A historic Venice property once owned by Francesco Duodo, a 16th-century admiral, retains its ... [+]
In the heart of Venice’s San Marco district, not far from the Grand Canal, is a palace distinguished by its place in Italian history and art.
Called Palazzo Barbarigo, the protected property is noteworthy because it first belonged to Francesco Duodo, a 16th-century admiral who played a decisive role in winning the Battle of Lepanto.
Elaborate ceiling frescoes were added in the 18th century, the work of Francesco Fontebasso, during a time of decline in Venice when wealthy families sought to retain the grandeur of the past and began restoring important buildings.
Now, the palazzo’s fresco-adorned principal floor—known as the piano nobile and set above the mezzanine level—is for sale. The mythological scenes glorify the virtues of the former owners’ ancestors and display the Roman chiaroscuro style with strong contrasts between light and dark.
The property called Palazzo Barbarigo features elaborate ceiling frescoes painted in the 18th ... [+]
“The frescoes are impressive not only for their size but for the value they embody as artistic testimony,” says Michelangelo Ravagnan, who has the “price upon request” listing at Building Heritage. “The value added to the property by the frescoes is absolutely not negligible.”
A balcony takes in a view of the Venice's Grand Canal below. The property is accessible by water ... [+]
As a protected building, any modifications must be cleared with the Superintendency of Venice. “Owners also have to preserve the actual conservative state,” he says. “Of course, there is a tax advantage to buying a protected property.” This applies to both annual and purchase taxes.
The paintings are the work of Baroque Italian artist Francesco Fontebasso.
The engraving above the sculptural street entry contains a jab from the past. “The writings in the ground floor portal are a mention of other families (Balbi, Mocenigo and Erizzo) who were political opponents at the time,” Ravagnan says, “meaning we are not ‘rich Balbi, nor poor Mocenigo, nor pitiful Erizzo.’ Surely the previous owner wanted to make clear they were different from all other important Venetian families.” The palace also features a canal entrance. “You can get there by water taxi or a private boat,” he says, “useful also for general contractors when renovating.” There are several flights of stairs, an elevator and a common courtyard.
High ceilings and wide rooms define the roughly 5,100 square feet of interior.
The rooms containing the frescoes are wide with high ceilings. “So, they would become enormous bedrooms/suites/living areas based on the buyer's needs,” Ravagnan says. As such the 474 square meters of living space (more than 5,100 square feet) of living space is being marketed as containing six bedrooms and three bathrooms.
Ceiling heights range from 5 to 6 meters, about 16.5 to 20 feet.
Other architectural details include Venetian-decorated wood, original doors and floors, large windows and two prominent stone balconies. The eat-in kitchen has a center island counter. Ceiling heights range from 5 to 6 meters, about 16.5 to 20 feet.
Due to its historical status, the property is protected and any modifications must be cleared with ... [+]
The residential property is currently owned by a family of antique dealers, Ravagnan says. “It is ideally suitable for those who desire to welcome guests for private events and/or live in a historical and elegant house.”
Venetian-decorated wood, original doors and floors and large windows are among other details of ... [+]
The palazzo is projected to attract bids in the €4 million range or about US $4.4 million.
