The Palazzo Correr Contarini Zorzi, also known as Ca’ dei Cuori (House of Hearts), is a striking Renaissance palace situated in the Cannaregio sestiere of Venice, Italy, overlooking the iconic Grand Canal. Positioned between the Palazzo Querini Papozze and Palazzo Gritti Dandolo, this 17th-century edifice is renowned for its elegant architecture, historical significance, and romantic legend tied to its distinctive heart-shaped wrought iron emblems. Currently a private property hosting a boutique hotel and luxury apartments, the palazzo is a testament to Venice’s noble heritage and architectural innovation.
The Palazzo Correr Contarini Zorzi was constructed in 1678 on the
site of an earlier Gothic palace, of which only the corner columns
remain as vestiges of its medieval predecessor. The palace was initially
commissioned by the Correr family, one of Venice’s prominent noble
families, known for producing influential figures such as Teodoro
Correr, founder of the Museo Correr, whose residence was across the
Grand Canal. Over the centuries, the palazzo passed through several
noble Venetian families, including the Soranzo, Zorzi, and Contarini,
reflecting the fluidity of aristocratic ownership in Venice. In the 19th
century, it was home to Giovanni di Sebastiano, and in the 20th century,
the de Mombell family owned the property, adding the distinctive roof
terrace that crowns the facade.
A notable resident was Antonio
Correr, a patrician famous for refusing to wear a wig, a status symbol
among the Venetian nobility, highlighting his nonconformist streak. The
palazzo’s nickname, Ca’ dei Cuori, derives from a romantic legend
involving Pietro Correr and Erusaria Diedo. According to tradition,
Pietro, enamored with Erusaria, commissioned Venetian craftsmen to adorn
the palace with heart-shaped emblems as a symbol of his love. After
their marriage, they lived happily in the palazzo until Pietro’s death
in 1768. Erusaria later captivated Sebastiano Contarini, a member of one
of Venice’s wealthiest families, and spent her remaining years in the
palace with him. This tale, while possibly embellished, adds a layer of
charm to the palazzo’s identity and is celebrated in its modern branding
as Ca’ dei Cuori.
Today, the palazzo is privately owned and
operates as a luxury accommodation, offering suites and apartments with
views of the Grand Canal. Its historical significance is preserved
through careful restoration, particularly of its neoclassical frescoes
from the 19th century, though some modern alterations, such as the
loggia’s window design, have drawn criticism for deviating from
traditional Venetian aesthetics.
The Palazzo Correr Contarini Zorzi is a quintessential example of
17th-century Venetian Renaissance architecture, characterized by its
harmonious proportions and functional elegance tailored to the Grand
Canal’s unique environment. The facade, facing the canal, is a
monumental composition in Istrian stone, a material prized in Venice for
its durability and aesthetic appeal. The facade is distinguished by:
Two monumental water portals: These imposing arched entrances,
flanked by quadrangular windows and adorned with Venetian mascheroni
(decorative keystones), serve as the primary access points from the
canal, reflecting the palazzo’s orientation toward water-based
transportation. The portals are a hallmark of Venetian palazzi, designed
for gondolas and boats.
Two noble floors (piani nobili): The facade
features two principal floors of equal prominence, each with a trifora
(three-light window) offset to the left, accompanied by pairs of
single-light windows on the left and double windows on the right. This
asymmetrical yet balanced design creates a rhythmic interplay of light
and shadow, enhanced by Istrian stone bands that underscore the facade’s
symmetry.
Wrought iron heart emblems: The Ca’ dei Cuori nickname is
embodied in the heart-shaped coats of arms scattered across the facade,
internal courtyard, windows, and doors. These decorative elements,
likely added during Pietro Correr’s time, are a unique feature and a nod
to the romantic legend.
Roof terrace: Added by the de Mombell family
in the 20th century, the terrace is delimited by a white balustrade
supported by a dentiled cornice, offering panoramic views of the Grand
Canal from the railway station to the Rialto market. This addition,
while modern, integrates seamlessly with the facade’s classical
aesthetic.
Gothic remnants: The surviving corner columns from the
original Gothic palace are a subtle reminder of the site’s earlier
architectural history, blending medieval and Renaissance elements.
The interior of the palazzo is equally impressive, though access is
limited due to its private status. The second piano nobile (noble floor)
features neoclassical frescoes from the 19th century, recently restored
to preserve their vibrancy. The soffitto a cassettoni (coffered wooden
ceiling) in the living room, along with parquet flooring, adds to the
interior’s grandeur. The palazzo also includes a private garden, a rare
feature in Venice, where gondolas can be observed gliding along the
Grand Canal. The presence of an elevator and well-maintained common
areas enhances its modern functionality as a luxury residence.
The palazzo’s location on the Grand Canal’s appealing cove, near Ca’
Vendramin Calergi (home of Venice’s casino), places it in a vibrant yet
relatively tranquil part of Cannaregio. The district’s charm, with its
historic landmarks like the Ca’ d’Oro and the Jewish Ghetto, complements
the palazzo’s prestigious setting.
