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Castles in Venice
For centuries, Venetian palaces and castles have inspired wonder in travellers and tourists. Lavishly decorated, these grand edifices give the impression of floating on the ever-present water. They date from the 13th through the 19th Centuries and each tells its own story about the architect who designed it and the people associated with it. Many represent a distinctive Venetian Gothic style, characterised by pointed arches, mullioned windows with several lights and the interplay of coloured marble. While it is a pleasure to contemplate the palaces and castles from the outside, visiting the interiors may be a great way of spending time in Venice if your schedule allows for it.
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Doge's Palace
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Address: Piazza San Marco 1
Phone: +39 41 522 49 51
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The Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, is one of the emblems of the 'City of Water'. This gorgeous Gothic palace lies at the very heart of Venice, between Piazza San Marco, the Piazzetta and the lagoon. Its marvellous facade and immense dimensions demonstrate the power and grandeur of Venice in the 14th Century, the period when Venice might have reached its zenith. As a matter of fact, the palace at this spot originates from the 9th Century and was rebuilt and refurbished several times during the Middle Ages.
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Ca' d'Oro
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Address: Calle della Ca' d'Oro
Phone: +39 41 523 87 90
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Ca' d'Oro is considered the finest example of Venetian architecture from the Renaissance. The magnificent palace was built during the 15th Century and was decorated with a breathtaking gilded facade in the Gothic style, from where its name, translated as 'Golden House', is derived. The architects of the most beautiful palace facing the Canal Grande were Giovanni and Bartolomeo Bon. Initially, the fabulous dwelling was used by the Contarini family as their residence. Over the course of time, the famous gold cover eroded and now the facade reveals pink and white stones. In the
beginning of the 20th Century the building was restored by its owner, Baron Giorgio Franchetti, but it retained its glamorous appearance Nowadays, Ca' d'Oro is one of the leading magnets for tourists in Venice with its unique architecture and variety of valuable objects, frescoes, mosaics and paintings that are stored inside.
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Forte Gazzera
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Address: Via Brendole, Gazzera
Phone: +39 41 531 64 76
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Website: http://www.campotrincerato.it/itinerari/ set_gazzera.htm
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see map
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Like the other forts in Mestre, Forte Gazzera was built during the Middle Ages in order to protect Venice and its surroundings from attacks coming from the mainland. It was constructed as part of Campo Trincerato, a famed complex of facilities that should help the large Forte Marghera in the fight against invaders. The construction is extremely similar in architectural respect to Forte Carpenedo, the only difference being that the remains of a previous fort at this place were incorporated in the new one. Nowadays, the former fortress is accessible to the public. Furthermore, various exhibitions are organised on the territory of the Gazzera.
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Forte Marghera
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Address: Via Forte Marghera, Mestre
Phone: +39 41 531 64 76
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Website: http://www.campotrincerato.it/itinerari/ set_marghera.htm
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see map
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Forte Marghera is the oldest, largest and most important fortress in Mestre. The military facility played a major role in the defence of the bustling Venetian region with its strategic location. The construction was started by the Austrians and was finished by the French around the beginning of the 19th Century. Nowadays, the well maintained facility is open to the public every Sunday. In addition, the fort houses the Museum of Fortifications and is used by the Community of Venice for a wide range of events in summer.
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Forte Sant'Andrea
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Address: Isola di Sant'Andrea
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Forte Sant'Andrea is a massive military facility, situated on the island by the same name in the mouth of Lido Harbour. The specific location of the fort is excellently equipped with cannons, and is used to make intrusion from the sea into the Venetian lagoon practically impossible. The fortification came into existence at the beginning of the 15th Century when it was built after the plans of the Veronese master of civil and military architecture, Michele Sanmicheli. The fort stretches along a strip of sandy coast, incorporating the remains of a previous stronghold. Nowadays, Forte Sant'Andrea is
owned and run by military authorities and visits are permitted only after booking.
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Forte Carpenedo
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Address: Via Vallon, Carpenedo
Phone: +39 41 538 77 51
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Website: http://www.campotrincerato.it/itinerari/ set_carpenedo.htm
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see map
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Forte Carpenedo lies near Carpenedo in close proximity to Venice. It originated in the second half of the 9th Century and together with twin fortresses, Gazzera and Tron, it formed the well-known Campo Trincerato di Mestre. The purpose of the three strongholds was to defend the flourishing settlement of Venice from attacks from the mainland. The fort was equipped with 20 long-range cannons and ensured reliable protection of the area. Nowadays, Forte Carpenedo is comparatively well preserved and has retained its architectural features. It hosts a museum of military exhibits and a centre for environmental studies. Guided tours are available for groups every first Saturday and Sunday of the month.
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