When the palace was first built, it was intended as a present from Marino Contarini for his wife. It was in 1434 that the amazing palace came to be known as the Ca' D'Oro or 'The Golden House', though its original name was Palace Santa Sofia. Many reconstructions were held by different owners of the Golden House, but it retained the romantic atmosphere, possibly influenced by stories like the one from the 19th Century. when a Russian prince gave it as a present to a dancer.

Today, the main entrance to this. one of the most remarkable museums in Venice, is hard to find, but once you make it, you'll discover a great collection of paintings by famous masters – not only the Italian, but also Flemish and others. Besides its paintings, the architecture of the building is a piece of art in itself. You'll surely be impressed by the original Gothic design, the wooden staircase from the 15th Century, the pictures of the original interior, to which the house owes its designation of 'golden'. The house became a museum in 1922, when it was made a property of the city of Venice.