Venice by vaporetto: 8 palazzos to spot on Canal Grande

Taking vaporetto line 1 along Canal Grande is one of the best ways to experience Venice. It’s affordable, easy, and offers front-row views of some of the city’s most iconic buildings. The palazzos lining the canal each tell their own story, combining architectural beauty with layers of history.

In this post, I take you along my latest vaporetto trip and share some highlights — a selection of palazzos that caught my eye for their design, history, and current use. Start your journey at the Santa Lucia train station and head toward San Marco, following the order of the palazzos listed here.

Ca’ d’Oro (Palazzo Santa Sofia)

First on the list is Ca’ d’Oro, or the ‘House of Gold’, one of the finest examples of Venetian Gothic architecture. You’ll spot it on your left, right next to the Ca’ d’Oro vaporetto stop. If you want to explore the inside, hop off here and continue your ride afterward.

Built between 1421 and 1440 for wealthy merchant Marino Contarini, the façade was designed by Giovanni and Bartolomeo Bon. It once featured vibrant colors and gilded details that gave it a golden glow, hence the name. Though most of the gold is gone, the carved marble loggia, quatrefoil windows, and ornate balconies remain breathtaking.

In 1894, Baron Giorgio Franchetti bought and restored the palazzo, eventually donating it to the Italian state. Today, it houses the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti, with works by Mantegna, Titian, and Van Dyck.

Palazzo Papadopoli

Just after you pass under the Rialto bridge (see also my post ‘The unknown banking history of the Rialto area in Venice’), look to your right for Palazzo Papadopoli. It’s easy to spot: two blue-and-gold pali da casada (mooring poles) and two obelisks on the roof set it apart.

It was built between 1560 and 1570 for the Coccina family by architect Giangiacomo dei Grigi, a follower of Jacopo Sansovino. The façade reflects Renaissance elegance with clean lines, subtle motifs, and balanced proportions. In 1864, the Papadopoli family added lush gardens and elaborate Neo-Baroque interiors. During one of his visits to Venice, Lord Byron stayed here.

Today, the building is home to the Aman Venice hotel, one of the most exclusive stays in the city. Guests can admire its grand staircases, salons, original frescoes, and lush gardens right on Canal Grande.

Palazzo Bernardo

A few palazzos further along, you’ll see Palazzo Bernardo, distinguished by its double water entrance and the trifora (a three-part Gothic window) with slender colonnettes and a rounded decorative arch on the piano nobile.

Built in the 15th century for the Bernardo family, its exact architect is unknown, though it’s often linked to the Lombardo family of architects. The façade features pointed arches and delicate carvings in Istrian stone, embodying classic Venetian Gothic style. Restored periodically, it preserves the authentic atmosphere of historic Venetian residences, providing a quiet glimpse into Venice’s aristocratic past.

The palazzo is still privately owned and occasionally used for cultural events and temporary exhibitions.

Tip: Love the architectural details? Look for the handmade candles by Relight Venice that echo these Gothic motifs.

Ca’ Foscari

As the vaporetto follows the curve of Canal Grande, look to the right for Ca’ Foscari. It is marked by red-and-white poles which are the official university colors.

Commissioned by Doge Francesco Foscari and completed between 1452 and 1457, Ca’ Foscari is a showcase of Venetian Gothic elegance. Bartolomeo Bon created its remarkable façade defined by arched windows, ornate stone tracery, and an expansive waterfront entrance. The palazzo also features one of Venice’s largest inner courtyards and stunning views toward the Rialto bridge.

Today, it’s the main seat of the Ca’ Foscari University. Free student-led tours offer views of Canal Grande and a chance to see the Aula Baratto, redesigned by architect Carlo Scarpa using wood, glass, and marble.

Tip: If you’re up for a walk after the vaporetto ride, follow in the footsteps of Federico and Paolo across Dorsoduro, and admire Ca’ Foscari from the other side.

Palazzo Grassi

On the left, just past the San Samuele stop, stands Palazzo Grassi, striking in its symmetry and white marble.

