Didn’t Claude Monet capture this stunning facade in 1908? This is the Palazzo Contarini Dal Zaffo also known as Palazzo Contarini Polignac. It stands here in the Dorsoduro district overlooking the Grand Canal.
Palazzo Contarini Dal Zaffo sits between Palazzo Brandolin Rota and Palazzo Balbi Valier. Construction likely stopped in the 15th century. The architect remains unknown. Some attribute its design to Giovanni Buora, Mauro Codussi, or Pietro Lombardo. The Lombard architectural style seems to have inspired the design. Palazzo Contarini Dal Zaffo is one of the first Renaissance structures in Venice.
The Contarini dal Zaffo family rebuilt the palazzo between 1562 and 1582. They kept its exterior unchanged. Giorgio Contarini once held the title of Count of Jaffa or Zaffo in Palestine. The name “Dal Zaffo” honors this connection.
Wealthy families owned the building after 1758. First came the Manzoni family. Then came the Angaran family. After them the Polignac family took ownership. Winaretta Singer bought the palazzo in 1901. She was Isaac Singer’s daughter and Princess of Polignac. The palace bears its double name Contarini Polignac because of the Polignac family.
The Princess of Polignac held a great intellectual salon here. Important figures in the arts visited here. Igor Stravinsky was one such guest. Today the Palazzo Contarini Dal Zaffo remains a private residence. The Decazes family owns it. They are direct descendants of Winaretta Singer Princess of Polignac. The building underwent restoration from 2004 to 2007.
During the Venice Biennale’s International Art Exhibitions, the palazzo often hosts art events.
The Renaissance facade has three levels. Polished marble tiles cover the exterior. This gives the building beauty and prominence. Its look blends Byzantine art Renaissance architecture and Tuscan elements. John Ruskin appreciated its severity and grace.
The structure incorporates elements of a previous Byzantine factory. Only the window shapes and round decorations survive from that era. The Palazzo Contarini Dal Zaffo has two noble floors with similar layouts. Each floor features pentaforas in the center. Single-lancet windows flank these on either side. Round arches mark the openings on the ground floor. Six arches exist in total. The central portal provides direct access to the canal.
The right side of the building adjoins Palazzo Brandolin Rota. The left side features a side facade. A three-light window graces the second floor. A covered terrace sits on the first floor overlooking a garden and the Grand Canal. Palazzo Balbi Valier borders the garden. Another polifora decorates the back of the building.
Inside frescoes by Giandomenico Tiepolo once adorned the walls.
The Palazzo Contarini Dal Zaffo stands as a testament to Venice’s rich history. Its blend of architectural styles and its history makes it an unforgettable sight. From noble residences to artistic salons this palace has seen it all. Take a moment to appreciate the enduring beauty of this Venetian gem.