While the Palazzo Correr Contarini Zorzi is not primarily an art
museum like the nearby Ca’ d’Oro, its neoclassical frescoes are a
significant artistic feature, reflecting the 19th-century taste for
classical themes and decorative elegance. These frescoes, located in the
second piano nobile, have been meticulously restored, preserving their
historical and aesthetic value. The heart-shaped emblems, beyond their
romantic symbolism, are a unique example of Venetian decorative
craftsmanship, showcasing the skill of 17th-century artisans.
The
palazzo’s cultural significance lies in its embodiment of Venetian noble
life and architectural evolution. Its transition from a Gothic structure
to a Renaissance palace mirrors Venice’s shift from medieval mercantile
power to a center of Renaissance culture. The involvement of families
like the Correr, Soranzo, Zorzi, and Contarini—each with deep ties to
Venetian governance and society—underscores the palazzo’s role as a
stage for aristocratic history. The story of Antonio Correr’s defiance
of wig-wearing norms adds a touch of individuality to its legacy, while
the Erusaria Diedo legend captures the romantic imagination, making the
palazzo a symbol of love and devotion.
Today, the Palazzo Correr Contarini Zorzi is a private property,
primarily functioning as a boutique hotel and luxury apartment complex
under the Ca’ dei Cuori brand. The penthouse, spanning approximately 500
square meters across the third and fourth floors, is a standout feature,
boasting three private terraces with breathtaking views of the Grand
Canal, rooftops, and Venetian bell towers. The apartment, while in need
of renovation, retains historic elements like parquet floors, a coffered
ceiling, and two water gates, making it a coveted property for affluent
buyers or renters. The palazzo also offers a private boat mooring, a
rare and valuable amenity in Venice.
Public access to the palazzo
is limited due to its private status. Visitors cannot freely tour the
interior, but those staying at the hotel or renting apartments can
experience its historic ambiance. The facade and water portals are best
appreciated from the Grand Canal, either by gondola, vaporetto, or
private boat. The nearby Calle Colonna, which opens onto the canal, is
recommended for pedestrians seeking a glimpse of the palazzo’s exterior.
Location: Cannaregio sestiere, Grand Canal, between Palazzo Querini
Papozze and Palazzo Gritti Dandolo. It is close to Ca’ Vendramin Calergi
and accessible via vaporetto stops San Marcuola, Ca’ d’Oro, or Madonna
dell’Orto. The palazzo is a short walk from the Strada Nova and historic
sites like the Jewish Ghetto.
Opening Hours: As a private property,
the palazzo is not open to the public. Guests of the Ca’ dei Cuori hotel
or apartment renters have access to designated areas. External viewing
is possible from the Grand Canal or Calle Colonna.
Entrance Fee: No
public admission fee applies. Hotel or apartment rates vary, with luxury
suites commanding premium prices due to their canal views and historic
setting.
Experience: Guests staying in the palazzo can enjoy its
private garden, terraces, and restored interiors. The terraces offer
unparalleled views, particularly from the railway station to the Rialto
market. External visitors can appreciate the facade’s architectural
details and heart emblems from the canal.
Photography: Photography of
the exterior is permitted from public spaces like the Grand Canal or
Calle Colonna. Interior photography may be restricted for hotel guests,
depending on management policies.
Best Viewing: Take a vaporetto (Line 1 or 2) along the Grand Canal or
hire a gondola for a close-up view of the facade and water portals.
Early morning or late afternoon light enhances the facade’s Istrian
stone glow.
Combine with Nearby Sites: Pair a visit with exploration
of Cannaregio’s attractions, such as the Ca’ d’Oro, Santa Maria dei
Miracoli, or the Gesuiti church, all within walking distance. The
Fondamente della Misericordia and Fondamente Nove offer dining and
scenic strolls.
Accommodation: For those interested in staying at Ca’
dei Cuori, book well in advance through the official website
(www.cadeicuorivenezia.it). Check for seasonal rates and availability,
as the palazzo is a popular choice for luxury travelers.
Flood
Awareness: During acqua alta (high tide) in autumn and winter,
Cannaregio may experience minor flooding, though the palazzo’s elevated
water portals mitigate impact. Check weather forecasts before planning a
canal-side visit.
Cultural Context: Learn about the Correr and
Contarini families’ roles in Venetian history to appreciate the
palazzo’s significance. The romantic legend of Erusaria Diedo adds a
storytelling element to the visit.
While the Palazzo Correr Contarini Zorzi is celebrated for its architectural beauty and historical pedigree, some modern interventions, such as the loggia’s window solution, have been criticized for clashing with Venetian architectural traditions. The palazzo’s conversion into a hotel and apartments, while preserving its historic features, raises questions about the balance between commercialization and cultural heritage in Venice, a city grappling with overtourism and property privatization. The neoclassical frescoes, though well-restored, are not as widely documented as other Venetian artworks, suggesting a need for greater scholarly attention to the palazzo’s interior. Additionally, the romantic legend of the heart emblems, while charming, lacks primary historical corroboration and may be a later embellishment to enhance the property’s appeal.