Completed in 1772, it was the last major palazzo built before the fall of the Republic (for more info, check my post ‘A short history to the complicated history of Venice‘. Giorgio Massari designed the Neoclassical palazzo for the Grassi family, wealthy merchants and patrons of the arts. Its pristine white marble façade, symmetrical windows, classical columns, and subtle decorative elements contrast sharply with Venice’s earlier Gothic style.

Throughout its history, the palazzo changed ownership frequently, including a significant restoration by Fiat’s Gianni Agnelli. The atrium was redesigned by architect Tadao Ando in 2006 when French entrepreneur François Pinault turned it into a contemporary art museum.

Tip: Their upcoming exhibition on Tatiana Trouvé is included in my post ’17 reasons to visit Venice in 2025’.

Ca’ Rezzonico

Back on the right side, look for Ca’ Rezzonico, marked by a large sign and blue-and-gold poles.

The Bon family originally commissioned the Ca’ Rezzonico palazzo to Baldassare Longhena in the 17th century. After the death of Longhena and due to financial problems in the family, the construction remained unfinished. In 1750, Giambattista Rezzonico bought the building and asked Giorgio Massari to finish it. He turned it into a monument of Venetian Baroque opulence with a striking façade, lavish balconies, majestic columns, and sculptural ornaments.

Over time, the palazzo changed owners several times and was finally bought by the city of Venice in 1935. It now houses the city’s 18th century art collections, including masterpieces by Tiepolo, Rosalba Carriera, Pietro Longhi, Canaletto, and Guardi.

Tip: Ca’ Rezzonico was named a hidden gem by several locals in my book ‘Walks in Venice: In the footsteps of 9 locals’. Find out why it’s so loved — and which routes pass by — in the book.

Palazzo Corner della Ca’ Granda

After the Accademia bridge, look left for the palazzo with the Venetian, Italian, and EU flags, and blue-and-white poles.

Designed in the mid-16th century by renowned architect Jacopo Sansovino for the illustrious Corner family, Palazzo Corner della Ca’ Granda exemplifies Venetian Renaissance architecture. Its monumental façade features classical columns, grand windows, and detailed pediments inspired by ancient Roman buildings, marking a departure from Gothic traditions. Historically, the palazzo was famous for hosting important political gatherings and lavish social events.

Today, it houses Venice’s Prefecture, maintaining its historic role as a center of civic power and prestige. Occasionally, the interior courtyard opens to the public during events like Open House Venezia or Giornate FAI.

Palazzo Dario (Ca’ Dario)

On the right again, just after the Guggenheim Museum, you’ll find Palazzo Dario. You can’t miss its circular medallions and checkerboard marble façade.

Palazzo Dario was constructed around 1487 for Giovanni Dario, diplomat and merchant. This jewel of early Venetian Renaissance style is attributed to architect Pietro Lombardo. Its façade immediately draws attention with distinctively colored marbles arranged in geometric patterns, circular medallions, and elegant gothic chimneys that blend Gothic and Renaissance elements. But what really makes it famous is its sinister reputation as numerous owners have met tragic ends. The haunting mystique of a supposed curse gained momentum when its owner, Count della Torre, was found murdered, and later, John Paul Getty Jr. rented the property before experiencing personal tragedy.

Today, the palazzo remains privately owned and continues to fascinate as a beautiful yet enigmatic landmark along Canal Grande.

You’ve now reached the end of your Canal Grande journey. From here, you can explore Venice on foot or hop on the vaporetto heading back — maybe for a second look.

Want to dive deeper into Venice’s palazzos?

If this post sparked your curiosity, there are some beautiful books that explore these historic buildings in greater detail. The Venetian Facade by Michael Dennis and Venice: A Private Invitation by Servane Giol and Mattia Aquila are packed with striking photography and architectural insights. For a more personal story, The Unfinished Palazzo offers a glimpse into the lives of three remarkable women who lived in Palazzo Venier. They make perfect companions for planning or reminiscing about your next trip to Venice.

Which palazzo impressed you the most? Let me know in the comments.

This list is just the beginning. More stunning palazzos will be featured in an upcoming post. Make sure you’re subscribed to the newsletter so you don’t miss it!

Enjoy the ride — and don’t forget to look up.