified. Reports from 2010–2016 suggest Depp’s interest
stemmed from his enchantment with Venice during The Tourist’s filming,
but no definitive evidence confirms his ownership. The palazzo’s 2016
listing by Lionard Real Estate, handled by Florence-based agent Dimitri
Corti, emphasized its rarity as a compact, fully restored Grand Canal
property, appealing to global elites seeking a Venetian pied-à-terre.
Today, the palazzo remains a private residence or investment
property, its exact status unclear. Its location and meticulous
restoration make it a standout in Venice’s luxury real estate market,
where canal-front palazzi are increasingly scarce. Visitors can glimpse
its facade during boat tours, a recommended stop for those exploring the
Grand Canal’s architectural treasures.