The Palazzetto Stern is a historic palace in Venice, Italy, located in the Dorsoduro sestiere along the Grand Canal. Positioned between Palazzo Contarini Michiel and Palazzo Moro, it faces Palazzo Grassi and is adjacent to the Ca’ Rezzonico, a prominent Baroque palace-museum. Originally a 15th-century Venetian-Byzantine residence, it was transformed in the early 20th century into a neo-Gothic masterpiece by the Stern family. Today, it functions as a luxurious 4-star hotel, Hotel Palazzo Stern, blending historical charm with modern amenities.
The Palazzetto Stern’s history reflects Venice’s architectural
evolution and the influence of its owners, from medieval merchants to
modern art collectors.
15th Century: Origins with the Michièl
“Malpaga” Family
The palace was commissioned in the early 1400s by
the Michièl family, nicknamed “Malpaga” (meaning “bad payer”) due to
Fantino Michièl’s notorious use of unpaid convict labor for a palace in
Ragusa (modern-day Dubrovnik) in 1425. The original structure was a
two-story Venetian-Byzantine building, typical of Venice’s medieval
merchant residences, with a modest facade suited to the Grand Canal’s
commercial vibrancy.
Centuries of Decline
Over the following
centuries, the building suffered significant degradation, likely due to
Venice’s economic decline after the 15th century and the challenges of
maintaining canal-side properties. By the 19th century, it was in a
state of disrepair, with parts possibly damaged by fire, leaving it
incomplete and neglected.
Early 20th Century: Stern Family
Restoration
In 1909, the palace was acquired by the Stern family, a
wealthy family of traders and art collectors led by Ernesta de Hierschel
Stern (1854–1926), aunt of Lionello Hierschel de Minerbi, who owned Ca’
Rezzonico from 1906 to 1935. Ernesta, married to French banker Louis
Stern (1840–1900), commissioned architects Giuseppe Berti and Raffaele
Mainella to restore and expand the palace between 1909 and 1912. The
project transformed the two-story ruin into a four-story neo-Gothic
palace, reusing original materials and incorporating architectural
fragments from other Venetian buildings. The Sterns’ passion for art
enriched the palace with sculptures, mosaics, and frescoes, creating a
“collage of mementoes” from various eras. The building was named after
Louis Stern, cementing the family’s legacy.
20th Century to
Present: Conversion to a Hotel
After serving as a private residence,
the Palazzetto Stern underwent a meticulous restoration in the late 20th
century to become a 4-star hotel, opening as Hotel Palazzo Stern in the
early 2000s. The restoration preserved its neo-Gothic and Venetian
character while adding modern amenities like a rooftop hot tub and a
Grand Canal terrace. Today, it is celebrated for its historical ambiance
and prime location, offering guests a blend of Venetian heritage and
luxury.
The Palazzetto Stern is a striking example of neo-Gothic
architecture, reinterpreting Venetian Gothic traditions through an early
20th-century lens. Its design reflects both its 15th-century origins and
the Stern family’s artistic vision.
Exterior
Facade: The Grand
Canal facade is a neo-Gothic pastiche, elevated from two to four floors
during the 1909–1912 restoration. It features trefoil windows, stone
columns, pointed arches, and bas-reliefs, evoking the ornate style of
Venetian palaces like Ca’ d’Oro. The facade is decorated on all sides, a
rarity for canal-side buildings, with intricate detailing inspired by
the Sterns’ art collection. The use of ancient materials, salvaged from
the original structure and other Venetian sites, creates a harmonious
blend of medieval and modern elements.
Location and Context:
Positioned on the west bank of the Grand Canal, the palace is flanked by
the Rio Malpaga (named after the Michièl family) and neighbors Ca’
Rezzonico. Its private dock allows direct access by water taxi,
enhancing its exclusivity. The facade’s prominence is accentuated by its
alignment with the Ca’ Rezzonico vaporetto stop, making it a visible
landmark.
Neo-Gothic Influence: The restoration drew inspiration from
contemporary Venetian projects, such as Casa dei Tre Oci by Mario de
Maria and Villa Herriot by Raffaele Mainella, both on the Giudecca. The
Sterns’ engagement with avant-garde art movements of the early 20th
century shaped the palace’s eclectic yet elegant aesthetic.
Interior
Layout: The interior is organized around a central hall,
with 24 guest rooms across four floors, ranging from 16 to 25 square
meters. Rooms face the Grand Canal, Rio Malpaga, the inner garden, or
Venice’s rooftops, offering varied perspectives of the city. The ground
floor includes a 90-square-meter terrace/garden on the Grand Canal, a
rare feature for Venetian hotels, ideal for dining or relaxing.
Decor: The interiors retain a belle époque ambiance, reflecting Ernesta
Stern’s vision. Features include:
White marble columns and pointed
arches, echoing Gothic motifs.
Original frescoes and mosaics,
preserved from the Sterns’ collection.
