Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Architecture
From glittering Byzantine churches to postmodern palaces, Venice astonishes at
every gondola turn. Its 1000-year architectural history has several high-water
marks: pointy Venetian Gothic arches rounded off in the Renaissance; Palladio-re-
vived rigorous classicism amid baroque flourishes; and stark modernism relaxing
around decadent Lido Liberty (art nouveau). Now that the latest architectural trend
is creative repurposing, it's all making a comeback.
Renovations in Progress
After a disastrous flood hit Venice in 1966, architecture aficionados worldwide
aided Venetians in bailing out
palazzi
and reinforcing foundations. With the sup-
port of Unesco and funding from 24 affiliated organisations worldwide, Venice has
completed 1500 restoration projects in 40 years.
Today the city balances preservation and modern living, though controversies
remain. Plans to transform drab Marco Polo Airport with Frank Gehry's €80 milli-
on Venice Gateway complex remain stalled, and Italy's Culture Ministry requires
revisions to Rem Koolhaas' 2012 designs for a Benetton complex on the Grand
Canal. Yet there's more modern architecture here than you might think: one-third
of all buildings in Venice have been raised since 1919.
Pleasure Palaces
Ca' d'Oro
The grandest palace on the Grand Canal, with Venetian Gothic trilobate
(three-lobed) arches and tiara-like crennalation. (
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)
Palazzo Ducale
Don't been fooled by Antonio da Ponte's pretty pink Gothic log-
gia: this palace means business. (
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)
Ca' Rezzonico
Renaissance grandeur gone baroque: designed by Longhena, fin-
ished by Massari and crowned with Tiepolo ceilings. (
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)
