A question lingers in the salty air. What secrets are held within the walls of Palazzo Barbarigo Nani Mocenigo? This Gothic palace whispers tales of Venetian nobility. Palazzo Barbarigo Nani Mocenigo is located in the Dorsoduro district. It sits along the Nani embankment on the San Trovaso canal.
Let’s journey back to the 15th century. The Palazzo Barbarigo Nani Mocenigo became home to the Barbarigo family. Elena Barbarigo, daughter of Doge Agostino Barbarigo, brought it as her dowry. Her husband Giorgio Nani then owned the palace. Their son Bernardo founded the family branch named di San Trovaso.
In the 19th century, the San Trovaso branch died out. Distant relatives, the Nani Mocenigo, inherited the Palazzo Barbarigo Nani Mocenigo. They had previously lived in Cannaregio. Part of the building remains with this family.
Ca’ Foscari University purchased the rest. They established the Department of Italian Studies there with a library. From 2007, the building stood mostly empty. It was sometimes rented to wealthy tourists. As of 2022, the Palazzo Barbarigo Nani Mocenigo houses the Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace.
The Palazzo Barbarigo Nani Mocenigo represents Venetian Gothic architecture. Its square facade features three levels and a mezzanine. The ground floor has two Gothic portals. One is central. The other is smaller and on the left. The two noble floors each boast a central quadrifora. These are supported by balustrades. Pairs of ogival single-light windows flank them. Coats of arms adorn the wings of the first noble floor of Palazzo Barbarigo Nani Mocenigo.
On the roof’s right side, a terrace overlooks the San Trovaso and Giudecca Canal area. Imagine the views from there. The terrace offers a unique perspective. It overlooks the bustling waterways of Venice.
The Palazzo Barbarigo Nani Mocenigo has undergone changes. Stucco works by Alessandro Vittoria were once visible. They were in the ground floor androne. The Barbarigo family’s sculpture collection was displayed there. Old engravings document this. A Gothic stairway once led to the first piano nobile. It was removed. Yet, remnants of Gothic frescoes remain.
The Palazzo Barbarigo Nani Mocenigo stands as a testament to Venice’s rich history. Its walls echo with stories of noble families. The Barbarigo, the Nani, and the Nani Mocenigo all called it home. Today, as a hotel, the Palazzo Barbarigo Nani Mocenigo welcomes new visitors. Its architectural details invite admiration. Its history captivates. The Palazzo Barbarigo Nani Mocenigo remains a significant landmark in Venice.