Murano glass chandeliers and
vases, handcrafted by Venetian artisans.
Silk wallpaper, oriental
carpets, stucco work, and gilded details, creating a luxurious Venetian
style.
Antique furniture, sculptures, and artworks, making the hotel
feel like a “little museum.”
Rooftop Terrace: A standout feature is
the panoramic rooftop terrace with a heated Jacuzzi, offering stunning
views of the Grand Canal and Venice’s skyline. Available for private
use, it’s a romantic spot for proposals or celebrations, though advance
booking is required.
Neo-Medieval Lounge-Bar: The bar area, opening
onto the Grand Canal terrace, features neo-medieval decor with dark
wood, exotic rugs, and intricate detailing, enhancing the historical
atmosphere.
Structural Notes
The 1909–1912 expansion added two
floors, using reinforced concrete for stability while preserving the
Gothic aesthetic with salvaged stone and brick.
The building’s
canal-side location required careful waterproofing and pile
reinforcement, a standard Venetian technique using wooden piles driven
into the lagoon bed.
As a boutique hotel, Palazzetto Stern offers 24 individually
decorated rooms, blending historical charm with modern comforts. Key
features include:
Room Types:
Standard Rooms (16–20 sqm):
Overlook the Rio Malpaga, inner garden, or rooftops. Equipped with
hydromassage showers, air conditioning, minibars, satellite TVs, Wi-Fi,
espresso makers, and safes.
Deluxe Rooms (22–25 sqm): Larger, with
garden or canal views, featuring Jacuzzi bathtubs or hydromassage
showers. Decor includes silk fabrics, Murano glass, and oriental
carpets.
Superior Rooms (25 sqm): Grand Canal-facing, with opulent
Venetian styling, including chandeliers and stucco work.
Junior
Suites and Suites: Spacious options (up to 35 sqm) with canal views,
some with private balconies, offering enhanced luxury and vintage decor.
Bathrooms: Modern, with rainfall showerheads, towel warmers, bathrobes,
slippers, and designer toiletries. Some feature Jacuzzi tubs.
Dining:
Grand Canal Terrace: A 90-square-meter terrace serves
breakfast (continental or full, with smoked salmon, eggs, and pastries)
and dinner, specializing in Venetian seafood dishes like spaghetti with
cuttlefish ink or monkfish with tomatoes. Guests praise the terrace’s
romantic ambiance and canal views, though breakfast quality is sometimes
criticized as lackluster.
Lounge-Bar: Offers drinks in a neo-medieval
setting, with access to the terrace or a sister property, Locanda
Vivaldi, for aperitivi.
Additional Amenities:
Rooftop Jacuzzi:
A heated whirlpool with panoramic views, bookable for private use.
Complimentary Murano Tour: Includes a one-way water taxi to a glass
factory, showcasing Venetian craftsmanship.
Concierge Services: Staff
assist with booking tours, restaurants, and transportation, including
water taxis or airport shuttles (€130 per vehicle).
Accessibility:
Wheelchair-accessible rooms and shower chairs are available, with
multilingual staff catering to diverse needs.
Pet Policy: Pets are
allowed on request, subject to confirmation.
Guest reviews highlight
the hotel’s “Venetian splendor,” clean rooms, and attentive staff,
though some note high bathtub edges or limited storage as minor
drawbacks. The hotel’s 8.7/10 rating on Booking.com reflects its
popularity, particularly for its location and ambiance.
The Palazzetto Stern is a cultural gem, embodying Venice’s
architectural and artistic heritage:
Neo-Gothic Revival: The
1909–1912 restoration aligns with Venice’s early 20th-century neo-Gothic
movement, seen in buildings like Casa dei Tre Oci. It reflects a
romanticized view of Venice’s medieval past, influenced by the Sterns’
art collecting and the city’s cultural renaissance during the Belle
Époque.
Artistic Legacy: The Stern family’s collection of sculptures,
mosaics, and frescoes transforms the palace into a living museum,
preserving Venice’s tradition of blending art with architecture. Ernesta
Stern’s patronage mirrors that of historical Venetian patrons like the
Doges or merchant families.
Dorsoduro’s Charm: Located in the
residential and artistic Dorsoduro sestiere, the palace is steps from
cultural landmarks like the Gallerie dell’Accademia, Peggy Guggenheim
Collection, and Ca’ Rezzonico. This area, a former artists’ haven,
offers a quieter, more authentic Venetian experience compared to San
Marco’s tourist crowds.
Tourist Appeal: As a hotel, Palazzetto Stern
attracts visitors seeking an immersive Venetian experience, with its
Grand Canal terrace and proximity to major sites like St. Mark’s Square
(10-minute walk via the Accademia Bridge). Its private dock and water
taxi access evoke Venice’s aristocratic past.
