Corner Spinelli Palace, Venice
Corner Spinelli Palace is a palace in Venice, located on the Grand Canal, in San Marco area. It had been being constructed from 1497 to 1500 by the architect Mauro Codussi. Its architectural features are round-headed biforate windows and rusticated first floor. In 1542 the building was passed to the Corner family. At the beginning of 18th century, the palace became a possession of the Spinelli family. Since then name “Palazzo Corner Spinelli” was established.
Things to see at the palace
The building is considered to be one of the most beautiful Venetian palazzos thanks to its window shape elegance and harmonious unity between all the architectural elements. A glorious painting collection of Pietro Longhi and his contemporaries is put on display in the courtyard. Another masterpiece that belongs to the palace is a mural by Giorgio Vasari on the ceiling.
Take a look at the monumental fireplace, whose creator was Jacopo Sansovino. Along with other Venice landmarks, Corner Spinelli Palace is included in UNESCO World Heritage List.
The palazzo’s architecture
Corner Spinelli Palace is perceived to be the prime example of the Early Renaissance architecture in Venice. The construction stands out for its magnitude as such thing wasn’t the case for private palaces in Venice. There are two large patios and a considerable number of halls and rooms inside of the building.
The front of the palazzo’s first floor is decorated with rusticated masonry, that is relief cladding, which was very uncommon during those times. Such an architectural design still looks off-beat. Also, building’s roof is embellished with a mezzanine that neatly completes it.
The glints of water glide on palace’s marble walls, and because of that, the building looks especially picturesque. Fancy trefoil-shaped balconies jutted out from “piano nobile” side windows are Codussi’s extraordinary invention that makes the façade look more vibrant. Such thing was applied only in this building.
Fun facts
In the core of Venice, in San Marco, a historical collection and an archive of the Rubelli family is housed at Spinelli Palace. Unique sample collection of Venetian fabrics, textile, documents, and certificates that confirm its sales all around the world has more than 6000 items in it.
Rubelli’s family-run business, whose fabrics remain of high-quality, supports the obscure collection exclusively. That is why Armani and other fashion houses are its customers.
How to get there
This attraction can be found in the center of the city, or rather on the Grand Canal in San Marco area. If you walk from the main city street, then in about 10-15 minutes you’ll find yourself on the front steps of palazzo. The nearest vaporetto stop – S. Angelo or Rialto, which is a little further.
