Located right on Venice's Grand Canal, the Ca' d'Oro (or Palazzo Santa Sofia) is widely regarded as the best-surviving palazzo in Venetian Gothic architecture. Translating to the "House of Gold," this striking palace was commissioned by noble Venetian Marino Contarini and designed by architects including Giovanni Bon, Bartolomeo Bon, and Matteo Raverti. While its original gilded external accents and painted Istrian stone have faded over centuries, you will still marvel at its breathtaking, asymmetrical three-story facade.
As you explore, you can admire iconic Doge's Palace-inspired loggias, delicate quatrefoil tracery, pointed arches, and Byzantine roofline decorations. Inside, you can step directly from the gondola landing into the multi-arched atrium with its intricate mosaic pavement composed of Grecian and red Verona marble. You will also discover a tranquil inner courtyard featuring a central wellhead and a small garden.
Converted into a museum known as the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca' d'Oro, the palace lets you wander through the grand reception hall and former living spaces. Today, you can view Baron Giorgio Franchetti's extensive art collection, featuring sculptures, bronzes, Flemish paintings, and famous masterpieces such as Andrea Mantegna's San Sebastiano and Antoon van Dyck's Portrait of Marcello Durazzo.
What to see at Ca' d'Oro
- Asymmetrical Venetian Gothic facade with ornate loggias and quatrefoil tracery
- Waterfront atrium with gondola access and mosaic pavement
- Inner courtyard featuring a restored red Verona marble wellhead
- Masterpiece paintings including Mantegna's San Sebastiano and Van Dyck's Portrait of Marcello Durazzo
Visiting tips
Be sure to look down in the ground-floor atrium to appreciate the detailed marble mosaic pavement composed of Grecian and red Verona marble.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Ca' d'Oro is easy to reach on Venice’s public transport, and pairs naturally with St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Venice travel guide.
See the full Venice travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.