Modern Relevance: The
palace’s conversion into a hotel reflects Venice’s shift from a
mercantile empire to a tourism-driven economy, balancing preservation
with commercial viability. Its high guest ratings (e.g., 9.7/10 for
location) underscore its role as a cultural and hospitality landmark.
Location: Dorsoduro 2792/A, 30123 Venice, Italy. On the Grand Canal,
next to Ca’ Rezzonico and opposite Palazzo Grassi. GPS: 45.4325°N,
12.3268°E. Approximately 0.3 miles from Gallerie dell’Accademia and 0.8
miles from St. Mark’s Square.
Access:
By Vaporetto: Take Line
1 or 2 to the Ca’ Rezzonico stop, located 5 meters from the hotel’s
entrance. From Venice Santa Lucia Station, it’s a 20-minute vaporetto
ride or 20-minute walk.
By Water Taxi: Arrive directly at the hotel’s
private dock, ideal for a stylish entrance (€60–€100 from the airport).
Book via the hotel or services like www.venicewatertaxi.com.
By Foot:
From Piazza San Marco, cross the Accademia Bridge and walk west along
Calle del Traghetto (10–15 minutes). From Piazzale Roma, walk or take a
vaporetto to Ca’ Rezzonico (15–20 minutes).
Airport Transfers: Marco
Polo Airport (VCE) is 4.7 miles away (20-minute drive plus water taxi).
Treviso Airport (TSF) is 16.3 miles (40-minute drive plus water taxi).
Airport shuttles cost €130 per vehicle (max 4 people).
Visiting
the Palace:
As a Guest: Book a stay at Hotel Palazzo Stern
(www.palazzostern.it) to explore the interiors. Rates start at
€225/night (low season) to €294/night (high season), with breakfast €20
extra. Check-in: 2:00 PM; check-out: 12:00 PM.
Non-Guests: The palace
is not a public museum, but the Grand Canal facade can be admired from
vaporetti, gondolas, or the opposite bank near Palazzo Grassi. The
terrace restaurant is accessible for dining with reservations (+39 041
277 0869).
Opening Hours: The hotel operates 24/7 for guests.
Restaurant and bar hours vary; breakfast is typically 7:00 AM–10:30 AM,
dinner from 6:00 PM. Contact the hotel for non-guest dining.
Cost:
Free to view from the canal. Hotel stays range from $68/night (budget
deals via Kayak) to €500+ for suites in peak season. Dining costs
€30–€60 per person for dinner.
Tips for Visitors:
Best Time:
Visit early morning or late evening for quieter canal views and better
terrace dining availability. Spring (April–May) and fall
(September–October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
Photography:
Capture the facade from a vaporetto or gondola for unobstructed shots.
The rooftop terrace (for guests) offers stunning canal panoramas.
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available, but the
historic structure has some steps. Contact the hotel for assistance (+39
041 277 0869).
Nearby Attractions:
Ca’ Rezzonico (1-minute
walk): Baroque palace-museum of 18th-century Venice.
Gallerie
dell’Accademia (5-minute walk): Masterpieces by Titian, Tintoretto, and
Veronese.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection (7-minute walk): Modern art in
a canal-side palace.
Campo Santa Margherita (5-minute walk): Lively
square with cafes and local markets.
Dining Nearby: Try Impronta,
Trattoria Dona Onesta, or Osteria Fanal del Codega for Venetian cuisine
within a 5-minute walk.
Tours: Book a gondola tour or Murano/Burano
excursion via the hotel or www.isoladiburano.it for a lagoon adventure.
Contact: Hotel Palazzo Stern, +39 041 277 0869, info@palazzostern.it,
www.palazzostern.it. For Venice tourism info, contact Venezia Unica (+39
041 2424, info@veneziaunica.it).
The Palazzetto Stern, as Hotel Palazzo Stern, exemplifies Venice’s
ability to adapt historic structures for modern use while preserving
their cultural value:
Preservation: The 1909–1912 and late
20th-century restorations maintained the palace’s neo-Gothic character,
with careful attention to original frescoes, mosaics, and architectural
fragments. Ongoing maintenance addresses canal-side challenges like
saltwater erosion and flooding, supported by the hotel’s revenue.
Tourism Impact: The hotel’s prime location and luxurious amenities make
it a popular choice, contributing to Dorsoduro’s tourism economy.
However, Venice’s overtourism (30 million visitors annually) strains
infrastructure, prompting regulations like the #EnjoyRespectVenezia
campaign, which guests are encouraged to follow.
Sustainability: The
hotel’s small size (24 rooms) and focus on local craftsmanship (e.g.,
Murano glass) align with sustainable tourism goals, though high-end
pricing limits accessibility. Its pet-friendly policy and accessibility
features broaden its appeal.
Cultural Role: By offering Murano tours
and showcasing Venetian art, the hotel promotes the city’s heritage. Its
terrace and rooftop Jacuzzi provide unique experiences, reinforcing
Venice’s romantic allure.